Brake Issue

lrquil wrote:
Coach stops OK, but takes heavy foot pressure. Not sure if this is an air problem or if I need brakes. Anyone know what a brake job costs on a class A diesel?

sounds like there badly glazed

Are they air brakes, air over hydraulic or straight hydraulic? Sounds to me like the drums are oiled from leaking seals. Easy to tell, get underneath and look at the backing plates and drum edges. If they are wet, it's seal and shoe time.

he did say air brakes I doubt its leaking oil seal

Some people who aren't totally accustomed to air brakes will over heat them on hills and ruin the front hub seals resulting in an oil leak.

Please tell us what coach you have, how many miles on it and your experience level with air brakes. Also, cut-in and cut-out PSI for your air system.

With that information, we may be able to assist you.

It's a 2002 National (Marlin) 300 Cummins w/a Spartan chassis. 89,400 miles. Not sure what the cut-in and cut-out pressure is. This is our 6th motorhome in 20 years, all but one had air brakes. We have had tire issues over the years but never a problem with brakes.

I buddy of mine has a 2002 Kenworth T300 which mayhave a similar and very common air brake setup. Since new, it took more pedal effort than it should have. Dealer said all was fine and my buddy is a mechanic and has checked every part of it.
After many years and one accident, he found out that the brake manufacturer was trying a new compound that had a tremndously long life but the pads were hard and had lousy bite.
After 150,000 miles the pads were still at >75% but he replaced them anyway. Braking was much, much better.
Since your rig was built during the same time, I would check out all the pressures and then if nothing else, replace all the pads/shoes - which are cheap.

Oil seals can leak and saturate the shoes. Happens all the time on big trucks. Only rakes a minute to ascertain by getting under the unit and looking at the edges of the drums and/or backing plates. If either are wet (showing oil), seals are gone and shoes need replacement. Dry brakes don't work well with oil soaked friction material.

Seals get old and brittle after a time and it's an '02 so it's probably time. Good news is seal replacement is inexpensive and so are new shoes.

Your unit with a Spartan chassis has automatic slack adjusters.

They need to be calibrated periodically which is done from the driver's seat.

This involves fully stroking your brake pedal for 30 seconds or so, repeat 5 times.

Roll down your window, if you hear a clicking sound then your slacks are adjusting to restore your full braking power.

Often overlooked, simple to do and does not cost you a dime!

Videos are available on the web.

I would try this first.

gutfelt wrote:
he did say air brakes I doubt its leaking oil seal

So his bearings run with air for lubrication?