Brake Pedal Stuck To Floor

Chaplain Kent · 08-09-2006, 11:40 AM

For many reasons, we have not been able to take Chummy out for his regular camping trips this summer. I went to move him yesterday and found that the brake pedal was stuck to the floor as well as the brakes locked up tight. I did have the front brakes replaced in Georgia but drove quite a few miles on them after that with no problems. Any ideas?

Beginner · 08-09-2006, 12:14 PM

I am completely uneducated about the running gear and brakes on your motor home, however, you probally have hydraulic brakes. These brakes are probally boosted (power) by one of two ways, Vacuum or Hydraulic (pressure supplied by the power steering pump), this you will have to determine. Some diesel powered vehicles had vacuum pumps to supply the vacuum to the vacuum brake booster. Others used the power steering pump to supply hydraulic to a demand valve on the master cylinder that supplied the power brake function.
The pedal fully depressed is different, hower it can be caused by a failure of the vacuum valve in the vacuum booster or in the case of the hydraulic boost, a valve has failed. Both would cause the brakes to be applied fully because the failed valves you used to control by placing your foot on the brake pedal.
If the unit has a vacuum booster, remove the vacuum supply from the booster and plug off the vacuum line. If the vacuum booster has failed, the pedal should return to the un depressed position (all the way up). If this is the case, the booster is probally bad.
If you have the hydraulic booster, General Motors used them in the early days of the neardiesel and they gave trouble. You will have to go to on of the guys that have had experience, however if the power steering pump belt only runs the power steering pump, remove the belt and if the problem goes away (CAUTION YOU WILL NOT HAVE ANY POWER STEERING WITH THE BELT REMOVED) the hydraulic booster at the master cylinder is bad.
Thats the best I can do.
Beginner

bobchevy89 · 08-09-2006, 12:42 PM

Hello,
I had the same problem on my 77 argosy. Cost mr $1200.00 to fix. $800.00 for new Hydroboost,$200.00 for new master cylender,$200.00 for new rubber brake lines.(brake lines had balooned in side not letting pressure to release)For your safety and others take it to a garage that can do it right..Brakes are not something to fool with , you can kill yourself and family or some one inocent.
Hope this helps
bobchevy89

Beginner · 08-09-2006, 02:29 PM

I agree.
Take it to a capable repair shop that you trust.
Beginner

GlenCoombe · 08-09-2006, 08:46 PM

Oh that is a strange one for sure Kent! I'm curious as to what they used too. Did they stay with the P30 hydroboost setup or did they do something with the Izuzu setup to make it different and harder to find parts for?

Do figure out if it's hydroboost....if so you can rebuild some of them and often find parts cheaper than the more expensive refits.
Check out millsupply.com for pump/reservoirs. With any luck at all it's master cyl. time and or brake line time.
Let us know as the saga continues.

Chaplain Kent · 08-11-2006, 01:13 PM

I have disc brakes on all four wheels.

guy99 · 09-01-2006, 04:57 PM

Kent,
Did you resolve this or do you have it awaiting your complete recovery?

Hope you are still doing well.

Chaplain Kent · 09-02-2006, 08:13 AM

This along with a fuse, steering stabilizer, and nagging electrical short remains unsolved. I am not even certain where the keys are to Chummy, my wife may have hidden them.

guy99 · 09-02-2006, 09:02 AM

Well, I hope you are soon doing so well that your wife will turn the keys over to you!

I don't know what your steering stabilizer issue is but when I replaced mine with a bilstein it made a tremendous difference.

**CanoeStream** · 09-02-2006, 09:12 AM

Chaplain Kent -- Your last post has been reviewed as it raises concerns that may violate supportive Airstream therapies. If you have a grievance with a family member please report it to a moderator. Have your wife take a moment to review the forum policies that you agreed to when you joined. We take the "be nice" rule very seriously.

Glad you're making it to the computer. Still wishing you the best!
Bob

herrgirdner · 09-02-2006, 09:25 AM

Perhaps your wife has read the post that read "brake pedal stuck to floor" and thinks the advice in other posts about "taking it to a repair shop" might involve driving it. Personally, I'd look for a mechanic that makes house calls!
Hope you'll be back on the road soon.
regards

Chaplain Kent · 09-24-2006, 05:44 AM

Chummy was taken to the shop with a rope tied to his brake pedal which allowed the driver to pull up on it after each application. The mechanic first wanted to replace the vacuum boost at $1,000 dollars but then noticed the rear calipers were stuck and a crimp in the vacuum line. He replaced the rear brakes and calipers, straightened the line and the brakes work fine. His good eyes saved me the $1,000.00! Although the bill did reach the $1,300 range but that included the steering damper. Now we can stop and steer and I can not wait to get out camping again.

Robfike · 09-24-2006, 05:56 AM

That's great news! That was sure a wierd one.

ALANSD · 09-24-2006, 07:25 AM

glad to hear that, the Fall season should not be missed.. we are ready for our first venture out in the trailer..