Community Forums

Bigdave13 · 01-15-2012, 08:04 PM

I've got a few questions regarding brake pads on my 02 Winnebago E450 v10 triton. I just purchased a set of 6 new tires and before installing them I'd like to change the brake pads cuz they looked pretty thin. My question is, are disc brakes the same as regular car/truck type? Also is there anything else that needs to be changed?like brake fluid reservoir? Would like to get an idea how much it costs to have them changed at a shop. Should I install oem pads? Would appreciate some input. Thanks

tonysrep · 01-16-2012, 12:00 AM

I just did mine a little while back ,75,000 on the clock , number one ,the rig is very heavy ,I used a 3 1/2 ton jack and it barely picked up one wheel of the motorhome so I would probably leave it to a pro. two... at that mileage I also needed to replace the rotors , they weigh about 90 lbs a piece , you will also probably need to replace the wheel bearings ,mine were already done by the prior owner . after a test drive I also needed to replace one of the calipers because it was dragging and wouldn't release, In parts I was in the job just under 400 bucks so with labor I'm going to guess somewhere around the 700 dollar range..... Now the rears are a different story , if you replace the rotors ,pads and bearings and seals like I did expect another 700 bucks . I have to say though after I was done the motorhome is so quiet....I also thought I should throw in while I was prepping the rig for winter I found the parking brake showed signs that the main shaft seal was leaking oil , the dealer told me it wasn't servicable,$2500 for a new one... my parts suppliers had no info at all. I did find on this forum a post concerning rebuilding the unit . it was about 350 in parts for all bearings races ,seals and shoes needed to do the job . I didn't need to replace the bearings but I figured I was already there ,I might as well rebuild the whole thing. The gasket needed between the trans and brake unit is a dealer item only and they had 6 of them in stock. the cheapest I found the unit rebuilt was $860+shipping

W4MBG · 01-16-2012, 07:36 AM

when you have the front brakes apart, look very closely at the rotors. mine were cracked. a lot. all the way through in some places. the oem calipers tend to hang up and heat up the rotors. i had the shop change the rotors, calipers, pads, hoses, and flush the brake system. 1700 bux, including the ball joints as well. lots of cash, but i was able to pick it up the next day. could have done it myself, but not that fast or easy!

Bigdave13 · 01-16-2012, 07:50 AM

Wow, got me thinkin. It looked like a regular brake job. My rig has 62k miles and dont know if the previous owner did anything to the brake system. I had the rig for about 3 years and drives very well, no shaking or grinding when I hit the brakes. Is that standard practice to change the rotors n bearings? What can I look for to get an idea? Cracks in the rotor? Wut I did notice was a very thin brake pad. Wow, quit a bit of cash! I have a 12 ton jack but doubt I'll b able to crack the lug nuts by hand. I've done all my brake pads on my truck n cars so I have some mech skills jus wondering if I should sit this one out?

tonysrep · 01-16-2012, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigdave13

Wow, got me thinkin. It looked like a regular brake job. My rig has 62k miles and dont know if the previous owner did anything to the brake system. I had the rig for about 3 years and drives very well, no shaking or grinding when I hit the brakes. Is that standard practice to change the rotors n bearings? What can I look for to get an idea? Cracks in the rotor? Wut I did notice was a very thin brake pad. Wow, quit a bit of cash! I have a 12 ton jack but doubt I'll b able to crack the lug nuts by hand. I've done all my brake pads on my truck n cars so I have some mech skills jus wondering if I should sit this one out?

I personally always change the rotors , then I know where I'm at when it come to maintainence. just think of it this way , it will be another 70,000 miles before to have to go back , By the way the cracks only occur with heavy braking , or allot of down hill braking ,normal use you will not see any cracks, my brakes didn't have any but they were past their wear limit
And yes owning a motorhome is like owning a boat , its a money pit ...but it beats the hell out of a tent

mr300ce · 01-16-2012, 11:31 PM

Motorhome can run like crap, even look like crap....but it sure as heck better stop when you need it to !! Yours, and a dozen other lives will be on the line when that time comes !!

Bigdave13 · 01-17-2012, 06:57 AM

Your right tonysrep, at least I'll know I have a new set of brakes, n tires for the 12' season. Believe me, I do know how much it costs to have toys, I have a boat too..lol. I was jus hoping I would take care of some other thing on my rig with the $$. But safety is #1 concern. I had 2 blowouts last year due to old tires and really scared us n swore I'll try my best not to happen again! I guess that's y we have preventive maintenance. Thanks