Community Forums

TEEGEE1997 · 03-27-2013, 02:56 PM

Helllo,

The DW and I own a 2004 41 ft Dutchstar DP and we truly love the unit. There is currently only on problem that I need to have checked and service. I wanted to get some ideas of what might be the problem from the good folks on this site. When the unit is put in reverse and the brake is applied while slowly backing up the unit makes a loud rubbing/screeching noise from only the front right wheel. The noise stops if you come to a complete stop or stop braking, there is no sound at all when braking with the unit in drive. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Bruce C · 03-27-2013, 03:08 PM

You may have a caliper sticking.

Route 66 · 03-27-2013, 03:11 PM

No calipers on the OP's diesel. Drum brakes all around.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce C

You may have a caliper sticking.

Pds47 · 03-27-2013, 03:28 PM

As most of the stopping happens when driving forward the shoe in the front wears more. The rear shoe doesn't wear quite as much and will collect brake dust on it surface plus uneven wear. The cure is to clean the brake drum by washing out the dust. Or apply the brakes going backwards for a longer time to even them out.

Clayobx · 03-27-2013, 03:37 PM

Thanks OP and many thank you's to Paul for this insight. We two have this noise when first starting in reverse after the coach has been sitting for a while the as used it disappears. Question I have a squeal type noise when braking for long periods in city traffic. Much like that of the above mentioned noise just no as prominent. 2012 MH with Spartan chassis 9200 miles? Brake dust or what?

slickest1 · 03-27-2013, 03:49 PM

It most likely is a little rust on the drum from sitting. Also when backing up if the brake is not adjusted tight enough it can rattle on the rollers and s cams. Just do the brake adjustment proceedure of 4 to 6 hard applications with the park brake released. If that doesn't help, you may need to have it manually adjusted and or inspected.

The squeal from brakes after long periods of braking is from them getting a little too hot. The shoes and drums will glaze and that will cause the noise. It will wear off again. The noise is annoying though.

Pusherman · 03-27-2013, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickest1

It most likely is a little rust on the drum from sitting. Also when backing up if the brake is not adjusted tight enough it can rattle on the rollers and s cams. Just do the brake adjustment proceedure of 4 to 6 hard applications with the park brake released. If that doesn't help, you may need to have it manually adjusted and or inspected.

The squeal from brakes after long periods of braking is from them getting a little too hot. The shoes and drums will glaze and that will cause the noise. It will wear off again. The noise is annoying though.

I agree. It's most likely rust from sitting and not moving. Driving the coach will kick most of the rust off.

On my prior coach, we had the exact same symptom. Never a problem, other than the horrible sound it made.

It's not a bad idea to have your motorhome brakes 'serviced' about every other year. This entails pulling the wheels and hubs, and cleaning up the rusted parts. S-cam's on Freightliners are notorious for binding. They are pulled, cleaned, and lubricated where they should be lubricated, and not lubricated where they shouldn't. Generally no parts are needed during this service.

Since coaches sit more than they are used, the brakes build up rust over time.

Clayobx · 03-27-2013, 04:12 PM

Many thanks! I will take your service schedule and place in my maintenance log.

TEEGEE1997 · 03-27-2013, 04:55 PM

Thanks for all of the help folks I will have the brakes check out and services. I will let you know how things work out.

cronin069 · 03-27-2013, 07:25 PM

"It's not a bad idea to have your motorhome brakes 'serviced' about every other year. This entails pulling the wheels and hubs, and cleaning up the rusted parts. S-cam's on Freightliners are notorious for binding. They are pulled, cleaned, and lubricated where they should be lubricated, and not lubricated where they shouldn't. Generally no parts are needed during this service."

can this be done in my driveway or do i need to take the unit to a shop?????

Mr_D · 03-27-2013, 07:38 PM

OUr 2000 Dutch Star on FL chassis would sometimes do that. Our 2002 is on a Spartan chassis and after 11 years have never had a problem with excess noise or anything sticking in the brake system.