DIPLOMAT 2004
10 • 366
CHASSIS INFORMATION
The motorhome is equipped with automatic slack adjusters. As brake
lining wears, the slack adjusters will automatically ratchet on the return
stroke as needed. This ratchet action will keep the brake lining at proper
adjustment. Brake adjustment should not be necessary. Indications of a
vehicle needing possible brake adjustment may be noticed by the park brake
not holding on a hill, or gradual loss of braking power. Automatic slack
adjusters and the connecting S-camshaft require periodic lubrication.
NOTE: Replacement parts should be of the same original equipment
size and type. Mixing brake components may result in unequal
braking action. Brake adjustments are part of normal maintenance of
the motorhome. Brake adjustments are not covered by the
manufacturer.
WARNING: Brake lining may contain asbestos material and should
only be serviced by qualified service technicians who are trained in
the appropriate precautionary procedures. If any loss of braking
effectiveness, or abnormal braking indications, are noticed the brakes
and slack adjusters should be inspected by a qualified brake
technician.
The motorhome air braking system is equipped with several back-up
safety systems and warning alarms in case of an air system failure.
Refinements to air braking systems have been instituted with safety as top
priority. For example: should the air compressor fail to charge the air system
and the low air gauge readings go undetected, a low air pressure warning
buzzer will sound and a low air pressure dash warning indicator lamp will
illuminate. These warning indicators occur at approximately 65 psi. This
will alert the operator of an impending situation. If the motorhome is allowed
continued operation, the pneumatic emergency spring brake relay valve
installed in the air system senses the low air pressure condition. The
emergency spring brake relay valve will release the air charge from the
spring brake air chambers on the rear drive axle. In this case, the park
brakes will automatically apply at approximately 30 psi. This safety back-up
system acts as an automatic emergency brake system.
Another back up safety is the air system separation of the front and rear
brakes, implemented by using two air tanks. One tank is located in the front
and the other is located in the rear. This separation allows the front air tank
to operate the front brakes; the rear tank operates the rear drive axle brakes.
This tank division gives reassurance in case one tank experiences a failure of an
accessory air item allowing the compressed air to escape.
Brake Adjustment
/Slack Adjuster
Brake Systems
- Back-up
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