Haven't Driven Air Brakes Lately...What a Shock!

[BusCrazyTom]

Haven't driven a vehicle with Air Brakes lately, so the response came as a bit of a surprise today on this 16' Isuszu Box Truck I had to get. Oh well, guess I'll be back in good shape when the bus rolls around!


Bus Crazy Tom the Analog Dinosaur

[HB of CJ]

I'm not sure if I understand what exactly you mean regarding driving the Isuzu Van with air brakes.  My old Crown Super Coach ex-schoolie had HUGE air brakes on six (6) axle ends and when they were cold, a very gentle tap on the pedal could launch one thru the windshield.  Superb stoppers.  One could lock up ALL the wheels at ANY speed.  When warmed up they were just incredible, stopping faster than my pickup, or most older cars.

My old Chevy pickup has manual brakes, (well actually they are supposed to be vacuum power assist, but the vacuum thing on the master cylinder does not work) and I have to literally STAND on the brake pedal trying to get the old stepside to stop.  Whow!  The brakes work, but you have to work at it.  When I can $afford$ it, the vacuum booster thing will be replaced.  Hope your Isuzu air brake experience hasn't soured your Bus Conversion fever. 

[BusCrazyTom]

HB,

Naaah, I've driven with air brakes too long off and on to be soured on a bus conversion. I just haven't driven with them in a long while, and I didn't remember completely how they responded. Dern near launched me into space the first time I hit 'em today,actually I think they are misadjusted so I think the mechanic gets to play with them a while.

BusCrazyTom the Analog Dinosaur

[TomC]

I think the Izusu has air over hydraulic brakes which to me always feel a bit on the rubbery side with slow response.  On both my bus and truck, the feel of air brakes is good and response time is low.  My wife didn't have much trouble with driving my bus. Good Luck, TomC

[BusCrazyTom]

TomC

May be air -over- hydraulic, not sure. Know it has air brakes cause it has an air gauge...dual front-rear. Problem I had was spongy and then grabs like a rocket launcher, with you as the ammo. Dang brake pedal is too close to the accelerater in my opinion. That of a man with a 12" long EEE wide foot! Its an Izuzu WD-5500 truck ex-Penske.

Thanks
Tom

[TomC]

I agree with Japanese vehicles made for small people.  I have 12D's and have the same problem.  I sounds like the hydraulic side of the brakes may need bleeding with possible air in the hydraulics giving it a spongy feeling.  Good Luck, TomC

[BusCrazyTom]

Tom.

Thanks. I'll have a truck mechanic buddy check it out!

Tom