[Dan]

I would be tempted to check the air
pressure on the inside drive axle tire on the drivers side.

[Archived]

Tag tire and probably a brake not releasing, yours has the manual adjuster I’m sure.

[John]

Are both sides drive wheels or only the drivers side? Tom I don’t know what you mean by a manual adjuster?

Today is the first time I backed the coach. When I released the emergency brake and put it in reverse the coach didn’t move. I gave it a little gas and the coach lurched a little and sounded like maybe something released and started backing up. Maybe it was just the transmission, as I said it’s the first time I backed the bus.

I doubt the folks I rent the space from will be happy with the trench and I’m not happy it was my bus that did it! I’m looking for the time I can spend time in my bus without something being or going wrong!

[Doug]

Before you do much more driving you need to do a DOT brake check, then you need to get an IR heat gun and after driving a hundred yards or so see if you aren’t driving with a locked brake. This is not your father’s Oldsmobile and some knowledge has to be gained so you can determine what is happening because if that is a dragging brake or your brakes are locking due to air loss a long drive is almost always going to end up with the bus on fire.

[Dan]

I fueled the bus today and If a brake was locked shouldn’t there be a rubber mark on the concrete and/or a burning smell? I did the DOT brake test and it came back to pressure in 40 seconds. Also remember this is the first time I drove the coach since I brought it home from Texas.

Now im going to drive it to Knoxville for an appointment with Clark Specialist and it may start on fire!? Good Lord, could I be haveing more fun???

Harry aka Grumpy and I have a cold so Sneesy too!

[Archived]

Looks like one of your brakes did not release at first.

If you went more than a few miles to fill up, the brake must have released otherwise you would have noticed when filling up.

I have made it a habit when taking off on a trip to stop after 10-15 miles and check temperatures of wheels. When my tag wheel locked up (because I overgreased it) it was too hot to touch after 10 highway miles.

Hang in there, it will get better!

Gerald

[DON]

Harry, There are a number of reasons for a dragging brake, if that is why you left those marks in the gravel.

If you want to keep it simple and not worry when you drive it the next time just go a short distance, like a mile or two and stop and just put your hand on the wheels as close to the hub as possible as soon as you stop. The wheels may be warm and all will feel about the same, but if one is dragging the brake you will notice it feels hotter than others.

Maybe the bearings aren’t getting enough oil, maybe the brake is not fully releasing, maybe the brake shoe return springs broke or maybe the slack adjusters are set too tight. Or maybe nothing is wrong. Just check to be safe.

As you learn the coach you will become not only more aware if something is going wrong, you will develop an understanding of the possible causes.

[Harry]

Hi Gerald, I had driven around 30 miles by the time I stopped for fuel. That’s why I say that I should have seen or smelled something because I walked to the back of the bus as I was fueling.

Hi Jon, is it possible that a brake would stick etc backing and not going forward? I ask that because no ruts were made pulling in so why would it do it backing? Plus as I said earlier I drove this bus 1100 miles with no tire/brake problem. I’ll have Clark check it on Monday, it should make it 100 miles right?

Harry

[Harry]

This is another instance of not enough information so my guess is the brake could drag for a bit while backing up and then release. Something as simple as a disconnected or broken brake return spring could cause a dragging brake.

The photo shows a partially assembled tag? axle brake assembly and in it you can see the yellow return springs. If they break or come loose the shoes can drag. It is still not assembled properly but in between the spring coils is what is called the “S” cam. When everything is in place the “S” cam rotates against a roller at the top and bottom expanding or allowing the shoes to retract. If the spring is broken or missing in one direction of the wheel the shoe can bind, and in the other driection of rotation the shoe can drag.

A different view with the rollers in place. Picture the “S” cam rotating counterclockwise and as it does the brake shoes expand against the drum. The “S” cam is rotated by the slack adjuster that is pushed by the brake chamber rod.

A different view with the hub in place. This is what your tag axle brakes look like

[Michael]

Jon, is this something Clark can check and fix? And are there other things I need them to look at while I’m there?

Harry

[DON]

Here’s my suggestion. Have Clark deal with the engine issue(s). Then drive down to ETLC.

Jeff may not be able to handle you right away unless you make a prior arrangement, but he or one of his guys can do a quick basic check to see if they have any concerns. If you can schedule an appointment to have Jeff do a 100% inspection he will give you recommendations on a maintenance program and likely deal with immediate issues.

The only way anyone can really evaluate what is going on is to spend time beneath it and that person needs to understand the coach and Jeff is the best one for that.

[Harry]

Ok, Jeff will see me after Clark, so maybe just maybe I’ll get some things figured out!

Harry

[Greg]

Harry, I’m feeling your pain all the way down in Florida and hope you get to start enjoying your coach soon.

Maybe I missed this post, but I wanted to ask if you had the coach inspected prior to purchase? I’m no expert in these matters and understand some of these items may not have been readily visible. But it seems that some of the issues, such as the batteries, may have been caught by a trained eye.

[Archived]

Hi Andy,

No I didn’t have it inspected. That would be the intelligent thing to have done but sadly is not something I’m known for! Between Clark and ETLC on Monday I should have some things worked out. Agreed a little after the fact but trying to make up for earlier mistakes.

Harry

[June]

I would think that if the brakes were locked there would be no tread marks in the tracks, like I see. Specially in a gravel parking lot, I know I once left gas station with the toad brakes on and I made a real rut throught the gravel. I am wonder if the tag is not down on that side putting more weight on that side.