Frozen '91 Southwind E brake, Oshkosh Chassis

[cologman]

Have a 91 Southwind with a frozen drive shaft brake. How do I get it to release. May have been started by low brake fluid, not low hydraulic fluid. Is there a way to bleed this after adding more fluid. I should note it was low but certainly not dry or out. Light is on and it will not release. I have heard suggestions of mechanically forcing it to release by applying force to the cable. Not sure this make sense as its hydraulic. Sure would like to be able to move it and get it home 20 miles.

[Tha_Rooster]

Originally Posted by cologman

Have a 91 Southwind with a frozen drive shaft brake. How do I get it to release. May have been started by low brake fluid, not low hydraulic fluid. Is there a way to bleed this after adding more fluid. I should note it was low but certainly not dry or out. Light is on and it will not release. I have heard suggestions of mechanically forcing it to release by applying force to the cable. Not sure this make sense as its hydraulic. Sure would like to be able to move it and get it home 20 miles.

I think frozen and low fluid are 2 different things. If it’s frozen although a little dangerous climb under and tap with a hammer. Either way if it low on fluid you need to add I would think it would be out of fluid to cause a problem not just low.

[cologman]

Originally Posted by Tha_Rooster

I think frozen and low fluid are 2 different things. If it’s frozen although a little dangerous climb under and tap with a hammer. Either way if it low on fluid you need to add I would think it would be out of fluid to cause a problem not just low.

I may be using the incorrect terminology, "frozen". It wasn't out, low yes. Have seen reference to applying force to the actuator with vice grips to get it to move. Once moved using the vice grips to hold in place until properly repaired. Still iffy, but perhaps allowing it to be moved if unable to get it to release.

[House Husband]

91 Oshkosh chassis should be a EFI 460 Ford with C6 transmission and manual ZF emergency brake. There should be no fluids involved with the operation of the E brake. The ZF E brake does require 4 ozs. of ATF for lubrication.
91 coach on an 1990 Oshkosh will be carbed Ford 460 with same above mentioned components.

Richard

[cologman]

Originally Posted by House Husband

91 Oshkosh chassis should be a EFI 460 Ford with C6 transmission and manual ZF emergency brake. There should be no fluids involved with the operation of the E brake. The ZF E brake does require 4 ozs. of ATF for lubrication.
91 coach on an 1990 Oshkosh will be carbed Ford 460 with same above mentioned components.

Richard

you are correct about the engine and tranny but it has the Park Position Applied Emergency Brake. I have disabled it by disconnecting the linkage. Now waiting for better weather to trouble shoot the system. Thanks for the suggestion.

[House Husband]

Thanks for the feed back. I didn't know Oshkosh used that type of E brake.

Richard

[BRAND0N]

Mines did the same thing and I turned to be the a/c compressor seized as it has a belt runs with what is required to release park brake