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Topic: chevy and ford brakes on 1995 year (Read 349 times) previous topic - next topic
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chevy and ford brakes on 1995 year
I have a technical question about the comparison of brake systems on 1995 models.  We had a Chevy which had the weird brake system connecting to the power steering which I understood if you had a problem you might be SOL.  So long since gone is the 95 chevy 23.5 tk .  Now we like the 23.5 TK and year really doesn't bother us some are extremely nice but we don't want to buy into another worry so can someone tell me if the Ford in that year range has a standard mastervac  vac system or is it some weird engineers dream like chevy??   Or other related issues to that year?
Also in 95 what ford engines were used in the lazy daze's.?
Thanks
Grumpy
2005 Front Lounge
Re: chevy and ford brakes on 1995 year
Reply #1 –
Hydraulic boost v. vacuum boost I believe. I think the Ford will be the traditional vacuum boost as my older one was. Both work fine when maintained in good repair. Incidentally - going over the Grapevine (and down) was far more terrifying in my Ford than my Chevy. Lower engine braking and power brake fade. You will find religion.

The 460 would be the Ford engine - maybe with rare exception.
1996 Twin King
Re: chevy and ford brakes on 1995 year
Reply #2 –
The chevy hydraulic boost has an accumulator to help in the event of a drive belt break. But only one stop. Replace the belt or tow after that stop.   They will still hard couple with out assist. Just like vacuum assist power brakes. You just have to push the pedal much harder
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: chevy and ford brakes on 1995 year
Reply #3 –
The Chevy G-30s used a hydroboost master brake cylinder, which uses the power steering pump to provide boosted brake pressure.
Conventional vehicles use the engine's vacuum to boost the brakes.
Compared to the vacuum boosted brakes, the hydraulic boost provides several times more brake line pressure, an advantage when trying to stop a heavy motor home.
The Ford E350s use a vacuum booster, while all the E450s have hydroboost brakes.
Having driven many LDs, with both brake systems the G-30, E350 and E450, the hydroboost brakes are superior.

With hydroboost brakes, if the engine dies, you only have one good stop so stomp on the pedal and do not let off until you have stopped, set the parking brake and transmission is in Park.
Once the reserve is exhausted, the pedal will be too hard to manually stop the MH.
Might not matter much, since the steering wheel will be next to impossible to turn, if the engine isn't running.
So many good reasons to keep the engine properly serviced.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: chevy and ford brakes on 1995 year
Reply #4 –
Thanks so much for the info;  Now I'm really not sure about brakes.  The hydro thing is on the chevy and the bigger ford if I'm understanding Larry correct?   So another question if you don't mind.  The newer like 96 or even 2000 models with the 450 chasis are they using this hydro stystem still ??  I'm only used to the vac booster stuff I have worked on lots of vehicles but the limitation is to smaller vehicles like 3/4 ton pickups and cars.  Any more info appreciated.
Grumpy
2005 Front Lounge
Re: chevy and ford brakes on 1995 year
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Esther Spradlin  - 
The hydro thing is on the chevy and the bigger ford if I'm understanding Larry correct?  So another question if you don't mind.  The newer like 96 or even 2000 models with the 450 chasis are they using this hydro stystem still ?? 
AFAIK, all E450s use a hydroboost.
It isn't that big a deal, switching from vacuum to hydraulic boosting.
Keeping the power steering fluid clean is the only extra maintenance. I flush it every 40-50K and use an inline filter, on one of the return lines.
The only difference you will notice with the hydroboost is the  firmer pedal and how the RV stops with a lighter touch.
The hydroboost provides a much higher level of assistance than a vacuum booster.
Try it,  you will like it.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: chevy and ford brakes on 1995 year
Reply #6 –
Now, with the 80's Chevy chassis, at least, belt routing was such that throwing the belt to the power steering pump was not uncommon. With Hydroboost, you lose both power steering AND brakes, and your only clue flying down the freeway was when the engine would start heating up from lack of coolant circulation. From experience, I can tell you how thrilling THAT experience can be!

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: chevy and ford brakes on 1995 year
Reply #7 –
"From experience, I can tell you how thrilling THAT experience can be!"
----
Scary, for sure; how did you manage to control and stop the rig? (In addition to Nancy's dragging her foot along the roadway?  ;) )
2003 TK has a new home
Re: chevy and ford brakes on 1995 year
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
Now, with the 80's Chevy chassis, at least, belt routing was such that throwing the belt to the power steering pump was not uncommon. With Hydroboost, you lose both power steering AND brakes, and your only clue flying down the freeway was when the engine would start heating up from lack of coolant circulation. From experience, I can tell you how thrilling THAT experience can be!

Steve


My old 1996 GMC Suburban was that way. I lost the belt. But the first thing I noticed at 65 mph was the steering felt funny. Not much fun stopping or steering getting the truck to a stop. Sure would not want to do it in a motorhome LOL.
Lynn and Lori
Re: chevy and ford brakes on 1995 year
Reply #9 –
We have hydro-boost on our '93 G30. We've replaced both the power steering pump and almost the entire brake system: master cylinder, calipers, rotors & pads. (As well as flushing the entire hydraulic system a few times.) And for good measure, the serpentine belt was replaced.

One of my key caveats in getting an older RV was to spend money on the lower chassis: brakes, suspension (shocks & springs) and tires. It's one thing to chug up a hill in low power, but it's not really life threatening. It's another going down hill, rounding turns @ speed and/or having a blow-out that serve to reduce/eliminate control over the vehicle.

So, if you are trying to avoid a massive depreciation hit by getting an older RV, don't forget the rig must still be appeased. Remember the old saying, "ass, grass or cash, no one rides for free". Sure, it referred to hitch hiking, but it has general applications to anything requiring maintenance. Put some money into the cooling system, along with AC/heat, and your RV should reliably get you where you want to go.

Coach, cosmetics and mods should be the very last thing on anyone's resto list.
Re: chevy and ford brakes on 1995 year
Reply #10 –
Thanks again for all the input.   The older unit questions are actually not really a cash issue tho I guess cash is always an issue and I do like to keep EVERYTHING in top working order, newer tires belts and all .   Our main question line was actually based more on availability, we find a very nice older Lazy Daze model we like once in a while but like the 1995 chev 30 we had looking at the brake system was concerning, because we knew little about bigger vehicle brakes.   
One last question now that I'm on an education roll.    In the past I have read a post about buying older and the drawbaks to this year and that year can anyone tell me where to find that so I may reread it??
thanks
Grumpy
2005 Front Lounge
Re: chevy and ford brakes on 1995 year
Reply #11 –
Quote from: JCT  - 
Scary, for sure; how did you manage to control and stop the rig? (In addition to Nancy's dragging her foot along the roadway?  ;) )

Adrenaline turns one into Superman in an instant. Brought it to the shoulder and stopped very, very quickly!!

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit