DD3's to spring brakes, comments?

bevans6 · February 18, 2011, 08:26:57 AM

Clifford, I wasn't trying to say one way or the other, I was saying I didn't know the answer on the big change. I've changed brakes on street cars, put new calipers on or replaced drums with discs, and not worried about it. I take it to a garage and get a safety check if I'm worried. It's probably not an issue, I was really just asking the question.

Brian

luvrbus · February 18, 2011, 08:50:26 AM

I knew you didn't Brian but you restoring cars that comes into play and nothing is even thought about it upgrading the brakes lol

Len Silva · February 18, 2011, 09:05:23 AM

As long as you know what you are doing and/or have a competent mechanic looking over your shoulder, I would have no issue at all with making this change. You are not doing an unauthorized radical modification of a manufacturers system, just bringing it up to modern standards.

The foundation brakes remain exactly the same and if the workmanship is good and the plumbing and components are correct, I cannot imagine that there would ever be a liability issue.

What about if you were doing this on a 4104 or other bus that had no emergency brakes at all? Certainly, adding spring brakes would be an improvement.

I also would not be concerned about buying the parts from MCI. They do not manufacture any of those parts, simply purchase them from the same manufacturer that you would be.

rv_safetyman · February 18, 2011, 12:00:17 PM

John, the plumbing for the spring brakes is very simple.

You need to download the "Bendix Air Brake Handbook" and it will show you how to plumb the system and will tell you what parts you need and give you details about each component.

I just went to the Bendix site and there seems to be a problem with the link. It looks like the handbook has a part number of BW 5057. I see that some other sites have the handbook to download as well.

If for some reason you can't get a copy, drop me a note and I will send a 2008 version (about 2.5 meg).

The plumbing on an MCI will probably show a more complicated system, since the release may involve a service brake application. That was for commercial service to prevent a passenger from releasing the brake. You don't need that . Simply plumb it like a truck.

Jim

John316 · February 18, 2011, 12:14:18 PM

Thanks for all of the replies, folks. Whatever comments, I love to hear them.

Clifford, that was the other thing I was going to look into, for maybe next year is discs for the front, at least. Otherwise, you summed it up as to why I want to swap them out.

Good points, Len. Thanks.

Jim, thanks. I will see if I can find the info. If not, I will let you know.

Once again, thanks to everybody. This has been great, so far.

God bless,

John

JackConrad · February 18, 2011, 01:20:29 PM

John,
Make sure there is room for the spring brakes. On the MC7,8,9 there is not enough room for the longer spring brake overall length without major modification and relocating of the mounting brackets. Jack

John316 · February 18, 2011, 01:40:36 PM

Quote from: JackConrad on February 18, 2011, 01:20:29 PM
John,
Make sure there is room for the spring brakes. On the MC7,8,9 there is not enough room for the longer spring brake overall length without major modification and relocating of the mounting brackets. Jack

Thanks, Jack. I will double check. I think there is plenty of room under there (way different then the C's even). I am fairly confident I can, but I will take some more measurements.

God bless,

John