Brakes surging while driving. Peterbilt 348. Help!

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Davis42200, Nov 22, 2024.

  1. Davis42200

    Davis42200 Bobtail Member

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    2013 Peterbilt 348. Allison 6 speed automatic. Randomly my brakes will surge or pulsate usually two or 3 times. I can hear the puffs of air just like when you press the brake and let off. This normally happens while turning or in a curve. Yesterday it happened when I was going 50 mph around a curve and it's like someone yanking the steering wheel. Very scary because it's random. It almost feels like the abs coming on but I'm not pressing the brake.

    I already know this is going to be a problem that's going to be hard for shops to diagnose and fix.

    Anybody have any experience with this? What can cause my brakes to come on without pressing the brake pedal? My air pressure is normal. I do not have a trailer. This is a straight truck.

    Any help or knowledge would be awesome thanks.
     
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  3. Davis42200

    Davis42200 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 7, 2020
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    More information. My ATC light is on no matter what I do to the switch. I don't know if this has anything to do with it.
     

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  4. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    Inspect the brake pedal pivot for binding that might be slight applying the brakes. Also pull the rubber boot and plunger and make sure that’s free as well.
     
  5. Davis42200

    Davis42200 Bobtail Member

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    No problems with the brake pedal
     
  6. Davis42200

    Davis42200 Bobtail Member

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    I think the truck thinks one of the wheels is spinning and applying the brakes to it.
     
  7. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    Would that year have a yaw sensor?
     
  8. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    Possible,

    Have you tried checking wheel speed sensor adjustment. Inspect wheel end for play and check the tone rings?

    Next would be to monitor with Bendix while it occurs.
     
    062 Thanks this.
  9. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    I could check with the VIN. Most legacy cab models do not.
     
    062 Thanks this.
  10. Davis42200

    Davis42200 Bobtail Member

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    Can ATC or abs be disabled in the insite program?
     
  11. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    No. Insite is for Cummins engine only.

    Remove the fuse for ABS controller power or unplugging a sensor or modulator should cause an active code and turn the light on. If the warning light is on the system is then disabled.

    Reconnecting the component and driving over 5mph should clear the light and the fault will go inactive.

    Probably a good place to start. See if it acts up with it disabled?
     
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