Community Forums

dbass · 08-09-2007, 02:59 PM

I have a 1998 37' Mountain Aire with a Cummins Diesel puller. It now needs a brake job and Freightliner quoted me $4000 to do it. Can anyone tell me why they would be so high? Are they not just disc brakes?

Thanks for your help,

Dave

dbass · 08-09-2007, 02:59 PM

I have a 1998 37' Mountain Aire with a Cummins Diesel puller. It now needs a brake job and Freightliner quoted me $4000 to do it. Can anyone tell me why they would be so high? Are they not just disc brakes?

Thanks for your help,

Dave

Gary RVRoamer · 08-09-2007, 03:25 PM

They are probably air brakes and may or may not be disks. There are six wheels to do rather than four too. And it won't be done by a shade tree mechanic or at the local Walmart auto center, so you are likely paying around $90-100/hour for shop time. And these aren't mass market replacement parts like a Ford or Chevy brake shoe either - you are probably buying Freightliner parts at factory prices.

But the question really is, what brake repairs are actually needed? If it's just pads/shoes on 6 wheels, then $4000 is way out of line. If it is a complete replacement of the components at each wheel, then maybe it's just a bit steep.

You might get some quotes from other truck service shops and also try a Cummins Coach Care (motorhome qualified) dealer. Doesn't have to be a Freightliner shop.

"007" · 08-09-2007, 03:30 PM

Welcome dbass to irv2

I had a brake job done on my gas coach which has simalar brakes and I thought it was reasonable. Had it done by a truck outfit after checking around. I would do the same check around for some pricing I'm sure you can do better. Find out what they are going to do for the price and go from thereWill short cut to Newmar forum maybe we have some owners of your year coach so you can get first hand.
Enjoy the forums and do post often.

dbass · 08-09-2007, 03:39 PM

they defenately aren't air brakes and they put on the work order 14.5 hours labour which is crazy. As far as I know it's just the pads / shoes that need to be replaced. Would you happen to know where I could order the replacement parts from?

Thanks,
Dave

"007" · 08-09-2007, 03:48 PM

Try checking with NAPA give year and make of coach chassis.

Maybe of interest to you.

Argosy · 08-09-2007, 04:37 PM

Does it have a tag axle? If not it won't have 6 brakes to replace. If it has a tag 14.5 hours might not be bad for labor when you consider turning the drums, which I am sure they intend to do.

I can't imagine these aren't standard sized unlike cars where every model has its own brake. Heavy trucks (where the axles originate) use diameter and width, pretty much like trailers. If you are up to the work pull a drum and measure them, even some NAPAs will order common truck parts. Cheaper will be to find a truck supply outfit, they will sell relined for not much more than light duty brakes.

dbass · 08-09-2007, 05:19 PM

I called frieghtliner and it doesn't have a tag axel so I only need to do 4 sets. They also told me that both the front and rear brakes are disc. Now i just need to find out what pads I need.

Thanks again
Dave

Rjsimms · 08-10-2007, 02:18 AM

dbass,
I have (I think the same coach). You can go to Freightliner's web site, and sign up with your VIN number. That site will give you all of the information you could possible want. A complete parts break-down. And yes, the brakes are disc front and rear, hydraulic, no air.