Evaluating Brake Hose Wellness

[Crawdaddy]

I am not familiar with what criteria to use when evaluating a brake hose and whether I should replace it or not. I know best policy is to if in doubt, replace it, especially with a single circuit brake system. What should I be looking for in these brake hoses? They appear to be solid with no huge cracks or bulges in them. They seem to be dry, but not brittle or brand new and shiny. Any thoughts before I go spending huge coin on brake parts I may not need?

I still need to pull the tires off and check out the wheel cylinders and brake shoes, but the good news is I don't have any visible leakage coming out of the drums. The brakes work pretty well I'd say, but it takes most of the pedal travel before the brakes start doing anything. Is this normal?

 

[nk14zp]

JATONKA's M35 TM download page All the info is in the TM's.

 

[emmado22]

Brake hoses are cheap compared to the damage you can cause when you loose your brakes. If your not sure, replace them.

 

[Wildchild467]

I have thought about this also, i would like to replace all of my hoses just because. one had some engine oil dripping on it (fixed now) and i dont feel like loosing my brakes comming down the long hill from my house..at the bottom of the hill is a 90 degree sharp turn. no way could i take that at speed. i would think the hoses in the front would me more critical for wear/damage because they would flex the most. i have no experience to back that theroy up, just seem like they would though.

as far as your brake pedal, that is probably the brakes out of adjustment. i would adjust them per the TM.

 

[m-35tom]

are they 40 years old? probably. are they cheap? yes, very. replace all 5 of them and all the wheel cyls and be good for another 20 years.

tom

 

[rlwm211]

Visually inspect the hoses for cracks in the outer covering, dry or brittle rubber material, and for any indication that the ends are starting to come apart; that is the metal ends are starting to loosen from the outer protective coating. If any question exists in your mind that these hoses are healthy, replace them. Another test is to have a "soldier B" to step on the pedal as hard as they can, and look for bulging, or excessive flexing which would indicate a reinforcement coming apart in the hose. The PSI in the brake system approaches 2000PSI with the airpack in operation so the pedal test should be done with the air pressure built up, but the truck off so you can communicate.

I would download the TMs for your truck, and then do a minor brake adjustment. You will need to jack an axle up to be able to spin the wheel to set the adjustment. That should take up much of your brake pedal travel. if not, it may be a primary adjustment which is a bit more involved. None of this is difficult and if you read the manual you can do it. The procedure is in

T M 9 - 2 3 2 0 - 2 0 9 - 2 0 - 3 - 2
Section III

Remember that the Army designed these trucks and laid out the manuals so 20 year olds could do the repairs and maintenance on them with very little instruction. There is a whole bunch of SS members in Louisana who would share their knowledge and experience with you if you ask.

The TMs are at www.JATONKAM35s.com and should be considered an essential part of your tool kit for your deuce. Be sure to download them and save a copy. I carry mine on a JUMP DRIVE so I have them with me at all times.

RL

 

[Crawdaddy]

Thanks for the pointer on which TM and section to look at. I found the minor adjustment procedure; looks pretty simple. As soon as I have some time, I'll run through it.

I'll probably go ahead and replace all the brake hoses and bleed the system. Might as well check and possibly replace the wheel cylinders while I'm at it.