Community Forums

chuckbear · 07-01-2017, 10:13 AM

I have been reading some on servicing the parking brake on our '99 Bounder located on the drive shaft just behind the transmission. Keep in mind that we are on the road traveling right now, heading west. I have no idea when or if the parking brake has EVER been serviced or checked. I have no idea of any problems or abuse by previous owners. The coach has 56,000 miles on it. For over a week now, I have made many attempts to remove the overflow bolt to check the fluid level, condition or even if there is fluid in the housing. I am having no luck in removing the bolt. I have tried everything except a torch to break the bolt loose and it just ain't happening.

If this were you, what would be your next step?

How much trouble could I have if the fluid is low, burn't or even gone?

Is there any symptoms that might show ahead of a failure?

Using penetrating oil and most other things are not helping. I would like some suggestions from anyone FAMILIAR with this parking brake. Chuck

Skip426 · 07-01-2017, 10:20 AM

Have you looked; or searched ; in the " Ford Chassis Forums " for posts on " Auto Park Brake " repair?

chuckbear · 07-01-2017, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

Have you looked; or searched ; in the " Ford Chassis Forums " for posts on " Auto Park Brake " repair?

I could not find anything there related to my question. Thanks. Chuck

spider13 · 07-01-2017, 12:38 PM

Is there any indication that the unit has been leaking,( oil on housing).? My only suggestion is to get the longest wrench I could.If the housing is dry it probably has fluid in it.

Waiter21 · 07-01-2017, 03:08 PM

Yah, it needs to be looked at.. I just did mine and it was pretty bad. The only thing in there is two bearings.

F53 Parking Brake assembly fluid check – 1999 Southwind 35S

Its like a plumbing plug, not a bolt. I used a breaker bar and a 13mm 6 point socket to get mine out, it will come out. Its hidden up behind the cable.

chuckbear · 07-01-2017, 07:01 PM

No fluid on the housing but that only means it isn't leaking right now. I want to get the plug off so I can check. It might not be leaking because there is no fluid in it or it might not be leaking because it's OK. But I would like to know. Chuck

Waiter21 · 07-02-2017, 05:50 AM

There might be room to get an impact driver up there. I had to use a breaker bar.

There isn't any pressure in there, so you shouldn't have any thing leaking out unless the rear seal is completely gone. There's a vent on top.

Also, I wonder if you try and do it just after the engine is shut down so it would still be warm.

Be prepared for fluid to run out. (i.e. don't do this on someones pretty new driveway) My fluid was very dirty brown.

chuckbear · 07-02-2017, 06:58 AM

I don't carry an impact driver. Chuck

Waiter21 · 07-02-2017, 09:32 AM

Odds are good that you're OK till you get home. Enjoy the rest of your trip and put it on the list of things that need to get done. If you haven't done it yet, pull the plug on the differential and take a peak at it next time your under there. It uses a Synthetic 75W-140.

If you're really bored, Here's the list that I made up for mine:

F53 inspection maintenance checklist – 1999 Southwind 35S

chuckbear · 07-02-2017, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waiter21

Odds are good that you're OK till you get home. Enjoy the rest of your trip and put it on the list of things that need to get done. If you haven't done it yet, pull the plug on the differential and take a peak at it next time your under there. It uses a Synthetic 75W-140.

If you're really bored, Here's the list that I made up for mine:

F53 inspection maintenance checklist – 1999 Southwind 35S

Rear end has been checked and is good. 8,000+ miles is just not OK to wait for maintenance. If all else fails, it will go to a service shop soon to be checked. Chuck