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Ross Carlisle (Ross) (216.107.197.145)

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Posted on Monday, October 21, 2002 - 4:27 pm:   

I had new drive tired put on this morning. When they were done, I left and drove the bus about 15 miles home. I didnt notice anything like a dragging brake. When I place the bus in neutral it would roll freely.

When I got home and was backing in the driveway, I smelled the the brake and saw smoke on the right drive.

I had my neighbor press and release the brake while I looked at the actuator through the hand holes. Everything was moving freely and normally and the actuator was fully retracting.

Is it possible that the brake was just stuck and when I backed into the driveway it released? I'm almost afraid to drive it now.

Ross
OLMoldy (208.18.102.228)

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Posted on Monday, October 21, 2002 - 11:49 pm:   

That's possible but most likely grease seal, if your diff is low (better check it) and they had the oposite side higher the seal, if bad will run oil onto hub which will smoke. I have a truck which has a bad seal which we only use on lot and it has a bad seal, the oil level is low in diff so oil don't run out of seal all the time, only when that side is lower than oil in differential. If I feel diff where it should be it runs out of the bad seal as fast as we put it in.
Just a thought for you.
Larry
Geoff (64.1.0.129)

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Posted on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 7:14 am:   

It sounds like the brake shoe(s) got stuck, you may want to check the adjustment on it and see if it needs tightening-- this may be the cause of it's sticking. While you are at it, adjust all the shoes and give the zerks a shot of grease.

--Geoff
'82 RTS CA
Neil (198.81.26.174)

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Posted on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 10:07 am:   

We had a similar experience last week as we were returning from Chama NM. After being on the road about 30 min I noticed my rear wheel was smoking big time! As I inspected it the smell of hot brake was unmistakable.This had happened once before in Wash. The brake releases but drags on the drum. If I wait until the coach rolls free after brake release I don't have any trouble.
Nest time I have the wheels off I will check it out.
Good luck. Neil
Luke Bonagura (Lukeatuscoach) (12.90.10.137)

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Posted on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 10:39 am:   

Hi Folks:
After pushing in your DD-3 brake release button, make a full application of the brakes with your brake pedal to be sure that brakes are released before taking off.
Brakes should be adjusted & lubricated on a regular basis.
Lack of lubrication can cause brakes to "hang up" and if they are not adjusted properly, should an emergency situation arise, you could be in trouble!!!
As we are talking about SAFETY, I Hope this HELPS!!!
LUKE at US COACH
Ross Carlisle (Ross) (216.107.193.101)

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Posted on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 12:12 pm:   

Thanks Luke....Sounds like I had the same problem as Neil. I also may not have had the park brake release completely. Either way, I'm going to pull all wheels and adjust/inspect brakes before going anywhere. I think the one that was dragging may need new shoes now. Would 10 miles destroy the shoes?

Ross
Fred H (216.128.130.143)

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Posted on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 8:05 pm:   

When this happens again reach down and pull up on brake peddle As they if not oiled will stick down on the DD3 air cotrol and cause your brakes to be part on. Happen a lot on MCIs that have sit long time. Fred H
Buswarrior (Buswarrior) (64.229.213.188)

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Posted on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 10:32 pm:   

I'll echo Luke's instruction.

On a DD3 parking brake system, you MUST make a firm brake application after releasing the control valve to be sure to get a complete release.

A partial release won't be very noticeable to you in the driver's seat. You'll just drive off with shoes dragging against drums. My local fleet pegs the cost of damage at $4000 CDN for discipline purposes if a driver gets sloppy and fries a set of brakes.

And as Fred H notes, lightly used buses are more prone to sticking brake parts.

Every older MCI (everything back from the 102's, and some of them too) should be heard making a heavy brake exhaust as it prepares to move out from a parked position. DD3 was a popular option on other coach models too.

Be sure you know what type of parking brake system your coach uses, and how to operate it properly for long, safe and economical life.

Both the brakes, and yours!

happy coaching!
buswarrior

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