Help - I need a mechanic today!

[gypsychris]

Hi all, as you know I have been renovating my 345 LE motorhome.

As I was doing a shake down run, the brakes went out on me. I discovered where the crack is on the line (Right above the passenger side front wheel) -- Luckily I didn't hit anything and was able to get off I95 and make it to Midas, but these guys don't want to touch my moho.

I am in Branford CT (not far from New Haven)

Anyone knows someone or a company that could come by and fix the segment of messed up (cracked) line?

It shouldnt be too hard, since its also easily accessible...

ANY HELP or suggestion is appreciated. I cant move the thing in the state it is (hydraulic brakes not working obviously) ... pvt message me and I will give you my phone number etc.

THANKS!

[overlander63]

You can give Tony from Tony's auto and truck repair a call. He's right up the street, and may be able to send somebody over: 203-483-0172

[gypsychris]

THANKS! Will call him in just a bit! The guy from Midas just told me that one of his better mechanics is coming to take a look and they will see what (if) they may be able to do it...

[ROBERT CROSS]

Is it the flexible line thats leaking?

Bob

[gypsychris]

Its the one that is along the chassis... it is flexible it seems to be a hose.

[vswingfield]

Hi Chris,

Those flexible brake hoses are a straightforward replacement. Most shops should be able to handle it. Replace the hoses (the others probably are the same age and also past due for replacement) and brake fluid and bleed the air out of the system. There are one on each front brake and one from the frame to the rear end.

It's actually (should be) routine maintenance, but that's not much comfort when the brakes fail. I know. I've had it happen in a 1966 Ford Galaxy with only a single master cylinder which means no brakes at all. (Dual master cylinders mean that only the front or back will fail as a result of a broken hose.) Also had a total brake failure driving a Coke delivery truck. As big as your 345, but heavy. I was fortunate both times.

My best to you and Liz. It has been a while since Susan (Alumatube) and I met you in North Little Rock.

[gypsychris]

Just double checked...and it is actually a solid line (not flexible hose) that is cracked

[gypsychris]

Yes it has been a while! And thanks for your note and ideas -- it is scarry stuff when it happens!!! LOL... so like said, it is a solid line (looks like steel maybe?) I just pressed the brake pedal and could see it spurt the brake fluid out...right by the engine compartiment I will post a picture

[gypsychris]

Here are the pics

[gypsychris]

Actually the pics are rotated...so its the lines on the top

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by gypsychris

Yes it has been a while! And thanks for your note and ideas -- it is scarry stuff when it happens!!! LOL... so like said, it is a solid line (looks like steel maybe?) I just pressed the brake pedal and could see it spurt the brake fluid out...right by the engine compartiment I will post a picture

The steel lines are more work, but the process is pretty much the same. They are much less likely to fail, but it can happen. I wouldn't worry about trying to replace all the steel lines, though, just the one that actually has the problem.

Do check the hoses while you're at it.

[gypsychris]

Well since Midas wont do it etc. A buddy referred me someone a few miles away and they said they could look at it today if I brought my moho in.

They referred me to the towing company they used and they will tow me there for $125 -- which I think is pretty fair? Hopefully all this goes well and I can hit the road this weekend... Alaska is 4500 miles away ...I will keep you all posted

[gypsychris]

Can I do any damage running my engine off the House batteries? i.e. having that toggle switch in the glove box always "on"? Any thoughts on that?

Thanks!

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by gypsychris

Can I do any damage running my engine off the House batteries? i.e. having that toggle switch in the glove box always "on"? Any thoughts on that?

Thanks!

No, the alternator will charge the house batteries. Just remember to switch that off if you are going to not be plugged in to electric when camping so you won't run down the battery you need to start the engine. Also, the generator will charge the batteries through the converter, so if you lose the alternator, simply start the generator in order to make it to a repair shop without draining the battery.

[gypsychris]

COOL! So my baby got toaded to a repair shop and they are working on it today -- hopefully they can fix the brake line by the end of the day and I can be on my way back to pack and stuff!!!

YoohOO!!

[crazeevw]

All of my brake work was handled by the local Chevy dealer here in St Pete. Of course, this dealer is also a 'heavy-duty' Chevy truck dealer. If you haven't had any luck so far, see what you can find as far as Chevy heavy-duty truck dealer. Keep us posted.
Thanks, Derek

[crazeevw]

Originally Posted by gypsychris

COOL! So my baby got toaded to a repair shop and they are working on it today -- hopefully they can fix the brake line by the end of the day and I can be on my way back to pack and stuff!!!

YoohOO!!

OUCH! on the tow! Hoping that tow-truck driver didn't have to go too far. Tag axle really not designed to be towed as pictured. Sure hope that no damage was done. Good luck on brake work too, of course.
Thanks, Derek