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JBK · 11-14-2006, 07:24 PM

The right front brake is sticking (bad) on my 'new' 86' 345. I had new pads installed and the shop said the caliper is fine, but it is still sticking. I mean like for miles and miles. What could cause this. The Bus hasn't been used more than 100 miles per year in the past three years.

JB

vonkamp · 11-14-2006, 07:32 PM

Quote:

What could cause this. The Bus hasn't been used more than 100 miles per year in the past three years.

I think you answered your own question.
Things get stuck when they don't get used. Try to run it around the block every week.
Cheers,
Baron

JBK · 11-14-2006, 07:47 PM

I put the new pads and ran it around the block about a thousand times. 400 mile rounc trip. Still stick.

JB

overlander63 · 11-14-2006, 07:54 PM

Caliper slides, or a brake hose collapsed/clogged.
To check for a bad hose, apply the brakes, hard, then release them. Open the brake bleeder screw on the suspect caliper. If fluid shoots out, chances are very good it is a hose.

swebster · 11-14-2006, 07:59 PM

Could be any number of things. When you say "sticking" do you mean, doesn't release at all or just rubs or somewhere inbetween.

I would look at the caliper first. On the P30 the outer caliper "slides" in a grove on the top and bottom. There is a retaining "spring plate" that's secured with a hex bolt which hold everything together. These need to be lubricated so the outer part ot the caliper can "return".

You may also have corrosion on the piston, or a bad line or something with the proportioning valve or master cylinder, loose wheel bearing, out of true rotor, etc.

Baron is correct, lack of use is worse than regular use on components like brakes and engines. I've gotten in the habit of running my 345 about ten miles a week, running the generator, AC units, water pump, etc.

swebster · 11-14-2006, 08:00 PM

...and what Terry said.

scottanlily · 11-14-2006, 08:09 PM

Get your brake hoses replaced ,thats the most comon problem on any P30
chassis they close up inside ,deteriorate really and then act like a one way valve .The brake hydraulic pressure can pressure past the restriction in the hose but it cannot release after you release the pedal .Ive replace quite a few of these hoses ,mostly on motorhomes as they don't get much use.
Replace them in pairs ,both sides always .Calipers can stick too ,but the hoses are the main trouble most of the time .

Scott

JBK · 11-14-2006, 08:20 PM

Thanks, guys. The shop mentioned the hose, but didn't have time to do them. Is it as simple as it sounds?
By the way, why is this thread not showing up on the regular new post board?

JB

vonkamp · 11-14-2006, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBK

Thanks, guys. The shop mentioned the hose, but didn't have time to do them. Is it as simple as it sounds?
By the way, why is this thread not showing up on the regular new post board?

JB

It's there. Thats how I found it.

JBK · 11-14-2006, 08:55 PM

O-K, I had to shut down and re start the forum site. Refreshing didn't work. Weird.
JB

Chaplain Kent · 11-14-2006, 09:54 PM

I had to drive Chummy to the shop with a rope tied to the brake pedal in order to get it to release. Problem was a crimped hydraulic hose and a stuck caliper. The mechanic said I must always replace the calipers when I replace the pads. Now it works like a dream.

JBK · 11-15-2006, 07:05 AM

Thanks, guys. I will crawl under the Bus this weekend. I'll let you know.

JB

uncleneal · 11-15-2006, 07:51 AM

When my '86 345 front brake stuck it was the hose. Seems like I had to get a hose for a P32 chassis instead of a P30 for it to fit. (Mine was built on an '85 chassis.) It's been several years and I don't have the coach anymore. I think the difference was in the fittings on one end. I bought a hose at NAPA. I took the old hose down and matched it. I had a p/u truck that did the same thing, so its not uncommon.

Neal

JBK · 11-18-2006, 10:15 AM

Thanks again. One question; are there two lines, one a hard and one a hose, or is the supply line a hose and there is only one? I just peeked and didn't see a hard line, but then again, I didn't jack it up to get a good look. I will be replacing the hose tomorrow.

JB

overlander63 · 11-18-2006, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBK

Thanks again. One question; are there two lines, one a hard and one a hose, or is the supply line a hose and there is only one? I just peeked and didn't see a hard line, but then again, I didn't jack it up to get a good look. I will be replacing the hose tomorrow.

JB

You should have steel lines running to a point on the framenear the mount for the upper control arm, where it attaches to the brake hose. You will have this on both sides. Make sure you replace the copper washers on the caliper end of the hose. Used washers can leak, causing a low pedal and fluid loss. The end of the hose at the frame has a spring clip that holds it in a bracket to keep it from getting entangled in the wheels/rotors. You can usually get the clip off with a small flathead screwdriver, and put it back on by shoving it on with a pair of pliers.

JBK · 11-18-2006, 01:39 PM

O-K, so it is one HOSE going to the brake instead of a solid line. Why do they use a hose rather than a line like in other applications? Never mind, it is for flexibility with the steering wheels. DUH.
Thanks again.
JB

swebster · 11-18-2006, 03:34 PM

If I remember correctly the brake hoses are different left to right. Make sure your parts guy gets the rights one. Also, make sure the surface of the caliper is very clean when you install the new washers. I had a hard time curing a leak on my "new" passenger side brake line until I removed it and found a speck of dirt under the washer.

Also, make sure you bleed the brake lines well. This is a good time to invest in a vacuum bleeder and purge all of the old brake fluid from the lines. Ideally you should do this on the rear system as well.

There are some threads on how to do this on a motorhome. Many say you can "gravity bleed" the system, but I found the vacuum to be more effective and much faster.

overlander63 · 11-18-2006, 06:09 PM

I had a problem getting hoses to fit the calipers, the holes in the ends of the hoses were too small, and would not accept the banjo bolts. It would be a good idea if you take one of the hoses with you to comparre.

scottanlily · 11-18-2006, 08:40 PM

Agree ,take the hose along, as I myself have been given the wrong hoses
for the GM motorhomes .There can be different ones for sure .The hose has about 3 to 4 " of hard line at the calipar end as you will see upon removal of hose ,just make certain they are the same as your old hoses,and replace both now .don't do the job twice ,if ones bad the other is right behind it .

Scott