1986 345 AS MH Brake Pedal Travel

[Jim Tyrney]

I have a 1986 345 AS MH that I just had a brake job done due to pads worn to point of needing change. Before changing, the brake pedal travel seemed excessive to me (over half way of the travel) and after changing, it seems the same. Seems like I remember reading a post (can not find now) that said on the MH's, the travel was quite a bit. Is this the "normal" travel for the MH's or am I missing some other adjustment to system? HELP!!!! JIm

[IPM]

Mine has some travel, the most of any vehicle I have, but it does not seem to be half.

[77 R GO C MH]

I've just had mine done too and they have suggested that I bring it back to have the brakes bled to firm up the brakes. Will be taking it in next week for this.

[Jim Tyrney]

77R GO C MH, please let me know if the brake folks come up with anything to give you a firmer brake travel. Mine may not be exactly half, but I also think it is further than what I consider normal. Thanks for the replies and hope to hear more. Jim

[thenewkid64]

Jim,

When they did the brakes did they inspect the flex lines that go from the frame to the calipers? These can get old and actually expand as you apply the brakes. The expansion will take up some of the pedal travel. There are three hoses. One for each front brake and one going from the frame to the rear axle. On my 76 I was able to get the fronts done, but the back hose was not able to be found at NAPA so I left in place. The fronts do 70% of the work anyhow.

[Jim Tyrney]

Brett,
Good question. I will check with them Monday to see if they checked these lines--I hope they did. Is there any ajustment to the hydra-boost that would improve brake pedal travel?? I can stop OK but the closer I get to an object, the more I want to "stand up" on the pedal, if y'all know what I mean. Not sure I can leave black strips on highway!!!!!!! Jim

[thenewkid64]

Jim,

I have never felt that the brakes were all that great on either of our MH's. I tend to drive slower and watch further ahead, easy to do with the height of the MH, than I do in a car. It makes for a much more relaxing trip for all involved if I remember I am driving a bus, not a sports car. I have had to stop hard and I find that the thing will stop, just not as quick as any of my cars. I think it is just a limitation of the brakes. I have never heard of a classic owner being able to lock up the brakes.

I have experienced new brakes and I know that all new shoes need to wear in. I think you will find that the pedal does not need as much pressure after you get some miles on them. The hoses may look OK, look for itty bitty cracks. If they are there replace the hoses. The cracks signify they are swelling when you mash the brake.

[Jim Tyrney]

It looks like that most MH's have good bit of travel in brake and will take some getting use to. Brett, good point on breaking in, I had pads and rotors turned so will take a few stops to break in. I will be crawling under tomorrow to check hoses, back permitting. Jim

[fangthorpe]

Here's a brake thread:

http://www.airforums.com/forum...ead.php?t=8070