Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/85423
HOW TO : DO A BRAKE JOB Replacing linings – and more A 1 BY JOHN BAXTER ll the parts of the brake system wear, so replace all working parts, not just the linings. Failure to do this will mean short life for the new brakes, and therefore problems with stopping and a higher chance of getting citations. Get a service manual from the manufacturer. Proce- dures vary with the brand of brake and wheel position. 2 3 4 Buy quality parts, includ- ing a rebuild kit of small parts for the brand and type of brakes. It's best to purchase linings from the truck manufacturer or from the company that made them for the manufacturer. Don't use aftermarket linings unless the manufacturer can prove identi- cal performance. If a lining is ruined by a leaky seal, replace the seal and renew the brakes on both ends of that axle. Linings must be properly mounted on new or re- conditioned shoes. Used shoes are distorted and need to be "coined," or straightened, so the new linings will contact the drum uniformly. Shoes must be flat and free of rust spots, which crack the linings, and should be coated to prevent corrosion. Support the vehicle securely and release park- ing brakes. Disconnect each slack adjuster from its brake chamber by removing the clevis pin per manufac- turer's instructions. Remove the wheels and pull off the brake drums. 5 6 40 OVERDRIVE MARCH 2012 Inspect the drums for "heat checking," which creates small nicks, and blue discoloration, and any groove worn into the surface by the linings, as well as overall wear. Damage can be machined out, but the drum must be thick enough even after machining for heat absorption, or the lin- ings won't fit the drum evenly. The wear/machining limit is stamped on the drum. If the limit is exceeded, the drum must be replaced. New drums are better, and some manufac- turers forbid machining. If there is play between the camshaft and its bushings because of imperfect maintenance, the new shoes will wear prema- turely. Also, if there is grease on the linings, the seals have failed, likely because of bushing wear. (It's okay to see a little grease on the slack adjuster end, but not near the cam.) Force the camshaft up and down and measure the play with a dial indicator to see how it compares with the manu- facturer's specs. The limit for Bendix brakes is 0.035 in. If you can feel any play, it is probably worn. Also check for axial play – in and out – which for the same brand is 0.020 in. Worn bushings are the most com- mon cause of seal leakage, so replace both the bushings and seals, using brass rather than nylon bushings. Washers can be used to correct axial play. Make Inspect the camshaft bearing journal. Install a dial indicator so the stem rests on top of the camshaft, with the dial at zero, prior to measuring clearance. 6