truck pulls hard right when i apply the brakes???

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by truckerdave1970, Feb 27, 2011.

  1. Bent Wrench

    Bent Wrench Medium Load Member

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    Only if you have spring brakes on that axle, I've never seen a front with spring brakes. Wouldn't be safe.

    Check the adjustment/travel first as that is easiest and does not cost any money. Look for oil on brakes while you are at it.

    But wait, this is all part of a pre-trip inspection! WTF?

    Tell me it has not been like that for more than the length of time it takes to get it to the nearest truck shop......
     
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  3. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    That would be obvious and easy to see.
     
  4. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    The brake chamber pushes on the slack adjuster. If the chamber was bad, the brakes would be applied instead of not grabbing. A leaking seal would have oil all over the place and would be easy to see.
    The s-cam is outside the scope of a normal pti. He knows something is wrong and he's trying to get it fixed.
    So what do you think pushes on the adjusters?
     
  5. truckerdave1970

    truckerdave1970 On Probation

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    I think that you may have helped me figure it out!
    This problem has only surfaced in the last 2 weeks, and in that time I have occasionally smelt a strong oil smell, like gear oil. It's not a burnt or hot oil smell.
    I found the wheel seal ON THE TRAILER was leaking and had it fixed but I don't pull the same trailer every day and the smell never went away.
    Is it possible that the steer axle is leaking oil all over the brake shoes? I don't see any evidence of that, but maybe I'm not looking for the right signs???
     
  6. truckerdave1970

    truckerdave1970 On Probation

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    Actually I perform a cursory pre trip daily. The first time I started "feeling " a problem, I investigated more deeply. I look at the front axle and components every day trying to see what I am missing.
    My company is notoriously reluctant to deadline defective equipment and as a lowly driver, I have 2 choices. Drive it or someone else will!
    Anyone who has driven for someone else for any length of time knows this reality of trucking!!!
    That is why I am now posting my questions here. If I can give the mechanics proof that something is broken, the odds of getting it fixed suddenly improve. Because e everyone knows I'm just a "dumb trucker", what the hell do I know about fixing a well engineered, superbly constructed, highly sophisticated piece of complex machinery like this POS day cab Freightliner???
     
  7. Wargames

    Wargames Captain Crusty

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    truckerdave1970, My guess was right, that was lucky.
     
  8. truckerdave1970

    truckerdave1970 On Probation

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    Are you saying That I may not be able to see the problem?

    Then how do I convince the company there is one???
     
  9. Kittyfoot

    Kittyfoot Crusty Ancient

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    Yup, tis possible. But should have been obvious before this since the "oil resevoir" is so small. If this turns out to be the case I'd replace the wheel/axle bearings as well; since you say this has been ongoing for a couple of weeks.

    BTW, back in "the day" it was quite common to "boil out" greasy brake shoes on heavy equip. You chunked em into a 5 gal bucket , fill with water, add a couple ounces of varsol, a couple squirts of liquid soap and set the bucket in a good fire and boil the heck out of it. Light oil took one maybe two refills, 90wt sometimes 4. But it worked.

    Hey, these were the old riveted shoes and you was way out in the boonies; maybe up to yer nuts in mud or snow. Ya get inventive.:yes2557:
     
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  10. Diogenes

    Diogenes Light Load Member

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    One thing for sure, it's easier to check for problems with the slack, chamber and S-cam as someone applies the brakes and you can inspect them.

    As for evidence, it's true that a blown inner seal is probably going to throw oil and it will normally be visible on the inside of the rim and tire. I say "normally" but not always at the early stages of failure and a little oil goes a long way. I'd probably dismount the front wheel/brakes and inspect them closely. I can't visualize anything going wrong on a drive axle that could torque your truck hard right.

    Still wishin' ya luck.
     
  11. Diogenes

    Diogenes Light Load Member

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    If it's a company truck, have the mechanic drive it up the street or ride with you. Remind him that the ditch is usually on the right side of the road. :biggrin_25522:
     
    truckerdave1970 Thanks this.
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