Brake Help Needed
- Thread starter PeterS
- Start date
danemayer
Well-known member
Order a new brake assembly. The assembly will be less expensive and faster to install. Note when ordering that there are left assemblies and right assemblies depending on which side failed.
If you're not sure how to install it, you might want to get a mobile servicer to come out.
If you're not sure how to install it, you might want to get a mobile servicer to come out.
Well, mobile installer came out today and we decided to get all 4 brake units replaced. He took one of the old ones to the parts supplier and obtained the exact manufacturer and model parts....however the bolt pattern does not fit, new bolts are spaced further out. RV is 2017 model, parts were stamped 2019.
Seems very odd. Is there something "special" about these Heartland/Mallard models?
And on a side note: should this be an unusual warranty case? Where do brake adjusters just fall out after 2 yrs and less than 10k miles?
Seems very odd. Is there something "special" about these Heartland/Mallard models?
And on a side note: should this be an unusual warranty case? Where do brake adjusters just fall out after 2 yrs and less than 10k miles?
danemayer
Well-known member
Your axles and brakes are either Lippert or Dexter. Get a photo of the label on one of your axles - it has model/serial ID numbers as well as name of mfg. Call them to discuss. The axle/brake manufacturer warrants those parts and I think they both have at least a 2 year warranty. The may have a 5 year warranty now. They may pay for everything except the mobile service travel charge.
Soooo...they finally came out with the CORRECT parts after more than 2 weeks. Supposedly there is an upgraded axle on this unit and a bigger brake assembly is needed. Long story, after they assembled it I took the rig for a spin and even with the brake controller cranked to full 10.0 now, I don't get much braking from the trailer. Normally the controller is set to 7.0 or 7.5 and wheels lock up with this empty load when using the controller levers to test.
Complained to NA RV (the guys doing the mobile service) and the repair tech is telling me now I should replace all 4 drums as well. a) those did not look worn or glassy, b) I did not see the tech doing any adjustment after the install (which YouTube shows one should do), c) I am afraid they are trying to rip me off - but how could I tell?
An we made no progress with the initial warranty yet either.
Complained to NA RV (the guys doing the mobile service) and the repair tech is telling me now I should replace all 4 drums as well. a) those did not look worn or glassy, b) I did not see the tech doing any adjustment after the install (which YouTube shows one should do), c) I am afraid they are trying to rip me off - but how could I tell?
An we made no progress with the initial warranty yet either.
danemayer
Well-known member
You may need to go through a burnishing break-in of the new shoes so they fit the drums well. We had some brake problems on our 2011 when it was under warranty. Dexter sent new all new parts. Leaving the service bay, the brake controller manual lever on full wouldn't hold the truck even at idle. No braking at all.
Dexter engineering told us to find a low-traffic country road and accelerate to 40 mph. Then lightly squeeze the manual lever to gradually slow to 20 mph. Do that once per mile and repeat 50 times (yep - 50 times). We found a 10 mile loop and after 5 circuits doing what they suggested, the brakes worked great.
Dexter engineering told us to find a low-traffic country road and accelerate to 40 mph. Then lightly squeeze the manual lever to gradually slow to 20 mph. Do that once per mile and repeat 50 times (yep - 50 times). We found a 10 mile loop and after 5 circuits doing what they suggested, the brakes worked great.
i4110peter
Active Member
Soooo..... our 2018 BH3160 is less than 2 years old, with a recorded 5323 miles on it. I don't know what the dealer did with it during the first 8 months that they had it, but it was sold to us as "new" because it was never registered. Took it to my local tire specialist for a checkup, bearing pack, etc. Everything looked perfect except for the right front brake shoe was worn completely down, metal on metal, ruining the drum. How could this be? The shop said there were no failed parts in the brake assy. I never saw any indication of this issue in the 2000 miles that I have put on the unit. Repairs are being facilitated and I will be checking hub temps closely in the future. Any idea appreciated.
WillyBill
Well-known member
IMHO...I'd bet that the slack adjuster was in backwards or for the wrong side (One of the reasons that there is a Left and Right side assemblys) causing the adjuster to tighten up a little bit every time the brakes were applied. Not unheard of. Factory and DIY people have both been known to make this mistake so it would not be a surprise. Only other explanation I can think of is if parts were not installed correctly.
WB
WB
i4110peter
Active Member
Spoke with Dexter this morning and because we are within the 2 year warranty period, they may reimburse us for the repair. They seemed very receptive in finding the cause of this issue. We shall see......
i4110peter
Active Member
Heard back from Dexter and they are going to reimburse us for the parts and labor. My hat's off to Dexter for their attention to the customer and their warranty policy.
Remastoy
Member
I had my self adjusting brakes fail also. #6 is Little Rock AR. and # in Montana. I had all brakes replaced under warranty. continued trip to Washington and then back home to Florida. during the trip I researched Disk Brakes, they are Electro/hydraulic operated. While towing my Cyclone 4200 close to gross weight I had to set my brake gain to 10 to get the brakes to work effectively (factory brakes). When I got home I ordered the Disk Brake system from performance Trailer Braking. the whole system for 6 wheels cost $2000.00. They offer to send a team out to install the system and test drive with you (My team was a husband and wife) the install was an additional $1200.00. Since the install we have made another trip out west plus numerous short trips totaling 12,000 miles without a problem one and my brake gain is down to 4.0.disk brakes are the way to go best money spent for the safety of my family.
Hockster
-
Going to Disc brakes is the best money you will ever spend for any RV upgrade.
When you’ve towed with Disc brakes, and compared the difference, you wonder why it is not offered as an option on every coach made.
I believe the customer should have the choice of which system they want, and would surely pay the additional cost for this upgrade.
This upgrade could very well be a life saver, surely is a nerve, white knuckle, and prayer saver.
Performance Trailer Braking is an excellent company and the owners and installers, (Heartlanders) are the nicest people in the world.
Hockster
When you’ve towed with Disc brakes, and compared the difference, you wonder why it is not offered as an option on every coach made.
I believe the customer should have the choice of which system they want, and would surely pay the additional cost for this upgrade.
This upgrade could very well be a life saver, surely is a nerve, white knuckle, and prayer saver.
Performance Trailer Braking is an excellent company and the owners and installers, (Heartlanders) are the nicest people in the world.
Hockster
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