Community Forums

jd31mc · 07-25-2013, 05:14 PM

Just bought a 98 Bounder, while driving the brakes failed. They smelled like they were burning then a some black smoke appeared. I pulled over and sat for 30 min looking for a leak or any signs of breakage or any thing could not find anything. Now the break is mush and dose not stop.
Took it to a mechanic he said it sounded like the break lines and calipers.

Its 1998 Chevrolet Light Duty P Model Chassis

Any suggestions?

**CLIFFTALL** · 07-25-2013, 05:16 PM

Welcome to irv2. Good luck with the brakes.
Cliff

GraySeal65 · 07-25-2013, 05:19 PM

Old brake fluid can have moisture in it, it will "boil" and apply the brakes causing the heat and smoke. the pedal is probably soft now due to the heat causing damage to the caliper and wheel cylinders.

**JohnRR** · 07-25-2013, 06:31 PM

Bruce C · 07-26-2013, 01:49 AM

from NH.

Medico · 07-26-2013, 01:39 PM

Welcome and glad to meet you!

Nick-B · 07-26-2013, 01:57 PM

Hi jd31mc and

Sounds like one or more calipers stuck and overheated. Not good but not unusual for an older chassis especially if it sat a lot.

I know you say you just bought this Bounder and I hate to encourage you spend more money but the 2 most important things to have on a motorhome are no leaks and good brakes. Spend the money to do a complete brake system overhaul.

I hope you are a good handyman and can do many different repairs yourself. An older coach can quickly become a money pit if you are paying someone else to fix every little thing. If you can do the brakes on a car or pickup, you can do the motorhome brakes as well. They are just bigger.

spritz · 07-28-2013, 09:12 AM

[]

Sorry too hear about the breaks. We had a problem with the break fluid resavor cover, it kept blowing off after applying the breaks hard and leaked (it was really pitted). I bought a new one and have not had any problems since. This and a couple fuel filters are about the only problems we have had after purchasing this 1982 Pace Arrow last season. How is the MH otherwise? I think the older ones have more style. I guess if I had the monies I might have a new one but I am very happy with her.

SarahW · 07-28-2013, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-B

I know you say you just bought this Bounder and I hate to encourage you spend more money but the 2 most important things to have on a motorhome are no leaks and good brakes. Spend the money to do a complete brake system overhaul.

^^ This! Sorry you are having repairs right off the bat, but good brakes are critical on a motorhome.

Welcome to the forum; we're glad you signed up.

jd31mc · 07-29-2013, 07:15 AM

The MH is very nice otherwise, 2 a/c, nice size bath room bedroom is nice. One of the first things I would like to do is install a big flat screen TV or at least bigger than the 19 in standard tv.

Quote:

Originally Posted by spritz

[]

Sorry too hear about the breaks. We had a problem with the break fluid resavor cover, it kept blowing off after applying the breaks hard and leaked (it was really pitted). I bought a new one and have not had any problems since. This and a couple fuel filters are about the only problems we have had after purchasing this 1982 Pace Arrow last season. How is the MH otherwise? I think the older ones have more style. I guess if I had the monies I might have a new one but I am very happy with her.

spritz · 07-29-2013, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd31mc

The MH is very nice otherwise, 2 a/c, nice size bath room bedroom is nice. One of the first things I would like to do is install a big flat screen TV or at least bigger than the 19 in standard tv.

Sounds nice. We use a 32 Flat Screen, we really have no place to install so we put it on the engine cover. It only takes a few minutes to set up and take down.

MSHappyCampers · 07-29-2013, 09:06 AM

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Sorry about your brake problem. I would suggest that you post questions over in the specific areas of the forum for best results. Not many folks hang out here in the Welcome area. Maybe one of the Moderators will move this over for you. Enjoy the forum!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!