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Disc Brake/Reaction Arm First Impressions [message #140081] Fri, 19 August 2011 18:51 Go to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
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I got the wheels back on and the lug nuts torqued last night, and drove the coach, for the first time with the new brakes, this morning. I drove it down to my office and home again, maybe 10 -12 miles total. I made a pit stop at my mechanic friend Ron"s garage and showed him what I have been doing for the last three weeks. I'm not sure I have all the air out of the lines. I have been told that the pedal will seem softer and lower than it did before, and it does. Ron tested it and said he thought it had a pedal feel that he would consider "normal".

It stops really well when I step on the brake. Of course, I took it easy on the new pads, as recommended, to get them bedded in properly. but the difference in braking was obvious. The mid wheels were pretty hot, compared to the rear wheels, when I got home. I attribute this to the abrasive coating on the Yellow Sticky Pads. The Raybestos pads on the rear do not have this (at least not as much) and I re-used the yellow pads that I had installed on the front a couple of years ago.

I also did not install a sensitized brake booster and kept my old one (you have to draw the line somewhere don't you?). I can see where it would be desirable to have in order to have more "car-like" brakes. I will put that in my future budget plans and upgrade it when my wife gets over the shock of the expense of this system.

Overall my first impression is good and I'm sure the system will grow on me as I get the rest of the air out of the lines (I'm pretty sure I'm 98% of the way there), and as the pads wear in.


Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
Re: Disc Brake/Reaction Arm First Impressions [message #140088 is a reply to message #140081] Fri, 19 August 2011 19:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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Carl, even though the brakes are good now they will continue to get better. I am telling you there ain't nothing like it. And, when you need to stop in a hurry, it will do it, holding the rear wheels on the pavement. You will sleep good tonight and won't need that Excedrin.
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: Disc Brake/Reaction Arm First Impressions [message #140092 is a reply to message #140088] Fri, 19 August 2011 19:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
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I'm sure you're right, Dan.

I already like the serviceability aspect a whole lot more than the old system, and it definitely stops quicker. Even though I was 'taking it easy', I could tell that. The coach sure runs like a "26 foot, 12,000 pound hot rod with plumbing" without that Tracker attached to the back!


Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
Re: Disc Brake/Reaction Arm First Impressions [message #140095 is a reply to message #140092] Fri, 19 August 2011 19:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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Forget what Jim says, get out and "lockem up" tomorrow. Make sure nothing is sitting on the bed or it wil be in the cockpit, just ask Teri. Laughing
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: Disc Brake/Reaction Arm First Impressions [message #140098 is a reply to message #140095] Fri, 19 August 2011 19:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
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Yeah, I've got to figure out some 'tie downs' for the stuff that usually rides on the galley counter. Speaking of which, that may be my next project. That or the new fridge. Confused

Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
Re: Disc Brake/Reaction Arm First Impressions [message #140102 is a reply to message #140098] Fri, 19 August 2011 19:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
armandminnie is currently offline  armandminnie   United States
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I thought you already bought a new fridge? I made a drawer under the permanent bed and I have it loaded. It has appliance wheels under it so it is easy to move. I have it held in there 3 different ways. I have not stopped hard with the new disc brakes and reaction arm yet but knowing I can and that everything is tied down is reassuring.

Armand Minnie
Marana, AZ
'76 Eleganza II TZE166V103202
visit my gmc blog
click here to visit gmcws.org
Re: Disc Brake/Reaction Arm First Impressions [message #140113 is a reply to message #140102] Fri, 19 August 2011 20:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
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Armand, The new fridge is on order and should be delivered any day now. I just have to figure which of the next FOUR projects I want to get into next.

Good idea on the drawer. I will probably have to put some kind of door there or something. No use having awesome brakes if you have to be afraid to use them. Although, if you are scared to use the brakes, and run into someone, the stuff is going to fly anyway.


Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
Re: Disc Brake/Reaction Arm First Impressions [message #140115 is a reply to message #140113] Fri, 19 August 2011 20:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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We have a big tote that holds the stuff Teri used to leave on the bed. It slides right under the bed.
Come on Armand, lockem up tomorrow.
Dan
just caught up on your blog


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: Disc Brake/Reaction Arm First Impressions [message #140365 is a reply to message #140115] Sun, 21 August 2011 22:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
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I just added a couple of pics to the album. One of the P-30 master cylinder, and a couple of the finished product (big deal, you can't see anything I did with the wheels back on). My wife and I pedal bled the system one more time on Saturday. Got nothing out of any of the bleeder screws but clean, clear fluid. I hope that's it. I'll report back as I get some more seat time on the coach.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=40258


Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
Re: [GMCnet] Disc Brake/Reaction Arm First Impressions [message #140378 is a reply to message #140365] Mon, 22 August 2011 00:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
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Our brake specialist feels strongly that you need to lube the pin
where the O ring is embedded . If it binds, the pads can hangup
slightly.There is a special lube for this.

Our promotion on the Reaction Arm System is not going as well as I like.
Need several more to step up to save 500-600 total.




On Sun, Aug 21, 2011 at 8:53 PM, Carl Stouffer <carljr3b@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> I just added a couple of pics to the album.  One of the P-30 master cylinder, and a couple of the finished product (big deal, you can't see anything I did with the wheels back on).  My wife and I pedal bled the system one more time on Saturday.  Got nothing out of any of the bleeder screws but clean, clear fluid.  I hope that's it.  I'll report back as I get some more seat time on the coach.
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=40258
> --
> Carl S.
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> _______________________________________________
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Jim Kanomata
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: [GMCnet] Disc Brake/Reaction Arm First Impressions [message #140389 is a reply to message #140378] Mon, 22 August 2011 07:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
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OK, Y'All step up to the plate! Get those orders in! You're delaying my
order. :-)

Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com



On Mon, Aug 22, 2011 at 1:21 AM, Jim Kanomata <jimkanomata@gmail.com> wrote:

> ...

Our promotion on the Reaction Arm System is not going as well as I like.
> Need several more to step up to save 500-600 total.
>
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Disc Brake/Reaction Arm First Impressions [message #140422 is a reply to message #140378] Mon, 22 August 2011 09:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
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jimk wrote on Sun, 21 August 2011 22:21

Our brake specialist feels strongly that you need to lube the pin
where the O ring is embedded . If it binds, the pads can hangup
slightly.There is a special lube for this.



--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim,

I lubed all the O-rings on the caliper mounts. I removed the bushings on the bolt head side and hit those also. I used silicone drake grease. Got in there with a Q-tip and swabbed some in there pretty thoroughly. All should be good.



Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
Re: [GMCnet] Disc Brake/Reaction Arm First Impressions [message #140441 is a reply to message #140422] Mon, 22 August 2011 11:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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Jim, we need to know the minimum number and what the final cost will be. The way it is now seems a little questionable. Carl and Armand are on here talking about the brakes now. Of course everyone is tired of me bragging on mine, and I don't blame them. Ken is ready for his.
Maybe we need a clean thread on here for this information. Its time to get serious.
Dan,
@ Elkhart County Fairgrounds


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: [GMCnet] Disc Brake/Reaction Arm First Impressions [message #140444 is a reply to message #140441] Mon, 22 August 2011 11:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
k2gkk is currently offline  k2gkk   United States
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Based upon what I've read here, I'd love to have the system.
However, limited available funds will need to be used just
to simply make the coach basicallly viable!


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~~ ~ ~ (TZE166V101966) ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~



> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: gregg_dan@hotmail.com
> Date: Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:25:54 -0500
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Disc Brake/Reaction Arm First Impressions
>
>
>
> Jim, we need to know the minimum number and what the final cost will be. The way it is now seems a little questionable. Carl and Armand are on here talking about the brakes now. Of course everyone is tired of me bragging on mine, and I don't blame them. Ken is ready for his.
> Maybe we need a clean thread on here for this information. Its time to get serious.
> Dan,
> @ Elkhart County Fairgrounds
> --
> Dan & Teri Gregg
> Soft White LED Lighting
>
> http://danandteri.blogspot.com/

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Re: Disc Brake/Reaction Arm First Impressions [message #140446 is a reply to message #140081] Mon, 22 August 2011 11:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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Sure Mac. This system is for coaches that are road ready and being used a lot. I would not spend the money until I was ready to start rolling. We do 6-10,000 miles each year so I am very thankful to now have brakes that work and I can depend on. Was no fun at all driving through El Paso 2 years in a row with only front brakes. Teri and I can maintain this system easily where as I had lots of problems keeping the drum brakes up to par.
We just left the paint shop with some pictures of 3 GMCs there. We are having our roof re cleared after Goshen. A body shop in Carbondale, Il. did our GMC paint, good job, but the clear is coming off the roof after 5 years so Larry is going to fix it for us after the convention. Just the cost of maintaining a GMC in rolling condition.
Priorities are reliablity and safety. Looks is last.
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: [GMCnet] Disc Brake/Reaction Arm First Impressions [message #140584 is a reply to message #140446] Tue, 23 August 2011 00:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
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The main variable is in the disc system. Some want the sensitized
system, non plunger parking brake or the improved parking brake.
The Reaction arm system is straight forward so It should be $1,995.00.
Dis system basic can be $1,250.00






On Mon, Aug 22, 2011 at 9:52 AM, Dan Gregg <gregg_dan@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Sure Mac. This system is for coaches that are road ready and being used a lot. I would not spend the money until I was ready to start rolling. We do 6-10,000 miles each year so I am very thankful to now have brakes that work and I can depend on. Was no fun at all driving through El Paso 2 years in a row with only front brakes. Teri and I can maintain this system easily where as I had lots of problems keeping the drum brakes up to par.
> We just left the paint shop with some pictures of 3 GMCs there. We are having our roof re cleared after Goshen. A body shop in Carbondale, Il. did our GMC paint, good job, but the clear is coming off the roof after 5 years so Larry is going to fix it for us after the convention. Just the cost of maintaining a GMC in rolling condition.
> Priorities are reliablity and safety. Looks is last.
> Dan
> --
> Dan & Teri Gregg
> Soft White LED Lighting
>
> http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: [GMCnet] Disc Brake/Reaction Arm First Impressions [message #140672 is a reply to message #140584] Tue, 23 August 2011 17:21 Go to previous message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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jimk wrote on Tue, 23 August 2011 00:18

The main variable is in the disc system. Some want the sensitized
system, non plunger parking brake or the improved parking brake.
The Reaction arm system is straight forward so It should be $1,995.00.
Dis system basic can be $1,250.00










--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Dang, that is a stink'in bargain. At that price it might raise the value of a coach by that much.


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

[Updated on: Tue, 23 August 2011 17:22]

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