| Author |
Message |
Vernon Johnston (Tmititifg)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 13, 2004 - 5:48 pm: | |
Hi... I have a 4106 with air brakes - Mini Max system. I replaced the E-1 Foot Valve 300
miles ago. Everything worked fine until yesterday when I backed off a little ramp in my driveway
to make ready for a venture to a new location. I set my parking
brake. That was the good news. The bad news is that I could not get
the brakes to release.
I called Luke, from US Coach, who had me check for air leaks. Sure enough - air
leaks!!! The leak is coming from the location by the right rear brake
chamber. The Mini Max has a manual release. I used the manual release, then pinched off the air line going to that brake chamber. Now, I thought, my brakes would release. But...they did not. My air pressure will go to 120 and still no release.
As far as the Mini Max Brake Chambers, Luke said that
he thought that company is out of business and that I might not be
able to get parts in the event that I have to replace the diaphragms.
It was suggested that I contact the board to ascertain the Mini Max
company situation. I called the 800 number listed on the brake
chamber, but so far no return call.
Anyone have experience with my situation and/or with the Mini Max
people? Can the Mini Max Brake Chamber be rebuilt or have a new diaphragm installed?
Another thing: I also jacked up the front to check my brakes and to see if the wheel would rotate once off the ground. I was under the impression the front would rotate because the parking brake only sets the rear brakes. No go...they were set tight also. Hmmmmm, I am thinking, this is getting more interesting.
So, here I am, with plenty of air pressure with one rear Mini Max brake chamber not working and isolated; and my brakes will not release.
I will try cracking the inlet to the foot pedal (treadle) that Jock recommended in Thread under Brake Failure "(Crack the inlet air fitting at the treadle valve and see if you have air pressure to the valve. There are a couple of check valves that could be stuck too. Still my first guess is that the link to the treadle is messed up. The E-1 and E-3 valves are so simple inside that it is hard to imagine how it could not pass air if opened.)"
Sincerely.... Vern |
TWODOGS (Twodogs)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, November 14, 2004 - 1:08 am: | |
seems like they replace the mini with either dd3 or spring brakes |
Vernon Johnston (Tmititifg)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 15, 2004 - 2:58 pm: | |
Well... I took the mini max brake chamber off and took it in to a shop. Cost me $2.78 for a diaphragm and about $23 for labor to carefully (people stood back while it was being opened) open it and install the new diaphragm. It bench tested just fine. I was one happy person.
Now I will re-install the Brake Chamber. Hopefully that will solve the "I cannot get the brakes to release" challenge. Thanks for all your advice and I will keep you posted. Vern |
Vernon Johnston (Tmititifg)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 23, 2004 - 3:22 pm: | |
Got It!!! Installed new footvalve (E-1). A few bumps along the way,
but got it installed and the brakes release. I backed up a little
ways and then went forward. The set brakes and service brakes work.
Once I catch a break, weatherwise and restwise, I will crawl under my
4106 and readjust the brakes. But for now....I feel real good!
A few of the challenges along the way were the MiniMax brake chamber
leak that required a new diaphragm; a Skinner Valve that needed an "O-
ring" replaced; and me to figure out why after all this that my bus
would not start.
It was crazy... Somehow, during all the working on the bus and the
skinner valve, the Emergency Stop Mechanism, got moved into the Stop
Position. I was not able to start the bus. Eventually, after
recharging
the batteries, I fortunately checked the Emergency Stop Cam Lock and
reset it. Fired right up and I was all smiles...
The good, besides brakes, from all this is that I found a few air
leaks and fixed 'em
and the air is holding at 90 PSI overnight. Also had a chance to
clean all four K&N Air filters.
I learned a lot and appreciate all your help including Luke and Bill
from US Coach walking me through a few steps and for sending me a new
foot valve overnight express. I used a lot of the info I received
from the Board to solve the challenge. Again.....thanks. Vern |
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