Brakes

[victormoxey2]

I like everything about the alpine’s for the exception of the poor break design.
Does anyone have a solution to improve the breaking?

[Old Scout]

....well strap on your reading glasses and do a search of this forum using "brakes" and "f104" in the search string....after a night or two of reading, let us all know how you are doing.
PS--nice to know what year and model you own.....

[victormoxey2]

Originally Posted by Old Scout

....well strap on your reading glasses and do a search of this forum using "brakes" and "f104" in the search string....after a night or two of reading, let us all know how you are doing.
PS--nice to know what year and model you own.....

Thanks! Will do .. I have owned a 99 36’ , 02 40’, and now a 05 36’

[Old Scout]

....then you probably know more about Alpines than most of us.....assume you are talking about issues with your newest coach--the 05. In 04, Alpine changed to adjustable brake pedals--apparently the geometry in the linkage is off, so pedal pressure is increased. Things that can help: 1-move petals all the way forward or back for max leverage, 2-change/flush fluid every 2-3 years [4-wheels off], and 3-replace OEM MC [2"] with smaller 1.5" dia after-market. Some have also replaced brake hoses or re-welded linkage to increase leverage......
PS--change hydraulic system fluid [drives brakes, cooling fan, and steering] every 3-4 years, w/ filters and ISO46 type fluid.

[Mocha Latte]

I just had the brakes on my 04 flushed and had the master cylinder replaced with the smaller bore version. The improvement has been significant, in fact, I can't imagine it could be any better for a vehicle of this size.

[Old Scout]

...another potential issue is pad/disc glazing but compared to all the other aforementioned issues, glazing is a much longer shot.....IMHO

[AKOne]

Brakes on Alpines require maintenance. Nothing unusual about that. Four wheel hydraulic disks properly maintained will stop your coach very well -- two or four piston calipers. If you ever had to perform a panic stop, I mean the kind where anything not secured goes flying forward, you will be thankful for those disk brakes. Cannot say I had the same experience with air over drum. On my 99 FDS there is nothing to improve (expect the ABS and that is not WRV's fault). When your tires are on the edge of their traction limit during a hard brake, it doesn't get any better than that. It seems of all ink spilt regarding Alpine brakes, the issue is pedal feel and required foot pressure, not the actual disk brake performance on older or later Alpines.

[victormoxey2]

Originally Posted by Old Scout

....then you probably know more about Alpines than most of us.....assume you are talking about issues with your newest coach--the 05. In 04, Alpine changed to adjustable brake pedals--apparently the geometry in the linkage is off, so pedal pressure is increased. Things that can help: 1-move petals all the way forward or back for max leverage, 2-change/flush fluid every 2-3 years [4-wheels off], and 3-replace OEM MC [2"] with smaller 1.5" dia after-market. Some have also replaced brake hoses or re-welded linkage to increase leverage......
PS--change hydraulic system fluid [drives brakes, cooling fan, and steering] every 3-4 years, w/ filters and ISO46 type fluid.

Wow I’m so glad to find this chat ! This is encouraging! I will do what you recommend.. thank you for all of your time !! I just need to find out where to buy the part and how to do it all . I’m an electrical engineer lol.

[victormoxey2]

Originally Posted by AKOne

Brakes on Alpines require maintenance. Nothing unusual about that. Four wheel hydraulic disks properly maintained will stop your coach very well -- two or four piston calipers. If you ever had to perform a panic stop, I mean the kind where anything not secured goes flying forward, you will be thankful for those disk brakes. Cannot say I had the same experience with air over drum. On my 99 FDS there is nothing to improve (expect the ABS and that is not WRV's fault). When your tires are on the edge of their traction limit during a hard brake, it doesn't get any better than that. It seems of all ink spilt regarding Alpine brakes, the issue is pedal feel and required foot pressure, not the actual disk brake performance on older or later Alpines.

Thank you for your insight!!

[gatorv]

Be sure to test your brake backup motor by stepping on the brake peddle with coach parked and key turned off. You should here the motor turn on with the peddle pushed. I failed to do this and I totaled my 2000 alpine coach.

[victormoxey2]

Originally Posted by gatorv

Be sure to test your brake backup motor by stepping on the brake peddle with coach parked and key turned off. You should here the motor turn on with the peddle pushed. I failed to do this and I totaled my 2000 alpine coach.

Ouch ! Okay I have heard that noise and never knew if it was a good thing.. what is that motor for ?

[wolfe10]

Originally Posted by victormoxey2

Ouch ! Okay I have heard that noise and never knew if it was a good thing.. what is that motor for ?

It serves the same purpose as the engine-driven hydraulic pump-- it provides the "power boost" for the brakes.

It is there so you retain full brake function in the event of an engine stop condition.

[victormoxey2]

Originally Posted by wolfe10

It serves the same purpose as the engine-driven hydraulic pump-- it provides the "power boost" for the brakes.

It is there so you retain full brake function in the event of an engine stop condition.

Okay.. great to know thanks!

[tiredvet]

Originally Posted by wolfe10

It serves the same purpose as the engine-driven hydraulic pump-- it provides the "power boost" for the brakes.

It is there so you retain full brake function in the event of an engine stop condition.

Hey Brett, I did this brake check and did not hear anything.What would I check first to try and resolve a non operating back up brake motor?