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Topic: Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD. (Read 805 times) previous topic - next topic
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Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD.
Sadly, I'm sitting in my LD in a parking lot in Vacaville. Started having problems with my brakes a while back. Got off freeway and checked fluid and all was full. Back on freeway, problem got worse. Got off here to see smoke coming off rear passenger side tires. I had heard and felt a couple weird bangs earlier in the drive, but I thought I was being overly sensitive/paranoid. Nope. Seems a brake may have locked up. So I'm 60 miles from home with 2 big dogs, a cat and AAA not even picking up.

I've put  a ton of money and time into this thing, and though i love her, I can't deal with the stress. I have enough of that already.  So I'm going to get it home, get estimate for repairs, and then probably sell her. She's got lots of new parts, a rebuilt transmission, all kinds of stuff done. The only other option is to keep her for very local use in case I decide to do my mobile office idea after all, for which I won't need all the extras to work.

Sucks, but this is more hassle than fun, and I just don't have the time or the energy to deal with it. I do hope to get a newer one in better shape some point soon.

LIsa

1991 22' LD Multi-Plan
Re: Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD.
Reply #1 –
At least you're not on the side of the freeway somewhere.  Breakdowns suck, and one can feel very discouraged when they happen.  Had I seen this when you first posted, I'd have offered you four a ride home.
Please post again in 48 - 72 hours on the status and progress.
If you do sell, you will know how to look over the replacement LD.
Pat the dogs, scratch the cat's ear for me.

Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
2013  31 IB   ORWAN   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD.
Reply #2 –
Thanks. AAA better pay me back for that $650 tow.

No idea what happened with the brakes. All Fluids full,tow driver saw no leaks but did smell the burning smell over an hour after I parked. He also commented on how my brake system looked good and new.. yeah I had it all done less than a year ago.
Guess I'll find out next week what happened this time. Just so tired and burned out.

Later daze, all.

Lisa
1991 22' LD Multi-Plan
Re: Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD.
Reply #3 –
Believe it's a problem with the Ford chassis.  Half of our Northeast Club has probably had the problem with the calipers locking (some more than once).  It happened to some with less than 50,000 miles.  On others it was longer.

My rears (both sides) locked up at around 90,000.  The fronts maybe 10,000 miles later.  The Ford V-10 is so powerful that you really don't notice the rears until you stop.  When the fronts locked up I smelled it quickly.

Keeping my fingers crossed that it won't happen again. 
2003 MB
Re: Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD.
Reply #4 –

"Believe it's a problem with the Ford chassis.  Half of our Northeast Club has probably had the problem with the calipers locking (some more than once).  It happened to some with less than 50,000 miles. "

H.T.P., it appears it is not only a Ford chassis problem since Lisa's is a Chevy.

I should probably start a separate discussion on this but since you are hoping it doesn't happen to you again, may I ask if you are doing anything to try to prevent caliper seizure?

I try to have the caliper slides on my 2003 lubed every 2-3 years. My understanding is sitting idle for long periods and salt air climates are particularly difficult on calipers.

Steve K.
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD.
Reply #5 –
Quote from: H. T. P.  - 
Believe it's a problem with the Ford chassis.  Half of our Northeast Club has probably had the problem with the calipers locking (some more than once).  It happened to some with less than 50,000 miles.  On others it was longer.
My rears (both sides) locked up at around 90,000.  The fronts maybe 10,000 miles later.  The Ford V-10 is so powerful that you really don't notice the rears until you stop.  When the fronts locked up I smelled it quickly.


After 24 years and 175,000 miles LD ownership, we have never had a caliper lockup and here is why.
90% of caliper lock up is due to the lack of maintenance .
Here is the issue.
Yesterday, I removed the LD's rear wheels for rotation and to lube the brake caliper slides. It had been three years since the last time the brakes examined . The brake pads were still good but all four caliper slide pins were bone dry, lacking lube and starting to bind, which will eventually lead to a caliper lockup.
Disc brake calipers need to be able to move side ways when they are applied and as they wear.
The front disc brakes have slides too and require periodic lubrication.

I suggest having the brakes examined and serviced every three years, at a minimum, even if nothing is worn enough for replacement.
When serviced, insist that both the front and rear brake calipers are lubed.  At the same time, have the brake fluid flushed and replaced with new, freshly opened fluid. Brake fluid is hydroscopic, it absorbs moisture out of the air, which causes rust, another less common reason why calipers fail.
Periodic replacement of the brake fluid is the only way to remove the water.

Our passenger cars accumulate mileage at a much faster rate than our LDs. It can be many years before a LD brakes are worn enough to require replacement. In the meantime, the caliper slides lubrication dries dries up, preventing the calipers from moving smoothly. Wait long enough between brake service and the caliper will stick. It's your call.
Only you can prevent caliper lockup, to paraphrase Smokey.

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: Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD.
Reply #6 –
Any vehicle that is old enough to have graduated from college, married, and had a few kids is going to have a string of issues.   I keep a list in my 2003 of things I need to fix or maintain and I never get to the end of it.  Cross 1 item off of the top, add 2 to the bottom. 

I too have had stuck calipers in the front and rear.  The coach sat for a few years before I bought it, and it still had original brake fluid when I changed it 8 years into it's life. 

I eventually replaced all of the calipers and brake hoses.  I now change the brake fluid every two years.  I switched to phenolic pistons, which have their detractors, but I can't say for sure if that has helped or not.

Owning a RV of any age requires a good mechanic and a healthy wallet, or the time and ability to DIY.  I'm due for new tires in the next year or two, meaning another $1500 or so just to keep rolling down the road.

Should you decide to sell, the new owner will have a head start on replacements/repairs because of the effort you've put in.

Rich
'03 MB in NC
2003 MB
Re: Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD.
Reply #7 –
I'll make sure my repair shop checks the brakes next month when it's in for service.  Especially will have them check the calipers.

Thanks for the advice.
2003 MB
Re: Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD.
Reply #8 –
If the calipers seize, will the wheels still turn? Because my wheels still turned.

Also, I had my brakes gone over last year. I don't have the service records with me, but they did a lot, as confirmed by the tow driver who said everything looked new.  So would I have had any reason to believe they needed to be checked again when it had been less than a year?

Lisa
1991 22' LD Multi-Plan
Re: Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD.
Reply #9 –
Lisa,
I must say it’s been a real adventure following your posts here on LDO. So sorry it has come to this but frankly it’s not surprising. When you first mentioned you would be buying an older LD to use as a mobile office, I had some misgivings due to your lack of owning a RV before (nothing personal as I would have felt the same about anyone who was inexperienced) but thought it would probably work out for the purpose you originally intended. It was only when you started talking about using your LD for long travels, and even a trip to Mexico, that red flags started popping up.

As the previous owner of an older G30 chassis, I would encourage anyone not to purchase an older LD without a clear understanding of the limitations of that chassis, and to have the needed skills to maintain an older motorhome.

Going forward, I think you are making the right decision to sell it.  As others have suggested, a newer LD with the V10 and higher capacity chassis would be more suitable if your intent is do anything beyond using it as a mobile office.  I might also suggest you consider the next size up, considering all your furry friends. I personally think the 27 ft. MB would fill the bill. You would have the dinette area for doing your work and the large lounge area in the rear for you and the critters to relax. And, of course, the cabover could be your bed.

Just some random thoughts I had when I read your post. Good luck to you and hope you get a quick sale!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD.
Reply #10 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 

I must say it’s been a real adventure following your posts here on LDO. So sorry it has come to this but frankly it’s not surprising. When you first mentioned you would be buying an older LD to use as a mobile office, I had some misgivings due to your lack of owning a RV before (nothing personal as I would have felt the same about anyone who was inexperienced) but thought it would probably work out for the purpose you originally intended. It was only when you started talking about using your LD for long travels, and even a trip to Mexico, that red flags started popping up.


I was thinking about this yesterday. I may keep it as a mobile office, as it would be ok for local stuff where I'm never too far from home/mechanic, etc , and don't need everything to work.

Right now I need to focus on finding a permanent home instead of this ridiculously noisy sublet.  If I could find some property within 60 or so miles, I could keep the LD for the office and/or guest quarters, and then take my time finding something else for traveling. Not sure I would want a 27'. Seems just too big for me.

We shall see.

LIsa
1991 22' LD Multi-Plan
Re: Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD.
Reply #11 –
Lisa,
Having personally went from a 23’ class C to our 26.5 midbath I can honestly say there’s not a huge difference in drivability. A little bigger turning radius but no real big deal. Just my opinion. For us with a large dog the extra 3.5’ made a huge difference in livability.
Lynn and Lori
Re: Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD.
Reply #12 –
Quote from: meandthedogs  - 
Not sure I would want a 27'. Seems just too big for me.

Not much difference driving a 22' and 27', other than each having a different turning radius.
After driving a thousand miles, it will feel normal.
Either the 24' models will work for a single person full timing as long as you have a base somewhere to store you season clothes and personal items that you don't want to or have the space to carry all the time.

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: Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD.
Reply #13 –
Lisa,

Did you have the master cylinder replaced when you had the brakes done??  I did with my 1990 "Blue" and had a red hot brake up near Roosevelt lake, arizona.  Had my mom in a wheelchair and a GSD recovering from bloat surgery along.  I'm sure a few of tge folks from LD southwest remember that adventure!

Anyhow, this was an ongoing issue.  Sometimes the brakes felt like they were sticking, grabbing, etc.  Returns to the shop showed nothing wrong.  Turns out the piston (correct me Larry) in the master cylinder was not machined correctly and sometimes wouldn't conpletely release.  As the part was defective, the shops insurance paid for a complete new brake job..  rotors, calipers, drums, wheel cylinders, etc. 

Just some food for thought.

Lisa
1990 blue (Jen's now)
2005 ghost rider
2005 RB
Re: Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD.
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Lisa T.  - 
Lisa,

Did you have the master cylinder replaced when you had the brakes done??  I did with my 1990 "Blue" and had a red hot brake up near Roosevelt lake, arizona. 
Anyhow, this was an ongoing issue.  Sometimes the brakes felt like they were sticking, grabbing, etc.  Returns to the shop showed nothing wrong.  Turns out the piston (correct me Larry) in the master cylinder was not machined correctly and sometimes wouldn't conpletely release.  tc. 

When a master cylinder is replaced, there is a rod, between the pedal and the cylinder that must be adjusted so there is a slight amount of clearance, any pressure on the master cylinder, when the pedal is released, will cause problems.. 
The usual indiction of a mis-adjusted MC is having the brakes slowly apply themself, as the brake fluids heats up and expands.
This can bring you to a stop and/or cause extensive overheating and damage to the brake system.
It's surprising how many 'mechanics' don't know about this adjustment.

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: Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD.
Reply #15 –
Larry - or anyone else!

Is it possible that the rod that you speak of could come out of adjustment and lead to mushy brakes?

3500 miles ago I had a new master cylinder and other brake work done. 1500 miles later the brakes had become mushy. The shop replaced the cylinder free of charge and problem solved until... 2000 miles later and mushy brakes have returned. The brake system has been inspected multiple times and all issues fixed.

Currently the fluid is full, so no leaks. Any insights I can bring to the shop appreciated!

Any brake shop recs around Las Vegas also appreciated!

Pete
Pete
1994 RB
Re: Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD.
Reply #16 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
When a master cylinder is replaced, there is a rod, between the pedal and the cylinder that must be adjusted so there is a slight amount of clearance, any pressure on the master cylinder, when the pedal is released, will cause problems.. 
The usual indiction of a mis-adjusted MC is having the brakes slowly apply themself, as the brake fluids heats up and


According to mechanic, "the wheel seal on the inside of the drum was damaged on installation, allowing the rear end fluid (oil) to get to the brake shoes."

I called the shop that worked on the brakes last year- they said the shop was recently sold and they are not liable for past work! This even though the new owner was the mechanic that worked on the brakes. They also said the old shop only warrantied work for 3 months. I am waiting to get a copy of my invoice from them (it's in the RV), but the current mechanic looked at it and said that,even though the brakes look new in the rear, the invoice shows the other shop only worked on the front brakes.  This is all very fishy and upsetting to me.  I am so pissed.

Long and short of it: I will sell and buy a new car.

I hope I can get at least a good chunk of what i put into it back. I feel like I've gotten almost major thing done on my LD that could need doing, so somebody is going to end up with a good, vintage vehicle that will mostly need maintenance going forward. That pisses me off.
1991 22' LD Multi-Plan
Re: Ok folks. Now I'm done until I can get a more reliable LD.
Reply #17 –
You know, Lisa, I had a very heavy duty Chevrolet pickup and also a couple Ford 1 ton trucks that I drove up words of 400,000 miles. What I found was that the rear brakes would quite often look new or very good and the front disc brakes would be worn completely  out. This could very well be your case here. Rear differential grease is hard on things especially brake shoes.

Jon
1994 MB