Noise at right front wheel when braking

GlenB · 09-20-2011, 06:44 PM

I recently purchased a 2005 Fleetwood Expedition 300 cat allison Tranni Freightliner 38'.. Headed to Destin to camp. I was approaching a stop light and had to push harder on the air brakes to get to the stop I wanted. Still getting used to braking. As I came to a stop I heard something like a clank or pop or metal type sound from the right front wheel area. The motor home seemed to dip that way just for a moment. In later braking it seemed to be fine even when I push a little on it just before stopping to check it. I did not see any change in the air preassure gauges. I looked under at the wheel but could not see anything that looked wrong to a novice. Is this something I should worry about???

Midniteoyl · 09-20-2011, 10:08 PM

Could be.. sounds like a bushing is bad.. But, could just be the dust shield... you should get it looked at.

HeapBigEngin · 09-20-2011, 10:36 PM

Suggest you do a search on the forum regarding rusted or binding s-cam rollers on the front brakes. There is a lot of good info here on this, and I understand that it is quite common on F/Liner chasis air brake systems. I am familiar with the noise and momentary dip that you experienced....mine does the same thing, as do others with this problem. Most likely caused by the units sitting for extended periods of time. Will be a Winter project for me. Let us know what you find out...

Airtool · 09-20-2011, 10:39 PM

This noise is caused by the brake pads springing out against the brake drums.
Bet it sounds like a thump or loud pop sound.
Two things come to mind. The S cams are sticking or there is a ridge on the edge of the brake drum that the brake shoes catch on when engaging.
It would be wise to have them(The Brakes) checked out by a good service center. One used to working on the bigger dump trucks,Buses and or the large tractor trailer rigs, if you do not have a good RV service shop in your area. Second opinions are always a good idea.

Dick.

Fred Cooper · 09-21-2011, 07:10 AM

Remove the front wheels, clean and lube the S cam on each front wheel along with the two associated rollers, then reassemble. I'll bet this cures the problem. It certainly did on my Freightliner chassis.
Fred

GlenB · 09-21-2011, 08:06 AM

Tks so much for the input on the wheel sound I had when braking....I am in Destin and pray I can get home with this to a Freightliner dealer that has done my initial check over of the unit. I will tell them of your input about the S Cam etc....I will be careful in my braking..... do you think this is something that is of danger to us making it home. It did not occur again after this one time. tks again for the help...glen

okie-dokie · 09-21-2011, 09:08 AM

GlenB, I had the same sound coming from my brakes. I have a 2005 Fleetwood/Revolution. The sound I heard was usually when I had to brake a little harder to stop. The problem was solved by cleaning the S-cam on the brakes. Apparently they had been lubed to much and was dirty. You should not have a problem getting back to your home.

Fred Cooper · 09-21-2011, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlenB

Tks so much for the input on the wheel sound I had when braking....I am in Destin and pray I can get home with this to a Freightliner dealer that has done my initial check over of the unit. I will tell them of your input about the S Cam etc....I will be careful in my braking..... do you think this is something that is of danger to us making it home. It did not occur again after this one time. tks again for the help...glen

Should not be a problem getting home. I drove mine for 4 years with the noise that the shop could not find or did not want to fool with removing the wheels.
Fred

JBDISCOVERY · 09-22-2011, 07:17 PM

The posts regarding the S cams are correct. They bind when dirty and not lubed. The fix is simple. Have the two front wheels pulled and then remove the brake drums. Clean and lightly lub the S cams. Easy. Takes about twenty minutes with the help of a truck shop.
JB

Lault · 10-01-2011, 07:29 PM

There is also a Freightliner shop in Ft Walton Beach about 15 miles from you. They are pretty good.

GlenB · 10-13-2011, 03:12 PM

10/13 I had the Frieghtliner dealer check the unit today. I thought the noise came from the right wheel...it turned out that the left brake was the problem. It was dirty and had some rust in the bushings, cam etc. After cleaning real good the brakes are working great. Tks for all that input...glen