Any suggestions to release parking brakes on a 1995 Dina?

[belfert]

Well, I went up to the storage lot to take my 1995 Dina for a drive for the first time since January.  It appears the parking brakes will not release.  I ended up not going anywhere.   

Any suggestions to get the brakes unstuck?  The whole bus got a bath in salt when I took it to the storage lot in January so I wonder if the parking brakes are rusted solid?

I tried pushing down on the pedal as hard as possible when the air tanks were full and nothing seemed to help.

[Eagle]

After air pressure builds to max hold brake pedal down for about 10 seconds if they don't release put transimission in reverse and see if you can back up a couple of feet.

[belfert]

Thanks.  I didn't try holding down the brakes for 10 seconds.  I did try putting it into to reverse to no avail.

[Kristinsgrandpa]

Brian, someone posted a hint about releasing the brakes that I remembered:
" He said that the air pressure available when trying to release them has to be higher than when they were set". It makes sense to me. I know I have the same problem and I believe it's from the corrosion on the "s" cams and other linkage from setting so long. I need to drive it more often.

HTH, Ed.

[JackConrad]

Thanks.  I didn't try holding down the brakes for 10 seconds.  I did try putting it into to reverse to no avail.

Don't forget to release parking brakes by pushing the knob in BEFORE applying a firm service brake application. Applying a firm service brake application first will set the brakes that much harder.  Jack

[Sam 4106]

Hi Jack,
Is your advise only for DD3 brakes, or does that apply to spring parking brakes as well? Did Dina use DD3 brakes in '95? If Brian's Dina has spring parking brakes my guess is that the linings are rusted to the drums and by shifting from reverse to forward, and appling power, enough times the shoes will break loose. That is the way I got the brakes loose on our Prevost (with spring parking brakes). As always, you provide good advise.
Thanks, Sam 4106

[larryh]

Belfert

To get them to release adjust your D2 Governer on air compressor up to 130 lbs and pump up to max and push your release button then make a brake pedal application and hold for about 20 sec then shift into reverse and then forward rocking motion until brakes release then adjust gov back to 120 lbs and tighten lick nut and put rubber boot back on and go drive it and loosen up them brakes by making several applications and make sure none hanging up.

LarryH

[belfert]

I've never adjusted the air governer before.  I assume that is on the compressor?  Any web sites with pictures showing this?  I'll also check my manuals, but not sure they will have anything.

I'll have the brakes checked at C&J when I get the oil changed and everything lubed up.  It is a lot easier to have C&J do this since they have a lift to get everything lubed easily.  They can also check everything underneath.

[JackConrad]

Hi Jack,
Is your advise only for DD3 brakes, or does that apply to spring parking brakes as well? Did Dina use DD3 brakes in '95? If Brian's Dina has spring parking brakes my guess is that the linings are rusted to the drums and by shifting from reverse to forward, and appling power, enough times the shoes will break loose. That is the way I got the brakes loose on our Prevost (with spring parking brakes). As always, you provide good advise.
Thanks, Sam 4106

That is for DD3 brakes because they have a set of rollers that lock the pushrod shaft in the "brake applied" position. If you make a hard service brake application with the parking brake set, that allows the rollers to set the pushrod even firmer and you then have a difficult time moving the pushrod " a little further" to allow the rollers to release. I never thought about the Dina having spring brakes.  Jack

[buswarrior]

Hello.

Just get in it, stand on the brake pedal with full air pressure as noted and then pound the power to it forward and backward. Lean against it with the power and nail the brake with the other foot.

Your goal is to break the bond of rust between the linings and drums.

Don't leave it parked for that long again.

Every busnut should get those brakes released somehow monthly. Either run the motor, or the shop air and push in the button to prevent this kind of seizure.

What you park on also makes a big difference: dirt, gravel or cement, inside or outside? the more moist under the coach, the quicker and harder the linings rust to the drums.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[Sam 4106]

Hi Brian,
Did you get your brakes to release?
Thanks, Sam 4106

[belfert]

Hi Brian,
Did you get your brakes to release?
Thanks, Sam 4106

Not yet.  I haven't been back up there to try again yet.  I probably won't get back up there for a few days.