PD4106 park brakes won't release...

[luvrbus]

Fwiw Kirks Automotive in Detroit had a good buy on rebuilt DD3's a few months ago 313-933-7030

[gus]

This has been a very interesting string to me because I just went from a 4104 with spring brakes to a 4107 with DD3s.

With the DD3 I found quickly that pushing in the park button Before pushing the foot brake works much better. I also find that most of the time the brakes release shortly after I push in the button and I don't need to use the foot brake. I do make sure the buss will roll easily when it does this though.

I don't use a lot of foot pressure to set them unless on a steep grade, then I give it a good push but not all the way.

All that being said, spring brakes are sure a lot simpler design and easier to operate!!

[Busted Knuckle]

Fwiw Kirks Automotive in Detroit had a good buy on rebuilt DD3's a few months ago 313-933-7030

I second Clifford on Kirk's as a good resource! I've never bought brake chambers from them, but I have bought starters and alternators from them @ good prices.

Also check with Luke @ US Coach 856-767-4848 he will have them also and probably a rebuild kit if you choose to go that route!
 BK  

[bwze]

Great info guys....just got back from a Christmas Eve dinner with friends and had an opportunity to talk with a fellow bus owner. He's got a big garage and all the necessary jacks and blocking to help me when need be....sure is great to have connections. Another friend told me that I may be able to find rebuild kits for my DD-3's at a local shop here in Columbia..

Anyway, signing off for tonight.....hope you all have a very merry Christmas......and remember the reason for the season....

P.S. Here's a link to a PDF that a buddy of mine found with some really good info from Bendix on the DD-3 and the SD-3.....

http://www.bendixvrc.com/itemDisplay.asp?documentID=2393

[gmbusguy1]

Gus, I realize you are used to spring brakes of course so please do take my comments as trying to help you prevent a stuck  or partially released brake can with the new to you DD3's.

I would follow RJ's advice in this post regarding setting and removing the brakes with DD3's it is very easy to just push in the parking brake valve and feel the coach roll thus driving away with out a full 3 to 5 second Full treadle application and have a brake can (the parking circuit) not completely disengaged

and as we all know bearing/axle problems and Fire are a very real possibility

just trying to avert a small disaster

Merry Christmas

Chris

[luvrbus]

Chris you are going to like the 30/36 spring brakes on your Eagle no more hassle with DD-3 hard to believe the Eagle has spring brakes since the 80's


good luck

[bwze]

I completely forgot to ask the board a most important question that I can seem to find the answer to.....how do you get a DD-3 to release is the diaphragm is bad.....seems like there would have to be a way to get it to release manually....anybody got any pointers?

[gus]

Chris,

Thanks, I do that and is what I meant by my last sentence, first paragraph.

I wasn't clear about that though.

I saw the PO move the bus without using the foot pedal and saw firsthand that the brake wasn't completely released.

[papatony]

Please don't try to rebuild those things by your self they can be very dangerous!!!!!

[Busted Knuckle]

Please don't try to rebuild those things by your self they can be very dangerous!!!!!

Papatony,
While I appreciate your concern, rebuilding a DD3 is neither dangerous or difficult!
Spring brake cans on the other hand are very dangerous and so cheap it ain't worth rebuilding them!
  BK 

[bwze]

That being said BK, how do you get one to release if stuck so that you can remove it for rebuilding?

[gmbusguy1]

Billy, just back off the slack adjuster, remove the airlines keeping track of which line goes where then remove the two nuts holding the can to the mount.

Chris

[bwze]

10-4....that was my logical conclusion, but didn't know if there was a special way to get the rollers to release the push rod back to it's unsprung position.....thanks

[bwze]

Does anyone know if there is an access panel above the rear axle in a 4106 that would allow easier access to the brake chambers and inversion valve?

[Busted Knuckle]

Billy I wish I could help ya more but I know very little about GM coaches. But I really doubt it!
But jacking and blocking the bus, and removing the drives on one side will help!
  BK