New unit - brakes need adjustment

[H. John Kohl]

All, I picked up this unit in Nov and only towed it about 150 miles before it was stored. We left 30 March from PA on our Fl trip. In route another RVer brought it to my attention that there was a lot of noise at the axle when I released the brakes.
Today I was able to take the time and adjusted all four wheels. Each one required over two full turns on the star wheel. The brakes worked fine but I feel they were way too loose.
I suggest every one with new units check their brake adjustments and not assume the factory or dealer has adjusted them properly.
Good luck and safe towing.

[lightningjack11]

Good advice John. I just replaced all of my linings, clips and springs. Also two worn magnets.

Always keep them checked IAW mfgr instructions.

[Montana Sky]

Great reminder! Every other year I take my coach in and have the brakes adjusted and inspected. Last summer they required two full turns as well.

[sreigle]

I still have a brake adjuster spoon in my toolbox but I never could remember which way to turn them. I remember it's one direction on the starboard side and the opposite on the port side. I usually end up counting clicks until I'm convinced I'm going the wrong way, then have to backtrack. Anyone remember which way the starwheel goes on the starboard (right,or door) side? Up or down when viewed from the adjustment port?

[lightningjack11]

Steve,

There is an easy way to remember it. First the star adjuster is off center. If you look at the the adjustment hole on the drum it is also off center so you can easily tell for each wheel which side on the adjuster the star is located. Now that you know where the star is ...imagine looking at the star from the star side. (look length wise)

Now Clockwise star movement tightens and counterclockwise loosens.



Look down the star end and turn clockwise to tighten brakes. no guesswork. (Right side in the picture is what I call the star side)

[noneck]

Tom, nice pic...tells the story!

[sreigle]

Thanks, Tom! That is both helpful and easy to remember.

[lightningjack11]

After I posted it, I copied it and put it into my Alko book. But I probably will remember it. Since I just re-did my brakes I wanted a method I could rely on so I invented this one.

[robb]

I was told by Susan from Montana that "ALL new montana"s need the brakes adjusted in the first 200 miles".
Was also told at the same time that ALL of the roof seams and windows need to be resealed after 6 months!!

Robb

[Dean A Van Peursem]

Robb,

That is interesting (actually disturbing) information. I don't recall reading that in the Owners Manual or being advised of that by any Montana dealer. I wonder if the transporter of our unit from the factory in Goshen, IN to WA state was advised of that. Its over 2000 miles plus to get the unit from Goshen to the dealer where we purchased our unit. Is the resealing of roof and window seams and brake adjustments covered under warranty? After having trouble (failure) with the brakes on our late 2006 3400RL and failing to get Montana to remove the wheels and hubs, under warranty, to inspect the brakes system I would have thought that the brake adjustment would have come up in the interchange. I just don't know who to trust on these brake issues any more.

[simonsrf]

I am not a mechanic and don't trust service centers. I do have the ability to read and follow instructions. Are there any documents around that detail brake adjustments....got me worried now!

[robb]

Dean, I was told that these items are not covered by warrenty, all up to owner!!

[Dean A Van Peursem]

I guess I can understand why brake adjustment might be a non-warranty item since it is a wear item but the integrity of the roof seal and water seal thoughout the RV should be covered by warranty. I've had the front left and right lower corners of my 3400RL repaired (resealed) under warranty. If the caulking and original construction is done properly at the factory it should last at least the warranty period.

[Cat320]

quote:Originally posted by robb

I was told by Susan from Montana that "ALL new montana"s need the brakes adjusted in the first 200 miles".
Was also told at the same time that ALL of the roof seams and windows need to be resealed after 6 months!!

Robb

I don't know Susan, but that sounds incorrect to me. The vast majority of these rigs are pulled well over 200 miles just to get to the dealer, therefore, the dealer should make any initial adjustment if necessary. As for resealing windows/roof...that makes no sense. Good, high quality silicone or sealer should last many many years and certainly not need resealing in six months.

[robb]

Read your warrenty and maintance papers, it tells you that the roof and windows need to be done every 6 months, NOT a warrenty item. Sorry my paper work is in the unit 350 miles away at Chargers RV repair.
Susan left a lot to be desired!!

[VanMan]

lightningjack11 - just looking at your photo and looking down the "star side" (lengthwise and from the right to the left) - it appears the threads would lengthen the entire unit. I suppose that's correct, right? The longer the entire unit, the more spread out the shoes are and therefore the closer they are to the drum??

[lightningjack11]

Van Man,

That's correct. The picture has three seperate items. The bolt(right) the star nut and the left side. The star screws on to the bolt and the bolt fits into the left portion. It is held in place by a spring connected to both shoes.

A Clockwise motion of the star as viewed from the star end elongates the assemblly. (Think about it by looking at the threads) Thus it pushes the linings closer to the drum.

With the drum and backplate connected the assembly is centered at the bottom where it connects to the shoes. The adjustment hole is off centered so the star can be adjusted. So it is easy to tell the star end since the hole is off centered in that direction.

[sreigle]

So, a clockwise movement of the star wheel tightens the brakes, when viewing the star wheel from the thread end, right?

[Cat320]

quote:Originally posted by robb

Read your warrenty and maintance papers, it tells you that the roof and windows need to be done every 6 months, NOT a warrenty item. Sorry my paper work is in the unit 350 miles away at Chargers RV repair.
Susan left a lot to be desired!!

I did read the manual and the Dicor sheet...that's why I made the post. Both say to CHECK the roof and windows every six months...which is common sense. Neither indicate resealing would or should be required during that six month period. Susan is confused...more than we are!

[lightningjack11]

Steve,

Right. But the star is on the threaded end.