Spring Brakes Installed!

Dreamscape · November 12, 2008, 02:27:43 AM

Greetings,

I finished the installation of my new spring brakes! It was quite a job but well worth the effort. I pulled off the original DD-3's and TR-2 Inversion valve and went to town.

Installed a QR-1C valve in place of the inversion valve. This valve has a two-way check valve for anti-compounding.

Best part of this is, I have no leaks and they work great!

I have compiled a "How To Do" document, if anyone is interested I can post it. I have left it a single system for now, will tackle the job of changing it over to dual at a later time. Need to rest up, been under the bus since Sunday!

Thanks to the help from Clifford (luvrbus), who gave me the idea and provided lots of support! Also to Sojourner for exchanging many emails and helpful links, and BusWarrior for his expertise.

This was installed on a 1968 Eagle 01, but it may help in other applications as well.

Paul

JackConrad · November 12, 2008, 05:22:38 AM

Congratulations!! Looks great! Just curious, what are you going to do with the DD3 components? I might be interested in them . Jack

Dreamscape · November 12, 2008, 05:31:36 AM

Hi Jack,

Buswarrior said he wanted them a while back. If he doesn't take them you are next in line. Just pay the shipping and they would be yours. Or better yet stop by on your travels through Abilene TX. You know where that is right?

Paul

JackConrad · November 12, 2008, 05:44:24 AM

Quote from: Dreamscape on November 12, 2008, 05:31:36 AM
Hi Jack,

Buswarrior said he wanted them a while back. If he doesn't take them you are next in line. Just pay the shipping and they would be yours. Or better yet stop by on your travels through Abilene TX. You know where that is right?
Paul

Thanks Paul, just let me know. So far, our travels have not taken us out of the Southeast. There is just sooo much to see in this country, we have not seen everyting in this part of the Country yet. But the Southwest is next on our list of areas to visit. Paula growed up in Arizona (Douglas-Bisbee area). Jack

luvrbus · November 12, 2008, 06:13:40 AM

Good job Paul, you will enjoy the set up.Jack if you ever come to AZ I have a 50amp full hookup waiting for you (don't drink the water) good luck

Sojourner · November 12, 2008, 07:33:54 AM

Glad that to see it done, so you can enjoy the convent of knowing of having no fear of hose breaking to stop and no fear of rolling. Thanks for the update.

It more fail safe than DD-3 due to what if the hose fail and parking pawl is not holding. Off course none of it to do any good if the brakes is not adjusted properly.

I have yet to finish the drawing of Eagle and MCI dual brake system but soon as possible, the Lord willing.
BTW...it includes spring brake for MCI's. The newer spring brake can are more stream line to fit in then the older version.

FWIW

Sojourn for Christ, Gerald

John316 · November 12, 2008, 07:46:30 AM

Paul, I noticed that you changed your profile. Why? I will say that you picture is neat.

You could email me that doc that you made. I would be interested. You have my email.

God bless,

John

Sam 4106 · November 12, 2008, 08:22:24 AM

Hi Paul,
Looks like a great accomplishment. Congradulations!!
I am not familiar with the terms "single system" or "dual system" would you please explain their meaning? I like to learn something new.
Thanks, Sam 4106

Lee Bradley · November 12, 2008, 08:55:25 AM

Paul,
More pictures when you have time. Did you add an emergency release system?

belfert · November 12, 2008, 10:16:45 AM

When you changed the brake cans did you also have to change the slack adjusters? If you did, did you go with auto slack adjusters?

I know there is a lot of debate aroud manual versus auto slack adjusters. Are there any new vehicles that don't have auto slack adjusters? My bus is a 1995 so it has both spring brakes and auto slack adjusters from the factory.

I'm asking mostly out of curiosity here.

Dreamscape · November 12, 2008, 10:48:23 AM

Quote from: John316 on November 12, 2008, 07:46:30 AM
Paul, I noticed that you changed your profile. Why? I will say that you picture is neat.

You could email me that doc that you made. I would be interested. You have my email.

God bless,

John

Hi John,

I will send you the doc so you can study the system. I changed my profile because of personal reasons.
The picture is of our Eagle in the background with the Dixie Echoes having some fun! Thought it would be good for a change.

Quote from: Sam 4106 on November 12, 2008, 08:22:24 AM
Hi Paul,
Looks like a great accomplishment. Congradulations!!
I am not familiar with the terms "single system" or "dual system" would you please explain their meaning? I like to learn something new.
Thanks, Sam 4106

Hi Sam, Single system is referring to the old way air brakes were done. In the early 70's a change was made, so they designed a dual system, with the addition of two-way check valve between the primary and secondary tank, so if either the front or rear fail because of an air leak you will be able to stop your coach safely. For instance say the front has an air leak, the front tank (secondary) would draw down while the primary tank is still pressurized at whatever your compressor is putting out. The two-way check valve would close on the secondary side, because it has a lower pressure than the primary tank. Same in reverse.
Is it clear as mud?

Quote from: belfert on November 12, 2008, 10:16:45 AM
When you changed the brake cans did you also have to change the slack adjusters? If you did, did you go with auto slack adjusters?

I know there is a lot of debate aroud manual versus auto slack adjusters. Are there any new vehicles that don't have auto slack adjusters? My bus is a 1995 so it has both spring brakes and auto slack adjusters from the factory.

I'm asking mostly out of curiosity here.

Hi Belfert,

I did not change to automatic slacks, I have manual and I like them. It forces you to go "Down Under" and visually check the system out.

Not sure about "all new vehicles", probably.

Quote from: Lee Bradley on November 12, 2008, 08:55:25 AM
Paul,
More pictures when you have time. Did you add an emergency release system?

Hi Lee, Not sure what you mean by "emergency release system". Do you mean a two way valve hooked up to the parking brake tank?
If so I have not done that, it will be done when I complete the project going to a dual system.

Happy Trails to All,

Paul

Dreamscape · November 12, 2008, 10:50:57 AM

More pics.

makemineatwostroke · November 12, 2008, 11:01:20 AM

Belfert; we order our new trucks with automatic on the front disc brakes an manuals for the drum brake,the loads we haul the automatics have tendency to keep the brake to tight and generate to much heat for us. Converting to to automatic adjusters for Paul would be very expensive he would need new s cams because of the splines on the automatic adjusters have a great day

belfert · November 12, 2008, 11:15:53 AM

I didn't know if the slack adjusters needed to be replaced when doing the upgrade. If I had manual slack adjusters and they worked I wouldn't replace them.

Lee Bradley · November 12, 2008, 12:13:43 PM

Paul,
A separate tank and valve to release the spring brakes once or twice, so you can move the bus out of a dangerous spot.

Spring Brakes Installed!

luvrbus

makemineatwostroke