HR 1998 parking brake

[Chaps]

1998 H R Endeavor DP 37ft.
I was recently rear ended by an 18 wheeler- after replacing radiator, power steering reservoir, etc. the MH is again safe to drive except the air parking brake does not work. All other air systems are ok.
Where does troubleshooting begin?
All lights are operational.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Chaps

[twinboat]

Was the rig towed after the crash ?

It's possible that the spring brake chambers, if equipped, were backed off for towing.

If that's the case, it needs the caging bolts removed and a brake adjustment.

The one with the red arrow is called.

They both should look like the one on the right.

[Chaps]

Thanks for response, the rig was towed- about 80 miles to my home. The drive shaft was removed- I reinstalled it and have driven the rig a few miles. With no parking brake available a co- pilot is required to put shocks under the wheel.

[mackwrench]

Even with drive line removed, the tow company has to either supply coach with air to release parking brake, OR cage the brake chambers using a caging tool.

Twinboat is spot on, my $$ is brakes are caged.

Look at brake chambers, probably see a 1/2" threaded rod poking out the end. With brakes released and wheels chocked use a 3/4" wrench and loosen the cage tool (threaded rod)
Once loose, You'll then push in cage tool and turn it 1/4" turn and it'll come out.

The chamber has a slot type of hole on side to store the cage tool until needed again.
Hopefully these random pics will work...
Attachment 349361Attachment 349362Attachment 349363

[Chaps]

Thanks, does the rear wheels have to be removed to reengage the parking brake? The attachments were not available. I do almost all the maintenance on my MH; however, this issue seems to be above my pay grade.
Your response is appreciated.

[Chaps]

Twinboat, I just realized and remembered when I reconnected the drive shaft I discovered a deep well 3/4 socket left on the brake chamber. I thought it was left by Gaffney Freightliner who had serviced the MH just prior to the accident. The socket must have been left by the tow driver.
I have the tools to fix the issue-just not the experience or know how.
Chaps

[mackwrench]

Originally Posted by Chaps

Thanks, does the rear wheels have to be removed to reengage the parking brake? The attachments were not available. I do almost all the maintenance on my MH; however, this issue seems to be above my pay grade.

Your response is appreciated.

No, wheels are not removed.
More than likely the socket was tow drivers.
What attachment are your referencing? The socket was on a threaded piece sticking out end off chamber? That's the cage tool. It'll be much easier to remove with brakes released. Meaning push in the yellow dash knob and you'll only need to turn the cage tool but a few times before tool can be removed.

BUT be careful.. a break chamber ain't nothing to mess around with. If yours has a a removable"band clamp" around it, DO NOT REMOVE the band clamp...if clamp is removed the spring can come out and kill you, like dead.
If this is that far above your pay grade, call a mobile truck technician or ride it by a heavy truck dealer for them to uncage the brakes.

[mackwrench]

Trying pics again...

[twinboat]

Follow Mackwrench's instructions and remove the caging bolts.

Your parking brake will work again.

[Chaps]

I am so grateful for the help and advice of both of you!
Hopefully I can return the favor��
The pictures of the brake system are great.

[Chaps]

Removed the caging bolts- found them to be exactly as Mackwrench described. Thanks again for the info.

[153stars]

So in the real color photo the cage bolt is stowed in storage location/hole. Like I may have them attached to my rear brakes ready for use.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by 153stars

So in the real color photo the cage bolt is stowed in storage location/hole. Like I may have them attached to my rear brakes ready for use.

If this is a question, yes each spring brake chambers has a caging bolt in the storage hole.
You take it out, hook it into the hole in the back and tighten the nut, pulling the spring back.

[RoadTrip2084]

Just for reference, which part of the caging/uncaging brakes operation is potentially deadly? I saw the comments around the original image posted warning people to not lose their heads.