Workhorse P32 chassis brakes

[Jim418]

Hi everybody, I havnt been on here for awhile. I read the posts and kind of watch quietly. I now have a question about my p32 brakes on a 17000 # chassis. My brake pedal seems to go down further than I like. I took it to my local garage to install new brakes. They told me brakes were about 65%, and didnt need new brakes. I am not sure if there is supposed to be power brakes, it does not feel like power brakes, since I have to pump the brakes once to get a good pedal. Dont seem like I should have to do that. Anyone have any idea of the problem, or is that just the way it works. The mirada stops just fine, after pumping brake once, otherwise pedal goes to about 2 inches off the floor. Thanks in advance for any advice. Jim

[az bound]

Thats pretty normal for the P32 brake pedal. 5-6 inches of travel and nothing will improve it. Just takes some getting used to.
The moderator may move your post to the Workhorse/Chevrolet chassis owners forum where you will get more response to your question.

[alaprinter]

I am having a problem with the loss of brake fluid. Just at a glimpse, you would think of a leak but I have searched high and low and cannot find a leak anywhere. My rv mechanic said that it was probably due to the brake pads wearing down and taking more fluid to fill the callipers, I didn't buy that theory. It seems that after about 800 to 1000 miles, I need to add brake fluid to the master cylinder. Has anyone else had a problem similar to this?

[monkey]

Originally Posted by Jim418

Hi everybody, I havnt been on here for awhile. I read the posts and kind of watch quietly. I now have a question about my p32 brakes on a 17000 # chassis. My brake pedal seems to go down further than I like. I took it to my local garage to install new brakes. They told me brakes were about 65%, and didnt need new brakes. I am not sure if there is supposed to be power brakes, it does not feel like power brakes, since I have to pump the brakes once to get a good pedal. Dont seem like I should have to do that. Anyone have any idea of the problem, or is that just the way it works. The mirada stops just fine, after pumping brake once, otherwise pedal goes to about 2 inches off the floor. Thanks in advance for any advice. Jim

It is NOT normal to have to pump the brakes !!! I would 'guess' air in the system, or the rear brakes need adjustment... I would really look into it further !!!! Our P32 takes a lot of pedal pressure, but no need to pump the pedal...

[iRV4FUN]

My P32 brakes are very reliable. The key for me is to change the brake fluid every 3 years.

And the boaster is very effective. It saved my butt the other-day I stopped on a dime much to my amazement!

[Mo381]

I had the same issues as the OP. New to us 1990 Southwind on the P30. Master cylinder and pads replaced in 2011. Still felt really mushy. I added Speed bleeders and bled/flushed the system. I was amazed at the improved feel. It was about a two hour job but worth the time and effort. Good luck.

[monkey]

Simple question,,, when "flushing" the system, how do you know when you're done ? I'm sure I need to do this, but too little doesn't git r done,,, too much is a waste... ???

[Mo381]

When it quit coming out looking like my coffee and started looking like the original fluid I stopped.

[David Allred]

My P-30 was doing the same thing and it was the brake booster. Replaced it and problem gone.

[djmurphy4732]

I dont have the greatest brakes but when I press the brakes it makes a wine sound. About the same sound as a bad power steering pump

[jspringator]

On a recent trip to Florida I met a guy in a gas station who had the exact motorhome as mine. 2002 Winnebago Sightseer on P32. He replaced his front calipers with brakes from a 3500 truck chassis and claimed a great improvement.

Has anyone else ever heard this?

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by alaprinter

I am having a problem with the loss of brake fluid. Just at a glimpse, you would think of a leak but I have searched high and low and cannot find a leak anywhere. My rv mechanic said that it was probably due to the brake pads wearing down and taking more fluid to fill the callipers, I didn't buy that theory. It seems that after about 800 to 1000 miles, I need to add brake fluid to the master cylinder. Has anyone else had a problem similar to this?

You need a new mechanic.

You have a leak.

The master cylinder is designed to hold enough brake fluid to run them until pad replacement.

Not a Workhorse but I put 18,000 miles since brake work and its still full.

[edgray]

Originally Posted by djmurphy4732

I dont have the greatest brakes but when I press the brakes it makes a wine sound. About the same sound as a bad power steering pump

If this happens each time you depress the brake pedal when the motor is NOT running, that is completely normal. It is an electric motor making pressure to assist braking if the motor dies.

[djmurphy4732]

It makes the noise while driving