03-23-2018, 05:15 AM
So now that I have my air leaks under control and my furnaces working I am focusing on my tag brakes.
The issue is that they lock up to easily leaving 6 inch flats on them every time but they do smoothen out over time but by then I usually get more flats from hard stops. So I took the coach in and had them backed off supposedly further than usual setting but after I tested the brakes and the drivers side tag wheel locked up. Before both side locked together. So I figured maybe the mechanic's wrench slipped and his settings were not a match. Frustrated and not knowing much about these brakes I went to you tube and learned as much as I could. So seeing how easy it is to adjust I readjusted them myself to recommended settings which is touch the shoes to the drum and back off 1/2 turn, at least I know they are both at the same setting. Checking travel distance for the push rod which is called to be less than 2 inches I show 1.5 inches so they are in spec. I have not tested them yet and don't plan on it till we leave to go back east probably within in a couple weeks. I know some of these same length coaches were made without tags, whay couldn't the brakes be taken out of use? My issue in trying to solve this over the years has been other mechanics checking the adjustments, adding more pressure to the tag but nothing has worked and tires are not cheap. I am told even If the brakes are backed way off being auto slack adjusters they will go back to where they should be so that does not seem to be the answer. Some say to Cage the brakes, some say to disconnect and plug the air lines.
Would the DOT have an issue with disconnecting the brakes?
The issue is that they lock up to easily leaving 6 inch flats on them every time but they do smoothen out over time but by then I usually get more flats from hard stops. So I took the coach in and had them backed off supposedly further than usual setting but after I tested the brakes and the drivers side tag wheel locked up. Before both side locked together. So I figured maybe the mechanic's wrench slipped and his settings were not a match. Frustrated and not knowing much about these brakes I went to you tube and learned as much as I could. So seeing how easy it is to adjust I readjusted them myself to recommended settings which is touch the shoes to the drum and back off 1/2 turn, at least I know they are both at the same setting. Checking travel distance for the push rod which is called to be less than 2 inches I show 1.5 inches so they are in spec. I have not tested them yet and don't plan on it till we leave to go back east probably within in a couple weeks. I know some of these same length coaches were made without tags, whay couldn't the brakes be taken out of use? My issue in trying to solve this over the years has been other mechanics checking the adjustments, adding more pressure to the tag but nothing has worked and tires are not cheap. I am told even If the brakes are backed way off being auto slack adjusters they will go back to where they should be so that does not seem to be the answer. Some say to Cage the brakes, some say to disconnect and plug the air lines.
Would the DOT have an issue with disconnecting the brakes?
1988 40 ft 8v92 newell
Coach name Big Blue
25 ft Haulmark car hauler with Andersen Anti sway
2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser.