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Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Brake Issues on the Road (low/no pedal, switched master cylinder (wrong size))
Brake Issues on the Road [message #187230] Sun, 14 October 2012 15:29 Go to next message
MichaelP is currently offline  MichaelP   United States
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We're having massive brake problems on the road. An RV mechanic from the bdub service list was stumped after two days of working on it, switched out the master cylinder, but left us with less brake than we started.

We're currently outside of Indianapolis and are trying to make it to a GMC specialist in Marysville, OH, but if there is anyone between there and here (Terre Haute), maybe Indianapolis or Dayton or in between, give us a call and let us know.

We have some brake right now, but it comes and goes, and I'd rather not be driving right now. Still, since we're in the middle of nowhere. we're pressing on VERY cautiously.

CALL US IF YOU CAN HELP (INDIANA OR OHIO)

Michael and Aimee (216) 403-4336

Shocked
Re: Brake Issues on the Road [message #187232 is a reply to message #187230] Sun, 14 October 2012 16:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhb1 is currently offline  jhb1   Canada
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Sounds like the combination valve or collapsed rubber brake hoses. Hoses are available from most auto parts the combination valve is available from JimB in Orlando

John H. Bell
77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010, FITech
Montreal Qc.
Re: Brake Issues on the Road [message #187233 is a reply to message #187230] Sun, 14 October 2012 16:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
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Momo wrote on Sun, 14 October 2012 15:29

We're having massive brake problems on the road. An RV mechanic from the bdub service list was stumped after two days of working on it, switched out the master cylinder, but left us with less brake than we started.

We're currently outside of Indianapolis and are trying to make it to a GMC specialist in Marysville, OH, but if there is anyone between there and here (Terre Haute), maybe Indianapolis or Dayton or in between, give us a call and let us know.

We have some brake right now, but it comes and goes, and I'd rather not be driving right now. Still, since we're in the middle of nowhere. we're pressing on VERY cautiously.

CALL US IF YOU CAN HELP (INDIANA OR OHIO)

Michael and Aimee (216) 403-4336

Shocked
Try Blaine Merrell in Bainbridge, IN Phone: (765) 522-3241 Son's phone (765) 522-5336
If no help there, Call Jim K at 1-800-752-7502
then post again.
The BlackList. Don't leave home without it.
Re: Brake Issues on the Road [message #187239 is a reply to message #187230] Sun, 14 October 2012 16:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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It may be a bad "new" master cylinder. That is what it sounds like to me. If the mechanic is on Bdub's list, he should have been able to help you. If not, maybe his name needs to come off that list. Wish you were heading west, I could help you out, just west of Cairo.
I am glad you knew where to come for help. This is the place.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: Brake Issues on the Road [message #187240 is a reply to message #187232] Sun, 14 October 2012 17:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
MichaelP is currently offline  MichaelP   United States
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Thanks, John. People have been suggesting the Proportion Valve, which I believe is the same thing as what you're referring too. The valve next to the front drivers side tire that has the brake warning light sensor on it too, correct?

Where might be the collapsed rubber valve located?

Thanks for your help.
Re: Brake Issues on the Road [message #187242 is a reply to message #187239] Sun, 14 October 2012 17:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
MichaelP is currently offline  MichaelP   United States
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Yeah, the mechanic DEFINITELY needs to come off the Bdub list. He actually sent us away with a master cylinder that was too large to close the coach hood and bent it around it so he could close it.
Re: Brake Issues on the Road [message #187244 is a reply to message #187233] Sun, 14 October 2012 17:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
MichaelP is currently offline  MichaelP   United States
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Thank you. Spoke with Blaine, he seemed to think we would be better to call someone in Terre Haute, but after driving 50 miles in stop and go construction I thought turning back to go back through it with no brakes would be a bad idea. We're outside of Indy now, so hopefully we can find someone there to look at em in the morning.
Re: Brake Issues on the Road [message #187248 is a reply to message #187240] Sun, 14 October 2012 17:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
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Momo wrote on Sun, 14 October 2012 17:00

...Where might be the collapsed rubber valve located?...
Not a valve. Each of the wheels has a rubber line between the cylinder/caliper and the fitting at the end of the hard lines. One or more may have an interior layer peeling off and plugging it. But doesn't seem likely in your case.
I'd put the old master cylinder back on and tinker with (or replace) the proportioning valve (that you seem to have correctly identified). Bleed everything. Once you have a good and correct master cylinder, and the proportioning valve is working correctly, and all lines and cylinders are free of air and obstructions, you should be roadready again.
Ken H. has instructions for modifying one on the photo site, but you don't want to modify yours. You can use his instructions to figure out how to disassemble yours. Then reverse that to re-assemble. http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/deciphering-the-combination-valve/p5314.html
You would probably be better off buying one though. Jim K's number is 1-800-752-7502
Re: Brake Issues on the Road [message #187251 is a reply to message #187244] Sun, 14 October 2012 17:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
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Call Blaine back. I talked to him about 30 minutes ago. He thought you were in Terre Haute. You are going right by his place or may have already gone by his place. Call Blaine again.
Blaine is suppose to call me an update me on your situation.





Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: Brake Issues on the Road [message #187260 is a reply to message #187240] Sun, 14 October 2012 18:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhb1 is currently offline  jhb1   Canada
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Momo wrote on Sun, 14 October 2012 18:00

Thanks, John. People have been suggesting the Proportion Valve, which I believe is the same thing as what you're referring too. The valve next to the front drivers side tire that has the brake warning light sensor on it too, correct?

Where might be the collapsed rubber valve located?

Thanks for your help.


I was referring to the front flexible rubber hoses that go to the calipers they fatigue over time and split on the inside and act like a check valve not allowing the brake fluid to flow sometimes not allowing the fluid to reach the caliper there by reducing the amount of force generated other times not allowing the fluid to return to the master cylinder
HTH


John H. Bell
77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010, FITech
Montreal Qc.
Re: [GMCnet] Brake Issues on the Road [message #187261 is a reply to message #187244] Sun, 14 October 2012 18:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
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Wow, Michael, that is scary. I can't offer any help but I did have a good bit of work done by Tom Hampton of Grandview Motorhome in Marrysville Ohio and would absolutely trust him. One of his specialties is stainless steel brake lines. Of course he knows these coaches inside and out.

If you decide to go to him you will be in very good hands.

Larry Davick

On Oct 14, 2012, at 3:14 PM, Michael Pisano <mapisano@gmail.com> wrote:

>
>
> Thank you. Spoke with Blaine, he seemed to think we would be better to call someone in Terre Haute, but after driving 50 miles in stop and go construction I thought turning back to go back through it with no brakes would be a bad idea. We're outside of Indy now, so hopefully we can find someone there to look at em in the morning.
>
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
Re: Brake Issues on the Road [message #187264 is a reply to message #187244] Sun, 14 October 2012 19:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
larry.whisler is currently offline  larry.whisler   United States
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Michael,

Where are you now outside of Indy?

I might be able to assist tomorrow morning.

larry whisler

Re: Brake Issues on the Road [message #187281 is a reply to message #187264] Sun, 14 October 2012 22:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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I am with Ken, Blaine is not far north of 70, just west of Indy.
I have lost rear brakes twice going to Az. Drove through El Paso twice with no rear brakes. It took a football field and then some to stop. I vowed to never have that problem again and did the rear discs with reaction arm. Both times it was M/C and they were not over 2 years old first time and one year old second time, rebuilds.
Keep us informed on what you decide to do. You are heading toward an excellent GMC mechanic, Tom Hampton. He can fix anythig and is honest.
I think you need to let bdub know who did not do you right and lets get that one off the list. I know there is one who did very sloppy work on mine that still got his name on the list, not far from where you are located.
Don't forget us here now. We are all riding with you on this.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: Brake Issues on the Road [message #187317 is a reply to message #187281] Mon, 15 October 2012 09:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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Momo, update us when you have time.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: Brake Issues on the Road [message #187331 is a reply to message #187230] Mon, 15 October 2012 11:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lqqkatjon is currently offline  lqqkatjon   United States
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After I hauled my GMC home. Brakes were one of my first problems.

If you are questioning if the master cylinder is the problem. Swap it out. they are cheap and easy to find. and really easy to change. I did mine in a parking lot my first gmc trip and it took about 15 minutes.

if it works sometimes and not others. I would get a new proportioning valve. that is my opinion and experience. I thought my master was out, or my booster went bad. I decided to put in a new proportioning valve. and that fixed my brakes feeling fine one minute, and not so swell the next.

take care on that change out, not to brake brake lines.

other personal experience opinion is to bleed them well. pressure bleeder preferred. then you do not question yourself if you are dealing with an air pocket. stuff you can't see to be sure.


Jon--- who will be changing a leaking rear brake line this week.


Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
Re: Brake Issues on the Road [message #187362 is a reply to message #187230] Mon, 15 October 2012 17:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
winter is currently offline  winter   United States
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I changed a hydraulic clutch master in my car not too long ago and it didn't work much at all until I bench bled it.

Does a new brake master need to be bench bled upon installation before it will work correctly?
Re: [GMCnet] Brake Issues on the Road [message #187363 is a reply to message #187362] Mon, 15 October 2012 17:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dolph Santorine is currently offline  Dolph Santorine   United States
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In my experience, YES.

You can bench bleed it still in the vehicle.

Dolph


On Oct 15, 2012, at 6:50 PM, jerrod winter <jerrod_beth@msn.com> wrote:

>
>
> I changed a hydraulic clutch master in my car not too long ago and it didn't work much at all until I bench bled it.
>
> Does a new brake master need to be bench bled upon installation before it will work correctly?
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Re: Brake Issues on the Road [message #187365 is a reply to message #187362] Mon, 15 October 2012 18:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lqqkatjon is currently offline  lqqkatjon   United States
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You are supposed to bench bleed. But in my experience. If you do
not bench bleed it. It just takes a little more effort to get it bled. So it really is not a deal breaker. You can bench bleed with it in vehicle too


Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
Re: [GMCnet] Brake Issues on the Road [message #187429 is a reply to message #187362] Tue, 16 October 2012 06:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
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Short answer - yes.
 
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach


From: jerrod winter <jerrod_beth@msn.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Monday, October 15, 2012 6:50 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Brake Issues on the Road



I changed a hydraulic clutch master in my car not too long ago and it didn't work much at all until I bench bled it. 

Does a new brake master need to be bench bled upon installation before it will work correctly?
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
Re: [GMCnet] Brake Issues on the Road [message #187541 is a reply to message #187429] Wed, 17 October 2012 08:27 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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Did anyone hear if Momo made it to Tom Hampton's? Hope everything is good with him. Last I heard was that he was east of Indy. I learned that with a phone call from net member.
Maybe he will think to let us know. I am concerned when folks dont get back with us but I know it can be an overwhelming experience, It is easy to forget to let folks know, once things are worked out.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
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