How long do brakes typically last?

belfert · August 29, 2020, 07:11:21 AM

How long do brakes on buses typically last? I estimate I have driven my bus about 80,000 miles since the brake shoes and drums were last replaced. I pulled off the tag axle drums recently and the shoes still seem to have a lot of life left.

I am glad that I won't have to replace my brakes any time soon as I would told my drums have to be replaced each time the shoes are replaced and the drums were not cheap in 2006.

dtcerrato · August 29, 2020, 08:48:27 AM

Aside from doing a visual inspection on the brake blocks & shoes to see that their condition is acceptable the minimum acceptable thickness of the brake blocks as per the specific maintenance manual is all that is required.
Drums have their own criteria to follow. On our GM bus new brake blocks do not dictate the need for new drums.

benherman1 · August 29, 2020, 02:43:00 PM

What would be minimum acceptable thickness for the shoes? Mine all look to be 3/4" thick or so so I assume I'm good for a while except for the one that seems to have de-laminated.

buswarrior · August 29, 2020, 04:22:48 PM

Some brake blocks will hav e a scribe line on the edge, so you can see the useable lining that is left above the scribe.

Others, you need to know the measurement, and have a sufficiently accurate measuring tool.

With the drum off, depth left until the fasteners run the risk of scoring the drum is another belt and suspenders way to decide.

Busnuts are more likely to ha ve brake block material glaze or decay, than wear them out.

Busnuts do not typically use the brakes as aggressively as an in-service coach driver, and will get spectacular mileage compared to commercial service.

For those with unknown brake material, inherited from previous owners, beware of flaking material, indication of the linings ha ving been overheated, they don't grip properly.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

chessie4905 · August 29, 2020, 04:53:08 PM

Dont forget having to change them because of a leaking oil seal.

Utahclaimjumper · August 29, 2020, 05:43:33 PM

How long is a string?? >>>D

luvrbus · August 29, 2020, 08:16:17 PM

Depends on the driving conditions doing highway miles they last for years doing stop and go city driving not so long

TomC · August 30, 2020, 09:25:05 AM

When I was driving truck, I averaged 350,000 miles per brake job. Out of everything replaced on my bus, the brakes are still in good shape (manual adjusters) and will put you through the windshield. Good Luck, TomC

windtrader · August 30, 2020, 10:07:34 AM

Mine should last forever as I love the Jakes and use them all time so people will look at my bus! And I love the sound when revving the motor while in the campground too, not so sure I get much love back though.

luvrbus · August 30, 2020, 11:16:59 AM

Quote from: windtrader on August 30, 2020, 10:07:34 AM
Mine should last forever as I love the Jakes and use them all time so people will look at my bus! And I love the sound when revving the motor while in the campground too, not so sure I get much love back though.

Jakes on the 2 strokes are racket makers that is about all they do unless you are real lowed geared then you only have 2nd and 3rd they are affective in without a converter lock up valve for 1st gear, don't put you safety in danger depending on Jakes because 1 day it will bite you in the @$#

richard5933 · August 31, 2020, 07:55:44 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on August 30, 2020, 11:16:59 AMJakes on the 2 strokes are racket makers that is about all they do unless you are real lowed geared then you only have 2nd and 3rd they are affective in without a converter lock up valve for 1st gear, don't put you safety in danger depending on Jakes because 1 day it will bite you in the @$#

Luvrbus - I sent you a PM with a brake question. Thanks in advance for whatever answers you can provide.

luvrbus · August 31, 2020, 08:05:47 AM

Quote from: richard5933 on August 31, 2020, 07:55:44 AM
Luvrbus - I sent you a PM with a brake question. Thanks in advance for whatever answers you can provide.

Richard I am not at the shop to check on the number for you Sonja fell and broke her hip while we traveling and they had to do a complete hip replacement and graft some bones in her leg so I am in Flagstaff for awhile sorry

richard5933 · August 31, 2020, 08:12:39 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on August 31, 2020, 08:05:47 AM

Richard I am not at the shop to check on the number for you Sonja fell and broke her hip while we traveling and they had to do a complete hip replacement and graft some bones in her leg so I am in Flagstaff for awhile sorry

Sorry to hear that - all the best for Sonja having a quick and full recovery.

windtrader · August 31, 2020, 10:29:23 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on August 30, 2020, 11:16:59 AMJakes on the 2 strokes are racket makers that is about all they do unless you are real lowed geared then you only have 2nd and 3rd they are affective in without a converter lock up valve for 1st gear, don't put you safety in danger depending on Jakes because 1 day it will bite you in the @$#

They work on my bus in all gears except for top gear with HT740 when I manually control gear selection. The bus mechanic who drove the bus I bought mentioned he just leaves the Jakes and I guess controls it via pedal feathering.

Here is a personal example with Jakes on - Pulling off freeway I'll coast and slow a bit on the off ramp, change down gear, wait for tranny to shift up, and can feel Jakes working and slowing vehicle.
Another example is driving on surface streets with Jakes on and transmission set in lower gear depending on average flow. Letting off Jakes kick in and often times slows enough to not have to hit the brakes.

Not sure why that is bad, what issues does that cause? I've asked before about proper Jake usage and never got any cautionary tales or even guidance on their use.

Sorry to hear about your wife. Take care, don

luvrbus · August 31, 2020, 11:34:53 AM

Quote from: windtrader on August 31, 2020, 10:29:23 AM
They work on my bus in all gears except for top gear with HT740 when I manually control gear selection. The bus mechanic who drove the bus I bought mentioned he just leaves the Jakes and I guess controls it via pedal feathering.

Here is a personal example with Jakes on - Pulling off freeway I'll coast and slow a bit on the off ramp, change down gear, wait for tranny to shift up, and can feel Jakes working and slowing vehicle.
Another example is driving on surface streets with Jakes on and transmission set in lower gear depending on average flow. Letting off Jakes kick in and often times slows enough to not have to hit the brakes.

Not sure why that is bad, what issues does that cause? I've asked before about proper Jake usage and never got any cautionary tales or even guidance on their use.

Sorry to hear about your wife. Take care, don

Jakes only work in the lockup mode they don't work through a converter,do you a test stop using the Jakes and check the difference in oil consumption,they come on in 4th lock up you just don't notice it