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Camp Deuter

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NVMessner

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I appreciate the help fellas. The guys at TMG went through the brakes and filled with dot 3. My initial thought when the brakes dragged when I first picked it up was a bad air pack. Unfortunately since we are camping I don't have a lot of tools. I have a 20 ton bottle Jack and a smaller tool set. I'd love to get this brake issue figgered out. We have a trip to Bend OR coming up at the beginning of next month.
Just to clarify. The air acts as a brake booster in these rigs correct? I've had several different people tell me several different things.
I also had one guy stop by camp yesterday and tell me he has run one on 50/50 diesel and WATER. Crazy!
I'm goin to try and work on it this weekend. I just found out where the auto parts store and hardware store are. So I can get brake fluid at least.
David Wymore I would greatly appreciate an extra hand and knowledge. Maybe we could work something out with some beers...
 
DavidWymore

DavidWymore

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Yes, it's like a vacuum boost, but air. Brakes are hydraulic. I think this is what we're going to be doing unless you want to buy an airpack. I recommend Erik's, closest.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?82753-MY-Airpack-Rebuild-with-Photos!

It's hot down here in the desert, I need to go to the mountains anyway. I can come up next weekend and the one after if we don't get it licked the first weekend.


I think there should be a line you could crack to release pressure if they start locking up. I assume you have another vehicle for a runabout?
 
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NVMessner

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Still in the deuce. Just sold our house in Bishop so we should be outta here within the next month or two. Hopefully soon before it starts getting too cold. Also haven't gotten around to doing the air pack rebuild....I need to take care of that.
 
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NVMessner

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Just checked the brakes.....pedal went to the floor, pushed by my hand. I've started the truck up occasionally to keep oil moving, but haven't paid much attention to the brakes. I let the air pressure build up, pumped em a few times...nothing. Bled the air from the emergency valve in the back, tried pumping again...nothin...
 
DavidWymore

DavidWymore

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NVMessner said:
Just checked the brakes.....pedal went to the floor, pushed by my hand. I've started the truck up occasionally to keep oil moving, but haven't paid much attention to the brakes. I let the air pressure build up, pumped em a few times...nothing. Bled the air from the emergency valve in the back, tried pumping again...nothin...
Click to expand...

Sounds like a fluid problem, check level in master cylinder, look for leaks.
 
orren

orren

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Specs call for DOT 5 not 3 brake fluid as mentioned used in a previous post. Don't know if this
is a cause of your brake problems but mine work great have used only DOT 5.
 
silverstate55

silverstate55

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NVMessner said:
I'm pretty sure it's brake fluid.
Click to expand...
Have you given it the Smell-Check to confirm? It can be only one of two things....

If gear oil, it is at least driveable once you resolve the brake issue. The outer axle seal has failed, allowing gear oil to fill the hub & wash out the bearings, and now the inner seal is gone, giving that steady drip. It will get really bad once it's driven & that pooled gear oil in the hub blows out, but will eventually taper off.

If it's brake fluid, that's most likely your reason for the low level & soft pedal. I just had a similar problem on a Deuce I'm rebuilding; I rebuilt all wheel cylinders with new components, put everything back together, and as soon as I started to pressure-bleed the brakes, the driver's side rear-rear cylinder blew out and started gushing DOT-5 everywhere. I lost about a quart before I got it stopped ($$$$). It took me about 2 hours to remove both tires, strip everything out, and replace the cylinder with a new one.

When inspecting the cylinder, everything was sealed up nicely, but one end boot just wouldn't stay on...I grabbed another rebuild kit and swapped in a new end boot, and it stayed on. Must have been a defective end boot. :shrugs:

If you have a hub wrench & some basic tools, you can order a new wheel cylinder from Erik's and swap it in in about a day. Be sure to bleed your brakes afterwards.

And get that DOT-3 out of there; completely flush the entire brake system and put DOT-5 in there. You can get a gallon of DOT-5 from NAPA for about $100 (going to pick up another gallon in about an hour...).

Be aware that DOT-5 and DOT-5.1 are NOT the same....DOT-5 is referred to as Silicone Brake Fluid when you ask counter help or do an online search through auto repair parts houses.

I apologize that I'm not in a better position to help you; it this was after January, when I'm newly-retired, I'd have time to come down to knock it out for you. Hopefully somebody closer will be able to help.
 
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