klattu
Classic Camper
Posts:129
Registered Users
Heart of Dixie
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| 03/12/2007 7:06 PM |
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Who just did the brake job on their 345?
Spend $1200 and then found leak in Master Cylinder?
What part number did you find was for the P30?
Do we have JD7, JB8 or JB7 systems?
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1989 Airstream 345 |
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Airstream345
Site Host
Classic Master
Posts:1335
Administrators
Louisville, KY
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| 03/12/2007 7:16 PM |
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That was me. I did the brake job a few years back.
Pretty sure mine was the JB8...but it depends on your configuration front and rear discs on mine. Went to AutoZone....told them P30 motorhome, they had everything in stock.
MC was about $50 rebuilt, replaced rear pads and had the rear discs turned. Also had the rear tg drums turned and installed new shoes and magnets. The tags were the most expensive for repairs...I think something like $80 a side when it was all said and done (my own labor)
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Steven Webster
1986 Airstream Classic 345
Host, ThisOldRV.com |
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klattu
Classic Camper
Posts:129
Registered Users
Heart of Dixie
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| 03/12/2007 7:32 PM |
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I better check mine...just thought had shoes on the rear.
Going to all my own labor too...except turning.
Thanks
I may take photos to share as a DIY |
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1989 Airstream 345 |
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klattu
Classic Camper
Posts:129
Registered Users
Heart of Dixie
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| 03/13/2007 12:43 PM |
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Wow...
Looked close at mine and it does have disc brakes on the rear.
Impressive.
I see shinny parts on backing plate for tag axle, so hope brakes were recently done.
Just got that spongy pedal syndrome.
Will replace MC first |
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1989 Airstream 345 |
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Airstream345
Site Host
Classic Master
Posts:1335
Administrators
Louisville, KY
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| 03/13/2007 12:46 PM |
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| Good time to bleed all of the lines while you're at it. My fluid was grey coming out. Spongy might also be worn out flexible hoses at the corners |
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Steven Webster
1986 Airstream Classic 345
Host, ThisOldRV.com |
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guy99
Not a Newbie
Posts:26
Registered Users
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| 03/13/2007 1:37 PM |
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On our last long trip earlier this winter (40 days ~ 2500 miles) I had a brake issue. When I pulled off of the freeway in Bakersfield (after having come down the grapevine) I noticed that my toad brake was not operating and that pedal effort to stop was real high. Next day I hooked up the toad and set about checking the braking system. I discovered that the braking system in the toad was working fine (as evidenced when I pulled the breakaway cord) but that the toad brakes were not being activated by the MH, neither the MH brake pedal nor manual activation.
Also noted that the brake light in the MH came on when I pressed hard on the brake pedal. Brakes also felt spongy. I couldn't reach the master cylinder reservoir without raising the left front and I was about to stick my head between the tire and the fender while the MH was supported by the leveler. So, off to Harbor Freight for a set of jack stands. Once I had the MH supported by jack stands I managed to get the top off of the reservoir and while I could see, I could feel and tell that the fluid level was extremely low in both chambers. Added some fluid and the brakes were much better. I could still get the brake light to come on but only with extreme effort. Toad brake still didn't work.
Drove the last 450 miles home very carefully although the brakes seemed fine except for the toad brake not working.
I left the MH at a shop I trust and asked them to find the source of the MH brake problem and made an appointment with a shop that installs and services my brand of toad brake (Unified Tow Brake from USGear).
The shop found no leaks in my brakes but did find uneven pad wear and that at least one of the pads on each wheel was worn out. So $1200 later I have new pads and calipers and resurfaced rotors. The only explanation they could offer for the low fluid was that the pads had worn enough that the calipers needed all of the fluid. I said, but don't you check the fluid when I bring it in for old change and lube - they said well... as you know the master cylinder is hard to get to and we're not sure it has been checked.
Also filled with DOT 4 Brake fluid - I had asked them about DOT 5 but they said that DOT 5 and DOT 3 fluid are not compatible and to go to DOT 5 I would have to replace all seals and hoses which had seen DOT 3 fluid. So I agreed to DOT 4 which is compatible with DOT 3 and has much higher boiling point (although not as high as DOT 5).
The toad brake needed a new control unit (the device in the MH which sends the signal to apply the toad brakes.
So, how , and how often do you check your brake fluid?
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Airstream345
Site Host
Classic Master
Posts:1335
Administrators
Louisville, KY
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| 03/13/2007 2:01 PM |
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Great post...worth checking often. I do a 3000 mile service on my moho. change oil, check major fluids, grease fittings, perform compression check on engine, check timing, plug condition, etc. I check all of the uner hood fluids at almost every fuel stop. I also had a large mysterious loss of brake fluid on mine after reaplcing the MC. Turned out to be a leaking seal in the MC...went ahead and replaced all of the hoses, new MC, fluid flush, etc. It's been fine ever since with virtually no fluid loss.
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Steven Webster
1986 Airstream Classic 345
Host, ThisOldRV.com |
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guy99
Not a Newbie
Posts:26
Registered Users
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| 03/13/2007 2:26 PM |
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Posted By Airstream345 on 03/13/2007 2:01 PM
Great
post...worth checking often. I do a 3000 mile service on my moho.
change oil, check major fluids, grease fittings, perform compression
check on engine, check timing, plug condition, etc. I check all of the
uner hood fluids at almost every fuel stop. I also had a large
mysterious loss of brake fluid on mine after reaplcing the MC. Turned
out to be a leaking seal in the MC...went ahead and replaced all of the
hoses, new MC, fluid flush, etc. It's been fine ever since with
virtually no fluid loss.
[/quote]
Steven,
What was the symptom of the leaking MC seal? OBTW, I had the MC replaced last year.
Also, in your experience what is the best way to get access to the MC?
I too check under hood every travel day morning. Also check the
generator oil and coolant. I have Smartire so I no longer have to
check the tires every morning as I used to.
As I tell my wife, I know someday the engine (or whatever) will go, I
just don't want it to be becasue I didn't check fluids etc.
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klattu
Classic Camper
Posts:129
Registered Users
Heart of Dixie
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| 03/16/2007 11:01 PM |
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Ordered a MC today...was only $45 at Advance for a rebuilt.
Part #101668
I was OK with that price!
NAPA wanted $134 (new one)
So many available that fit description.
Settled on one that was for JF9 brake system.
Don't know for sure if thats what I have, will closly inspect and compare before turning in old one. |
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1989 Airstream 345 |
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Balrgn
Moderator
Expert
Posts:805
Registered Users
Southern NH
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| 03/17/2007 7:23 AM |
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Posted By klattu on 03/16/2007 11:01 PM
Ordered a MC today...was only $45 at Advance for a rebuilt.
Part #101668
I was OK with that price!
NAPA wanted $134 (new one)
So many available that fit description.
Settled on one that was for JF9 brake system.
Don't know for sure if thats what I have, will closly inspect and compare before turning in old one.
Good job shopping around, big price dif... !
Don't forget pics 
Mine were gone thru just before I bought it. I'll have to look at the invoice to see what it all was...
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1977 Argosy 20
454 V8 Gas
Southern NH
Maintenance Analyst
www.balrgn.com |
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