Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Handbrake + GMC SOLD :(
| [GMCnet] Handbrake + GMC SOLD :( [message #157305] |
Thu, 19 January 2012 15:14  |
JP Winger
Messages: 86
Registered: September 2011
Karma: 0
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Hi,
I rode my handbrake for a bit the other day, it's not really working now and it needs adjusting. I mentioned it in a previous post but can't seem to find any reference to it, I know there were a couple of responses. How can I adjust it??
Someone mentioned the adjuster on the end of the handbrake lever - there is a metal handle there that looks like it does something - can anyone explain it. thanks!
Someone also mentioned something at the back wheels that can be adjusted - where, what, do I need many tools? Thanks!!!
Also, we've sold our GMC to a US/Kiwi couple in Pennsylvania - hope to buy it back when we return! They are getting it primarily for their kids visiting from NZ in summer and loved the Kiwi connection. I'll try and get them on the list and update registry details.
Thanks to everyone who's helped out on our mammoth trip - your assistance at crucial times has been almost as ace as our GMC. I'll add our details to the Blacklist, not as an expert but a cuppa and a beer if anyones ever in New Zealand (while we're there) and I'll try and track down the 2 GMC owners in NZ!!
Warm regards,
JP & Miriam
John-Paul Winger | Miriam Clancy JP+1 310 9231126 | NZ+64 21 997919 | skype:lavidalocations | lavidalocations@gmail.com
MC+1 310 9230769 | skype:miriamclancy | miriam.clancy@gmail.com PO Box 91721, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, NZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Handbrake + GMC SOLD :( [message #157316 is a reply to message #157305] |
Thu, 19 January 2012 16:03  |
peter bailey
Messages: 367
Registered: March 2009
Location: Gawler, South Australia
Karma: 0
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JP,
Screw the knob in on the handle will adjust the cable length and hopefully
give you back a handbrake that holds.
The shoe adjusters are found at the bottom of the backing plates of the rear
wheels through a somewhat oval shape opening which should have a rubber
grommet that needs to be popped out to gain access. The star like wheel can
be rotated with a screw driver and the wheels need to be off the ground so
that they can be rotated to check the adjusting that you carry out, I found
that correctly adjusted the wheel when manually rotated will only make one
full rotation before stopping. You should not have to go through this
process unless your self adjusters are not working. self adjusters are
operated by reversing the coach and stopping somewhat with violence. The
shoes should be checked for wear if unsure and this requires removing the
wheels and drums and to remove the drums the centre axle nut needs to be
removed which means the bearings also are removed which means everything can
be checked at once, hopefully you don't have to go down this path and just
adjustment at the lever or backing the coach up quick and hard will do the
trick.
Peter Bailey
from Ozy (Aussie)
----- Original Message -----
From: "JP Winger" <lavidalocations@gmail.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 7:44 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] Handbrake + GMC SOLD :(
> Hi,
>
> I rode my handbrake for a bit the other day, it's not really working now
> and it needs adjusting. I mentioned it in a previous post but can't seem
> to find any reference to it, I know there were a couple of responses. How
> can I adjust it??
> Someone mentioned the adjuster on the end of the handbrake lever - there
> is a metal handle there that looks like it does something - can anyone
> explain it. thanks!
> Someone also mentioned something at the back wheels that can be adjusted -
> where, what, do I need many tools? Thanks!!!
>
> Also, we've sold our GMC to a US/Kiwi couple in Pennsylvania - hope to buy
> it back when we return! They are getting it primarily for their kids
> visiting from NZ in summer and loved the Kiwi connection. I'll try and get
> them on the list and update registry details.
>
> Thanks to everyone who's helped out on our mammoth trip - your assistance
> at crucial times has been almost as ace as our GMC. I'll add our details
> to the Blacklist, not as an expert but a cuppa and a beer if anyones ever
> in New Zealand (while we're there) and I'll try and track down the 2 GMC
> owners in NZ!!
>
> Warm regards,
> JP & Miriam
>
> John-Paul Winger | Miriam Clancy JP+1 310 9231126 | NZ+64 21 997919 |
> skype:lavidalocations | lavidalocations@gmail.com
> MC+1 310 9230769 | skype:miriamclancy | miriam.clancy@gmail.com PO Box
> 91721, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, NZ
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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> -----
> No virus found in this message.
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> Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4752 - Release Date: 01/18/12
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Handbrake + GMC SOLD :( [message #157317 is a reply to message #157305] |
Thu, 19 January 2012 16:11 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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JP,
Congratulations on selling the GMC, you and Miriam must live right!
You noted that you drove with the hand brake on which caused the problem.
The first thing you will need to do is adjust the brake shoes; instructions on how to do that can be found in the Maintenance Manual
X-7525 Pg 5-17 - Brake Shoe Adjustment (Drum Installed).
Once you've accomplished that go to Pg 5-16 - Parking Brake Adjustment.
Having provided this information I caution you that if you've never done this before (which I assume to be correct) you can cause
more problems than you cure!
You note that you've sold it to a US/Kiwi couple in Pennsylvania; if they’re near Ken Frey's shop I would suggest you/they take it
there to adjust the brakes. Since you've driven it across the USA it might be a good idea to have Ken do a general service.
Hope to see you back in the USA for more touring!
Appreciate you trying to track down the two GMC owners in NZ, if you are successful feel free to give them my contact info.
All the best,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
-----Original Message-----
From: JP Winger
Hi,
I rode my handbrake for a bit the other day, it's not really working now and it needs adjusting. I mentioned it in a previous post
but can't seem to find any reference to it, I know there were a couple of responses. How can I adjust it??
Someone mentioned the adjuster on the end of the handbrake lever - there is a metal handle there that looks like it does something -
can anyone explain it. thanks!
Someone also mentioned something at the back wheels that can be adjusted - where, what, do I need many tools? Thanks!!!
Also, we've sold our GMC to a US/Kiwi couple in Pennsylvania - hope to buy it back when we return! They are getting it primarily for
their kids visiting from NZ in summer and loved the Kiwi connection. I'll try and get them on the list and update registry details.
Thanks to everyone who's helped out on our mammoth trip - your assistance at crucial times has been almost as ace as our GMC. I'll
add our details to the Blacklist, not as an expert but a cuppa and a beer if anyones ever in New Zealand (while we're there) and
I'll try and track down the 2 GMC owners in NZ!!
Warm regards,
JP & Miriam
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Handbrake + GMC SOLD :( [message #157321 is a reply to message #157305] |
Thu, 19 January 2012 16:34 |
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One suggestion I heard regularly when I first got my GMC was to either use the handbrake regularly or not at all. The reason being that the handbrake cables can and will seize inside their housings resulting in thew brakes NOT releasing when the handle is lowered.
I ignored this admonition and one time only set the parking brake. My brakes did seize and not release and as a result I ended up loosing a rear wheel, hub bearings shoes and all.
I suggest that the new owners have the rear wheels jacked up and check that the brakes are not binding before they do much driving and then leave the parking brake alone except in case of an emergency.
Bill Brown - '77 Buckeye Cruiser
Coshocton OH
carguybill@sbcglobal.net
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| Re: [GMCnet] Handbrake + GMC SOLD :( [message #157358 is a reply to message #157305] |
Thu, 19 January 2012 21:25 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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JP--it may be too late for this suggestion, but in reality, the parking brake needs to be adjusted at the equalizer which is located on the driver's side about half way down the side of the coach. It is one cable that goes into a piece of sheet metal where 2 cables come out. You can tighten the jamb nut on the cable at that point. Do not pull the drums or try to adjust the service brakes via the self adjusters. This is the parking brake and those components are not relevent.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Handbrake + GMC SOLD :( [message #157363 is a reply to message #157325] |
Thu, 19 January 2012 22:10 |
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The problem is that the cable tends to freeze up inside the cable housing. It's OK to use them regularly but be sure to verify that the cables are not binding inside the housings. Regular lubrication would be a good idea.
In my case I replaced the entire system with a complete system which is available from Jim K. Expensive but worth it to me for peace of mind. Nothing like loosing a wheel while driving down the road to get your attention.
JP Wnger wrote:
Ahh perhaps that explains I have on occasion had the rear wheels seem to lock up or jig a bit?! Just noticeable at times. Is that much of a problem to fix if so?? I'm from New Zealand, there are lots of hills, and most everyone uses their hand/park brake regularly.
JP
Bill Brown - '77 Buckeye Cruiser
Coshocton OH
carguybill@sbcglobal.net
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| Re: [GMCnet] Handbrake + GMC SOLD :( [message #157380 is a reply to message #157358] |
Fri, 20 January 2012 05:20 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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| Bob de Kruyff wrote on Thu, 19 January 2012 21:25 |
JP--it may be too late for this suggestion, but in reality, the parking brake needs to be adjusted at the equalizer which is located on the driver's side about half way down the side of the coach. It is one cable that goes into a piece of sheet metal where 2 cables come out. You can tighten the jamb nut on the cable at that point. Do not pull the drums or try to adjust the service brakes via the self adjusters. This is the parking brake and those components are not relevent.
|
Bob, I seldom disagree with you but on this I am doing so.
The rear brakes need to be in correct adjustment before setting up the parking brake. With worn shoes and the brakes shoe clearance clearance to the drum out of spec the brake cable has to be pulled a greater distance to operate the parking brake. If you adjust the cable length to make up for this problem then the brake shoes will not return to their fully retracted position.
Also the cable lengths were OK before he rode the brake so there is no reason for that to change because he left the brake on.
I'm assuming from his posting that he wore down the shoes some and that is his problem. I would suggest relaxing the parking brake adjustment at the parking brake handle. Then backing up the coach to 5 mph and strongly stepping on the brake. Do this 8 or 10 times. The readjust the parking brake at the handle to see if the self adjusters will fix his problem.
If that doesn't do it, then the rear brakes need to be adjusted manually. I suggest that he take it to someone to do it. It is a simple job and should not take 1/2 hour but if he has not done it before he stands a very good chance of getting them adjusted too tight. If that happens, then we will be explaining here how to remove the drums to to replace burn shoes and maybe the drums them selves. When I was a kid and all cars had drum brakes, one of the things we always did when we had a car on the rack for anything was to walk around and adjust all of the customer's brakes. It only took a few minutes.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Handbrake + GMC SOLD :( [message #157395 is a reply to message #157380] |
Fri, 20 January 2012 10:34 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Well, let's talk this through--I may be wrong by the way 
I don't think the parking system is affected by the service brake/shoe adjustment, but I'm not sure. I think the parking needs adjustment based on brake lining wear whether or not the brakes have self adjusted or not. If that's not the case, then I'm totally wrong and owe someone a beer for sure. The reason I didn't get into the service brake adjustment issue was because JP didn't complain about brake performance and given the state of affairs, I didn't think a run through on brake adjustment was appropriate at this time.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Handbrake + GMC SOLD :( [message #157556 is a reply to message #157398] |
Sun, 22 January 2012 02:07 |
JP Winger
Messages: 86
Registered: September 2011
Karma: 0
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Member |
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Hi,
Thanks all, and I can't help but keep reading - though I delivered our GMC yesterday to the proud new owners, I'll look forward to negotiating my way around another, possibly even the same, GMC in the future!
I gave the new owner a driving lesson (of sorts, I'm no expert - and she was a quick learner), we then preceded to take it to a garage in Pottstown they were going to get it inspected at but alas the garage had the wrong lift! Blessing in disguise I thought as fortunately Rob Mueller had given me Ken Frey's contacts and an hour later we were at his garage and the bus was on a hoist in Quakertown, PA.
The new owners are in Norristown, PA - they are lovely and I spent most of the day with them - they even hired us a car for five days, fed me and gave me food to take to my family. The woman is actually from New Zealand which was great and they've bought it for their son and daughter-in-law to drive to canada when they come and visit from NZ!! So I'll keep in touch with them and put them onto GMCnet, the registry etc.
I did do a quick back up and brake - but I as in a rush, had no time to check my notes and didn't follow instructions as I was in a rush so only did it once, after tighening the brake handle adjuster so I think I got it all wrong. As soon as Ken got the GMC on it's hoist he quickly found that one of the cables was rusted and/or bent so an additional issue there I think. I was very happy for the new owners that it gets to start it's life with Ken Frey's attention as we could see his enthusiasm straight away. I pointed out the York motor driven compressor we cut the belt off too.
Anyway, thanks all for the assistance, advice and those I've got to meet along the way, much appreciated. I'll hit up the once a day emails instead of the flood and look forward to our return later in the year.
Regards,
JP
John-Paul Winger | Miriam Clancy JP+1 310 9231126 | NZ+64 21 997919 | skype:lavidalocations | lavidalocations@gmail.com
MC+1 310 9230769 | skype:miriamclancy | miriam.clancy@gmail.com PO Box 91721, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, NZ
On 20/01/2012, at 12:18 PM, Mike Miller wrote:
>
>
> Bob de Kruyff wrote on Fri, 20 January 2012 08:34
>> Well, let's talk this through--I may be wrong by the way :)
>>
>> I don't think the parking system is affected by the service brake/shoe adjustment, but I'm not sure. I think the parking needs adjustment based on brake lining wear whether or not the brakes have self adjusted or not. ...
>
>
> I had to find a picture as it has been a while since I "eye balled" the rear brakes on any GMC.
>
> <http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=36371>
>
> If you look at the picture you'll see that the upper ends of the shoes are pressed apart to apply the brakes. Either by the wheel cylinder or the mechanical parking brake. The lower ends of the shoes rest on the adjuster. The adjustment works the same for both ways of applying the brakes... it just spreads out the shoes at the bottom to make up for worn shoes.
>
> The self adjusters "click" the star wheel on the adjuster, when receiving the torque braking while backing up. Note that gentle backing and braking does not supply enough torque to activate the self adjusters. Many RV's never back up and brake hard enough to activate the self adjusting feature... like most systems, not being used very often leads to the system NOT being able to work.
> --
> Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
> (#1)'73 26' exPainted D. -- (#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
> http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Handbrake + GMC SOLD :( [message #157590 is a reply to message #157305] |
Sun, 22 January 2012 10:56 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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It would seem that to work properly:
1)The remaining brake lining is still usable as are the remaining drums.
2) the adjusters are not frozen and are actually working
3) OR the brakes are manually adjusted to the drag point
4) the cables are not frozen
5) if you are out of range at the driver's seat, need to adjust below as noted earlier
6) Key Frey will look everything over safey wise and hopefully note to flush/bleed the system to finish that MC job.
7) We welcome the new owners off to a good safe start under JPs coaching and Ken's expertise of what needs attention.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] Handbrake + GMC SOLD :( [message #157674 is a reply to message #157556] |
Sun, 22 January 2012 20:35 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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JP,
When I bought my GMC it was delivered to Ken's shop. I called him and asked him to fix "anything that will kill us or leave us
stranded by the side of the road."
He did a great job and our first tour with the GMC was a success. The master cylinder failed but that was no fault of his.
It would behoove the new owners to have Ken give the GMC a good going over to make sure everything is working properly.
Looking forward to hearing about more adventures on your next trip to the USA.
All the best to you and Miriam.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: JP Winger
Hi,
Thanks all, and I can't help but keep reading - though I delivered our GMC yesterday to the proud new owners, I'll look forward to
negotiating my way around another, possibly even the same, GMC in the future!
I gave the new owner a driving lesson (of sorts, I'm no expert - and she was a quick learner), we then preceded to take it to a
garage in Pottstown they were going to get it inspected at but alas the garage had the wrong lift! Blessing in disguise I thought as
fortunately Rob Mueller had given me Ken Frey's contacts and an hour later we were at his garage and the bus was on a hoist in
Quakertown, PA.
The new owners are in Norristown, PA - they are lovely and I spent most of the day with them - they even hired us a car for five
days, fed me and gave me food to take to my family. The woman is actually from New Zealand which was great and they've bought it for
their son and daughter-in-law to drive to canada when they come and visit from NZ!! So I'll keep in touch with them and put them
onto GMCnet, the registry etc.
I did do a quick back up and brake - but I as in a rush, had no time to check my notes and didn't follow instructions as I was in a
rush so only did it once, after tighening the brake handle adjuster so I think I got it all wrong. As soon as Ken got the GMC on
it's hoist he quickly found that one of the cables was rusted and/or bent so an additional issue there I think. I was very happy for
the new owners that it gets to start it's life with Ken Frey's attention as we could see his enthusiasm straight away. I pointed out
the York motor driven compressor we cut the belt off too.
Anyway, thanks all for the assistance, advice and those I've got to meet along the way, much appreciated. I'll hit up the once a day
emails instead of the flood and look forward to our return later in the year.
Regards,
JP
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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