Proper brakes

datsit · Unread post by **datsit** » Tue May 05, 2015 8:37 am

I've had my Travco for 13 yrs now, I had the same thing with my brakes since day one, one pump slows, 2nd stopped good. I was told that this was called a coaster brake first pump slows you second brakes hard, I had 3 wheel cylinders replaced, fluid change & bleed when I got it as we require a mechanical inspection when changing ownership, brakes where same no change. Over the years I had it serviced at two different truck shops (one was a bad experience/brake failure 1 block away from shop after fluid change) brake was the same one pump then 2nd. In 2014 I found a shop (recommended/fellow RV owner) with an older mechanic, had a complete brake check & he found ( nice to have him take you into shop & show you the problems, not like passed shops saying the did this & that when it clearly was not done !!!) that the brake adjusters where seized badly ( for some time) & had to be removed heated/cleaned & greased, no leaks good shoes & true drums. When I picked up BD from shop & pulled out of shop, I almost went out the windshield with first application of brake !?!? Went back into shop to say something was wrong !!! Lazy mechanics or customer's don't want to pay for a removal of drums & proper servicing, he said many mechanics/owners will use a gallon of brake fluid & labor to bleed system (in proper order) when many times it's improper adjustment of shoes.

Unread post by **KB2CRK** » Tue May 05, 2015 9:16 am

90% of the time with a drum brake system a double pump situation is improperly adjusted shoes. Even a disc/drum braking system can be plagued by this. Properly adjusted drum brakes a critical to proper stopping.

Unread post by **77Travco** » Tue May 05, 2015 11:30 am

When I did my rear brakes... I know that it took me around 10 times per side to get it adjusted the way I wanted. The job is probably just too tedious and time consuming for the average mechanic to care enough to do it thoroughly and correct. Kind of scary when you think about it.

badbillybiker · Unread post by **badbillybiker** » Tue May 05, 2015 6:28 pm

guess the real question is... what is one really paying for then when you go to get your brakes brought up to speed?\nBBB

Unread post by **KB2CRK** » Tue May 05, 2015 6:53 pm

I usually pay for the parts and do the work myself. But I have a problem paying somebody to do something I can do easily myself.

datsit · Unread post by **datsit** » Tue May 05, 2015 8:32 pm

I do 90% of the work on my Travco, but when it comes to propane appliances, and brake work, from past experience of brake failure less then 1 mile from pickup at name brand truck shop, the liability is on them. BUT most important my "passenger" a happy wife is a happy life rolling down the road !!!!!!!

badbillybiker · Unread post by **badbillybiker** » Tue May 05, 2015 8:34 pm

my storage area has a gravel lot. my drive is too narrow and the concrete drive has a difficult time supporting a 7ton rv on a 4" thick residential drive...... have the tools and know how, but not much interest in the fixing anymore...besides...am too good looking to be under a coach working and getting greasy! and as a grand finale am 74 years of age.. and tired of wrenching... hhmmm... I can still fill the gas tank, cause intentionall and professional looking traffic jams, run people off the road with style...collect my obama entitlement check, feed my dogs...and finally sign my name when necessary...without any help.... so far...\nBBB

Unread post by **Acesneights** » Tue May 05, 2015 8:51 pm

it is good practice to adjust the brakes before bleeding them.

Proper brakes

Proper brakes

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