Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] So it begins...
| [GMCnet] So it begins... [message #164345] |
Tue, 27 March 2012 12:32  |
Sean
Messages: 189
Registered: March 2012
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Just drove my coach into town to get it registered. Lost brake pressure
just as I got near the office. Was able to park without killing anybody,
then I heard someone say "fire". Ran out with the extinguisher, but then
the person said "no, tire". Went to see what he was talking about, saw
smoke coming from behind the rear driver's side brakes. No fire on the
tire, just smoke. Waiting in line for registration, then will get a tow to
a nearby shop. Adventure!
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Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] So it begins... [message #164359 is a reply to message #164357] |
Tue, 27 March 2012 15:01  |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
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Sean,
Post some photos -- not uncommon for the rear swing arms to look twisted as all heck -- just need to drive straight forward to let them get their attitude right. Smoke from the tire, along with bad brakes, suggests something like a binding brake shoe or bearing.
Oh, and even a bent swing arm can usually be straightened. Porta-power or with a long pry bar welded to an old wheel.
Dennis
Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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| Re: [GMCnet] So it begins... [message #164361 is a reply to message #164359] |
Tue, 27 March 2012 15:10 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Check your parking brake cable on the side that is hot. Back off the
adjustment and leave it that way. Test drive it. if it still gets hot,
replace the wheel cylinders and power bleed your rear brakes.
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 403
On Tue, Mar 27, 2012 at 1:02 PM, Dennis Sexton <dennisfsexton@aol.com>wrote:
>
>
> Sean,
>
> Post some photos -- not uncommon for the rear swing arms to look twisted
> as all heck -- just need to drive straight forward to let them get their
> attitude right. Smoke from the tire, along with bad brakes, suggests
> something like a binding brake shoe or bearing.
>
> Oh, and even a bent swing arm can usually be straightened. Porta-power or
> with a long pry bar welded to an old wheel.
>
> Dennis
>
> Sean wrote on Tue, 27 March 2012 14:54
> > Sigh, looks like the rear axle might be bent :(
> > _______________________________________________
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>
> --
> Dennis S
> 73 Painted Desert 230
> Germantown, TN
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| Re: [GMCnet] So it begins... [message #164365 is a reply to message #164364] |
Tue, 27 March 2012 15:53 |
Sean
Messages: 189
Registered: March 2012
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On Tue, Mar 27, 2012 at 2:30 PM, Dan Gregg <gregg_dan@hotmail.com> wrote:
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>
> Sounds like the caliper locked up. I will bet the axle is not bent because there ain't one. The rear bogies twist on purpose. Back it up and pull it forward and they will straigten out. I never park mine after a turn without backing up 30 feet then pulling forward.
> Where are you located? We are at the GMCMI convention. Just had a short discussion on rear "bent axles".
Thanks for the advice, all... I'm in Deming, NM. I called a few
different RV service centers and they all recommended a local repair
shop (E & M Auto Repair, where I spotted the blue Glacier last week or
so) so I had it towed there. Now I just need to wait a week or so for
them to get to it.
Thanks also for the info about the rear end, maybe things aren't as
bad as they look. Here's a picture: http://goo.gl/cb6u3
Since it's there at the shop, I'm going to have them inspect
everything they can and get a list of what needs repair. I'm prepared
to do a lot of work myself, but I don't trust myself to mess with the
brakes just yet :)
--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
Gallery: http://goo.gl/Gfcpd
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Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] So it begins... [message #164366 is a reply to message #164345] |
Tue, 27 March 2012 16:00 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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If your last move to park like that was with the front wheels turned L or R, that that amount of wonky is normal. Pull dead straight ahead about 20' and then take a picture for us. Probably a stuck wheel brake cyl or a leaky one causing the brake lining to gum up and drag causing smoke. Lack of use will cause wheels cyls to fail when used again.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] So it begins... [message #164367 is a reply to message #164366] |
Tue, 27 March 2012 16:05 |
Sean
Messages: 189
Registered: March 2012
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On Tue, Mar 27, 2012 at 3:00 PM, John R. Lebetski <gransport@aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> If your last move to park like that was with the front wheels turned L or R, that that amount of wonky is normal. Pull dead straight ahead about 20' and then take a picture for us. Probably a stuck wheel brake cyl or a leaky one causing the brake lining to gum up and drag causing smoke. Lack of use will cause wheels cyls to fail when used again.
It's at the shop now, so I can't get any new pictures at the moment. I
did take a look at the wheel before I left it there, and it did appear
to be more straight. Also, when following the tow truck, the wheels
seemed to be normal (other than the smoke coming from driver-side
rear).
Again, I have to say I really appreciate all of the friendly advice on
this list - now that I know a bit more about the rear end, I feel a
little bit less stressed about this :)
--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
Gallery: http://goo.gl/Gfcpd
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Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] So it begins... [message #164369 is a reply to message #164367] |
Tue, 27 March 2012 16:17 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
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Sean,
Good picture -- looks like you just pulled into a parking spot -- so not an unexpected attitude/angle on the wheels.
Dennis
| Sean wrote on Tue, 27 March 2012 16:05 |
On Tue, Mar 27, 2012 at 3:00 PM, John R. Lebetski <gransport@aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> If your last move to park like that was with the front wheels turned L or R, that that amount of wonky is normal. Pull dead straight ahead about 20' and then take a picture for us. Probably a stuck wheel brake cyl or a leaky one causing the brake lining to gum up and drag causing smoke. Lack of use will cause wheels cyls to fail when used again.
It's at the shop now, so I can't get any new pictures at the moment. I
did take a look at the wheel before I left it there, and it did appear
to be more straight. Also, when following the tow truck, the wheels
seemed to be normal (other than the smoke coming from driver-side
rear).
Again, I have to say I really appreciate all of the friendly advice on
this list - now that I know a bit more about the rear end, I feel a
little bit less stressed about this 
--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
Gallery: http://goo.gl/Gfcpd
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Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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| Re: [GMCnet] So it begins... [message #164419 is a reply to message #164365] |
Tue, 27 March 2012 23:29 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Sean,
Don't fret about the brakes. The only thing different about the coach is that there are 6 of them. The front brakes are just disks and the rear are just drums. I think that the parking brake cables were junk from the factory. If y want to improve the parking brake cable set-up the Branscome kit, though expensive, looks like the very best way to go.
For Sale from Jim K <http://Appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/596>
Info <http://www.bdub.net/branscombe/>
Installation manual <http://www.bdub.net/branscombe/GMC_Parking_Brake_Kit_Installation_Manual.pdf>
Then again, I had my brakes done by Tom Hampton and his jewel like stainless steel brake lines.
Larry Davick
The Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
>
> Thanks for the advice, all... I'm in Deming, NM. I called a few
> different RV service centers and they all recommended a local repair
> shop (E & M Auto Repair, where I spotted the blue Glacier last week or
> so) so I had it towed there. Now I just need to wait a week or so for
> them to get to it.
>
> Thanks also for the info about the rear end, maybe things aren't as
> bad as they look. Here's a picture: http://goo.gl/cb6u3
>
> Since it's there at the shop, I'm going to have them inspect
> everything they can and get a list of what needs repair. I'm prepared
> to do a lot of work myself, but I don't trust myself to mess with the
> brakes just yet :)
>
> --
> Sean
> 1973 260 Painted Desert
> Luna County, NM
> Gallery: http://goo.gl/Gfcpd
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: [GMCnet] So it begins... [message #164435 is a reply to message #164419] |
Wed, 28 March 2012 09:13 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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The factory parking brake cables were the standard construction for the 70's and before and for quite a time after. And yes they are junk. Branscombe's kit is EXTREMELY reasonable when you figure out what replacing all the factory stuff will cost.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] So it begins... [message #164438 is a reply to message #164419] |
Wed, 28 March 2012 09:40 |
gbarrow2
Messages: 765
Registered: February 2004
Location: Lake Almanor, Ca./ Red Bl...
Karma: 3
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What is a parking brake supposed to do other than hold the coach when it is parked?
Miguel adjusted and set up my OEM parking brake system when I bought the coach 10 years and 85,000 miles ago. As long as I keep the parking brake AND the brake shoes properly adjusted the parking brake works fine.
I test it by stopping the coach on my steep drive way, setting the park brake and leaving the transmission in nuetral or drive with the engine running. The parking brake alone will hold the coach.
New, state of the art stuff is nice, but not always necessary.
Gene Barrow
Lake Almanor, Ca.
1976 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] So it begins... [message #164439 is a reply to message #164438] |
Wed, 28 March 2012 09:43 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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| gbarrow wrote on Wed, 28 March 2012 08:40 |
What is a parking brake supposed to do other than hold the coach when it is parked?
Miguel adjusted and set up my OEM parking brake system when I bought the coach 10 years and 85,000 miles ago. As long as I keep the parking brake AND the brake shoes properly adjusted the parking brake works fine.
I test it by stopping the coach on my steep drive way, setting the park brake and leaving the transmission in nuetral or drive with the engine running. The parking brake alone will hold the coach.
New, state of the art stuff is nice, but not always necessary.
|
I think one of the keys to keeping the original system working is to exercise it once in a while like you are doing.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] So it begins... [message #164456 is a reply to message #164438] |
Wed, 28 March 2012 11:49 |
PETEinLongBeach
Messages: 90
Registered: June 2007
Location: Long Beach, CA
Karma: 0
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| gbarrow wrote on Wed, 28 March 2012 07:40 |
What is a parking brake supposed to do other than hold the coach when it is parked?
Miguel adjusted and set up my OEM parking brake system when I bought the coach 10 years and 85,000 miles ago. As long as I keep the parking brake AND the brake shoes properly adjusted the parking brake works fine.
I test it by stopping the coach on my steep drive way, setting the park brake and leaving the transmission in nuetral or drive with the engine running. The parking brake alone will hold the coach.
New, state of the art stuff is nice, but not always necessary.
|
My OEM parking brake ended up like this also, but it didn't start out that way. When I bought the coach, I could barely pull the handle up, much less effectively engage the brakes with it. After a bit of investigation and understanding the set-up, getting the proper adjustment, AND plenty of lubricant down the main cable and on the 3 equalizer shackles, the difference is night and day. I can't believe how much better it works now. I was going to get the updated pulley-type cable system, but I don't think I need it now.
Pete Smay
Long Beach, CA
1977 Kingsley
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| Re: [GMCnet] So it begins... [message #164779 is a reply to message #164456] |
Sat, 31 March 2012 12:02 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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Wow - my parking brake is totally ineffectual. I had my brakes done by Tom Hampton but never asked him about the parking brake. I wonder if a little graphite, some white lithium grease, and a few pulls might bring her back to life.
That's about all I'd invest in the old system though. That Branscome cable and pulley kit is the way I'd like to go.
Larry Davick
The Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
gbarrow wrote on Wed, 28 March 2012 07:40
>
>
> My OEM parking brake ended up like this also, but it didn't start out that way. When I bought the coach, I could barely pull the handle up, much less effectively engage the brakes with it. After a bit of investigation and understanding the set-up, getting the proper adjustment, AND plenty of lubricant down the main cable and on the 3 equalizer shackles, the difference is night and day. I can't believe how much better it works now. I was going to get the updated pulley-type cable system, but I don't think I need it now.
> --
> Pete Smay
> Long Beach, CA
> 1977 Kingsley
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: [GMCnet] So it begins... [message #164804 is a reply to message #164779] |
Sat, 31 March 2012 17:06 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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""Wow - my parking brake is totally ineffectual. I had my brakes done by Tom Hampton but never asked him about the parking brake. I wonder if a little graphite, some white lithium grease, and a few pulls might bring her back to life.
That's about all I'd invest in the old system though. That Branscome cable and pulley kit is the way I'd like to go.
"" I can't tell what is wrong by the description--can you pull the lever up with no problem or is the system seized. If you can pull the lever up with no problem it is most likely an adjustment issue. You can gain some adjustment with the knob on the end of the handle or if more is needed you will need to adjust at the equalizer. If it is seized, then the covered cable portions are probably rusted.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] So it begins... [message #169247 is a reply to message #164345] |
Fri, 11 May 2012 11:55 |
Sean
Messages: 189
Registered: March 2012
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Almost two months later, I got a call that my coach is finally repaired! (delay was due to a family emergency for one of the mechanics)
The brake issue turned out to be a bad master cylinder. The smoking wheel was caused by a disintegrated bearing.
That's all fixed, so I picked the coach up at the shop a couple of hours ago and started driving home, but it sputtered, lost power, and died about 5 miles into the trip.
Managed to get it running again and crept back into town at 15-20mph. Fuel filters (also just replaced) were both full of sludge, so I'm having them drop the tanks, flush the entire fuel system, fix my fuel level gauges, and whatever else is needed to get the coach running reliably.
I was really looking forward to having my coach back - hopefully this next round of repairs won't take so long, and I'll be able to get it back home and start working on stuff myself
--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
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