Brake adjustments?? - Montana Owners Club

Montana Sky · 07-31-2006, 07:15 PM

I am curious how many of you have your brakes adjusted on your Montana's? I had a fella tell me you are to have them adjusted every year, he claims Keystone told him that during a plant tour. I have not noticed any trouble stopping, but am wondering if I should have mine checked and or adjusted before heading out to the fall rally... Any thoughts or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

2004 Chevy Silverado LT 2500HD CrewCab Duramax
2004 Montana 3400RL

stiles watson · 07-31-2006, 08:00 PM

Sounds like you are not into do-it-yourself on this brake thing. If it has been a year and you are about to take a long trip, the price of adjustment may be cheap insurance.

Stiles n Dianna
"Life is an adventure unfolding"
03 3670RL Big Sky
02 Ford F250 Lariat Longbox 7.3L PSD
Hypertech Programmer III
Prodigy

Montana Sky · 07-31-2006, 08:03 PM

Stiles,
You are correct, after having most of the muscles taken out of my shoulders and neck area, I am finding that many of the heavy "manual" jobs I once could do, is now no longer possible. I feel you are right and I should have them checked before I head out. Sure dont want to find out at 6,900' that I do not have brakes. =) Thank you for confirming my thoughts...

2004 Chevy Silverado LT 2500HD CrewCab Duramax
2004 Montana 3400RL

dsprik · 08-01-2006, 04:10 AM

This is my first experience with magnetic brakes. Mine jerk when they release. Are they supposed to do that?

Dave and Cheryl Sprik
Alden, MI

2002 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Ext Cab, LB, SLE (w/ full power/elect options), Draw Tite Brake Controller (Activator II), Full undercoating, Rhino Spray-In Liner
2007 3400RL
WE'RE HOME!

Don't EVER give up on your Dream.

drhowell · 08-01-2006, 04:48 AM

When everything is adjusted correctly and the controller is set just before lockup there should only be a slight drag feeling. There should not be a jerk type motion when they release.

I test mine on a gravel road or parking area by moving forward slowly 5 ft or so and stepping on the pedal hard. I look for some slight sliding of the RV tires in the gravel. When I press the pedal in a normal (not panic stop)stop I want to feel the RV pulling hard but not dragging the tires. I can test that by manually moving the controller lever while coasting forward.

Farmer Don [MOC 3628]
Barbara & Fuzzy (the Bichon)
2001 3280RL
2004 Ford F250

Sunshine · 08-01-2006, 05:49 AM

Virgil just adjusted the brakes on our 2000 3255RL. We bought it previously enjoyed and have had it about 2 years, so he thought he would check them (first time he's done that) - not because he was having any problems, just a good idea to check, same as TV brakes. (In the 2 years we've had the Monty it's been to Indiana and back, more than one trip to Utah/Arizona and back, and several shorter trips). Since you can't check them yourself, probably wouldn't hurt to have them checked, just for your own peace of mind, and like Stiles says, cheap insurance. Looking forward to seeing you in Goshen.

Virgil and Karen
2000 3255RL
2006 F350 PSD 4x4

dsprik · 08-01-2006, 07:57 AM

Do you have to take it back to a dealer to adjust, or a tire place. I have a friend who runs a tire place that caters to big rigs, as well as cars - not just a "tire discount" place. I guess I could give him a call.

Dave and Cheryl Sprik
Bellaire, MI

2002 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Ext Cab, LB, SLE (w/ full power/elect options)
Reese 16K Hitch, Draw Tite Brake Controller (Activator II)
Full undercoating, Rhino Spray-In Liner
2007 3400RL
Venetian Gold Interior
2nd A/C, Fireplace, Dual Pane Windows, Central Vac
WE'RE HOME!

Don't EVER give up on your Dream.

Montana Sky · 08-01-2006, 10:38 AM

Going to call my dealership today and schedule an appointment, as previously stated, cheap insurance and peace of mind. Oh how the days are getting closer until I depart for Goshen. =)

2004 Chevy Silverado LT 2500HD CrewCab Duramax
2004 Montana 3400RL

lightningjack11 · 08-01-2006, 01:35 PM

Word of caution. When you have them adjusted make sure they are not too tight. For the first 100 miles or so make sure your drums are not hot. If they are too tight you may see smoke in the mirrors.

The Alko manual tells how to adjust the brakes for the do it yourself person.

Tom and Betty
1997 F250 PSD/AutoTranny
DIY Exaust Brake w/TC lockup
AutoMeter Tranny/EGT Gage
Translife Tranny Cooler
Superchips Towsafe
16K Draw-tite Slider
2000 Montana 2850RK

sreigle · 08-01-2006, 06:07 PM

Dsprik, sounds like your controller is set too strong, maybe. I have had that problem back when we used an aftermarket controller. It could be a brake problem but likely it is the controller is set too strong.

Any tire place that adjusts car brakes can do these. They adjust the same way. Same star wheel. However, if you take it to a car place make sure they don't jack it up very far from the wheel if they use the axle as a jacking point. You don't want a bent axle.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'03 3295RK
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

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rickfox · 08-02-2006, 04:24 AM

Montana Sky,

According to Dexter, the brakes should be properly adjusted when the axle leaves the factory. However, the brake shoes take a set after about 200 miles of usage, and therefore should be readjusted at that time. Their timeframe for subsequent adjustment is every 12 months or 12,000 miles.

The shame is that they also recommend every 12 months, or 12,000 miles for the EZ lube hubs/spindles. The recommended maintenance is to remove and inspect the bearings, and replace the seals and regrease. It seems almost like a waste of time to have the EZ lube hubs.

Rick & Wanda
2003 2500HD Crew Cab
Duramax with Allison Trans.
Firestone Airbags
Glide-Ride Pinbox - It's Great!
2006 3400RL - We Love The Trailer!

Montana Customer Service?

ols1932 · 08-02-2006, 05:51 AM

I have ours adjusted annually when I have the wheel bearings repacked. It's surprising how much wear the trailer brakes can have when you travel all the time.

Orv

Orv & Marge Schinke

2000 Montana 3555RL towed with '95 F-250 Diesel w/Banks Power Pack, TransCommand Module, Banks Exhaust Brake and Smart Lock Module, rear air bags, Trailer Saver Air Ride Hitch. Full-time, members of the Escapees RV Club. Summers in the midwest and winters in the southwest.

"Drive defensively. Be careful and be courteous."

Illini Trekker · 08-02-2006, 08:16 AM

Did mine today, for the third time trailer is nearly two years old. Dexter says the brakes are self adjusting then why did they need at least 3 to 4 turns on the adjusting wheel? I guess that why Dexter want us to check annual. Like others have said now is the time to also to greese the bearings.

The hunt makes the find that much sweeter!
Dennis and Debbie
05 Montana 2955RL Spruce Decor
2005 GMC 2500HD D/A CC SB Dark Metallic Blue
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Ride-Rite

dsprik · 08-02-2006, 08:23 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by sreigle

Dsprik, sounds like your controller is set too strong, maybe. I have had that problem back when we used an aftermarket controller. It could be a brake problem but likely it is the controller is set too strong.

Any tire place that adjusts car brakes can do these. They adjust the same way. Same star wheel. However, if you take it to a car place make sure they don't jack it up very far from the wheel if they use the axle as a jacking point. You don't want a bent axle.

Thanks for the info, Steve. As you can see in the signature, I have a Draw Tite brake controller. I have two settings. One is on the side, and one control is in front. The one on the front is set at 4. I have to look at the truck. Since I don't have it hooked up, I can't see the settings, and I can't remember for sure what I had.

Dave and Cheryl Sprik
Bellaire, MI

2002 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Ext Cab, LB, SLE (w/ full power/elect options)
Reese 16K Hitch, Draw Tite Brake Controller (Activator II)
Full undercoating, Rhino Spray-In Liner
2007 3400RL
Venetian Gold Interior
2nd A/C, Fireplace, Dual Pane Windows, Central Vac
WE'RE HOME!

Don't EVER give up on your Dream.

Montana Sky · 08-02-2006, 09:03 AM

I am thinking I have approx. 10,000 miles on my coach now after owning it for 3 years. It mainly sits at the river and goes on 1 or 2 long trips a year. Had the bearing greased this year for the first time, shop said they look great and only took 1 squirt of grease in each. Either way, I have my appointment set up to have brakes adjusted before I head out. Thank you to all who responded to this topic. =)

2004 Chevy Silverado LT 2500HD CrewCab Duramax
2004 Montana 3400RL

sreigle · 08-02-2006, 02:23 PM

Dsprik, I'm not familiar with the DrawTite controller but many aftermarket controllers have two controls. One is usually for "level" and the other is for braking strength. The manual should tell you how to adjust each of those. For level, if your controller has an led, it may say to adjust it until the led turns orange (or red) then back it off or maybe leave it there. If that setting is incorrect it can cause erratic behavior in the braking, or mine did, anyhow. You might check out that setting. I always had to have Vicki watch the light because I had a little trouble with the colors.

The other setting, the manual will likely say drive to 20 mph and pull the manual braking lever. If the wheels don't lock up, increase the setting on that dial (the one you're at 4). I never could get an aftermarket controller to lock up the Montana wheels during that maneuver. The Ford builtin controller will lock them up tight so I know the brakes will lock. If yours won't lock up, you may need to increase speed and see how the braking feels.

As for brake wear, I had the brakes replaced at one year because I had the controller too tight and the linings had stress cracks. I backed off the controller and recently, at two years, the brake linings looked great and had about half the lining remaining. It had been roughly 30k miles since the linings were replaced. They're still on there, going for a third year.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'03 3295RK
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

Our RV Travels (now Firefox-compatible)

dsprik · 08-03-2006, 04:11 PM

Manual???

Actually I did have a set of instructions somewhere, because I looked through them in May when I bought the truck. Think they are in the glove box. I will follow you suggestions, Steve, and see if that helps. I need to hook up next week and drive it a little. I will test the brakes then. I don't think the jerk (of the brakes releasing at low speed - under 10 mph) that is happening as I come up to a stop sign and take my foot off the brakes at a crawl, is normal. Hope I'm explaining that right...

Dave and Cheryl Sprik
Bellaire, MI

2002 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Ext Cab, LB, SLE (w/ full power/elect options)
Reese 16K Hitch, Draw Tite Brake Controller (Activator II)
Full undercoating, Rhino Spray-In Liner
2007 3400RL
Venetian Gold Interior
2nd A/C, Fireplace, Dual Pane Windows, Central Vac
WE'RE HOME!

Don't EVER give up on your Dream.

sreigle · 08-03-2006, 04:41 PM

It is also possible the brakes are grabbing and need some attention. But I'd check the controller first. I remember starting a long towing day with the brakes working fine but as they heated up durin g the long day they'd do what yours do. Backing off the controller helped. I'm not sure this is your problem but it is very possible it's just and adjustment needed.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'03 3295RK
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

Our RV Travels (now Firefox-compatible)

dsprik · 08-03-2006, 05:26 PM

I will try the different settings to see if this has any affect. I believe I recall doing this, though, and not seeing any difference. I will see.

Dave and Cheryl Sprik
Bellaire, MI

2002 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Ext Cab, LB, SLE (w/ full power/elect options)
Reese 16K Hitch, Draw Tite Brake Controller (Activator II)
Full undercoating, Rhino Spray-In Liner
2007 3400RL
Venetian Gold Interior
2nd A/C, Fireplace, Dual Pane Windows, Central Vac
WE'RE HOME!

Don't EVER give up on your Dream.

Bob Pasternak · 08-03-2006, 06:16 PM

Illini tracker: Dennis/Debbie: I hadn't heard about automatic adjusters on electric brakes. That doesn't mean they don't exist, just that I didn't know about them. But if they self adjust the way they did on cars, they only adjust going backward with a rather severe brake application. One way to find out is looking into or putting a brake spoon through the adjusting slot. A different star wheel is used on self-adjusters than on manual adjust.

'05 Dodge 2500 SLT Quad-cab Cummins. Auto 4X2 LB 3.73. 15K Reese. '06 Montana 3000RK.
I bought a Cummins engine, it just came wrapped in a Dodge.

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