Stuck brake again!

[Kalaehina]

Hey guys, I had a sticking Pacbrake problem 2 weeks ago, si I cleaned the vacuum switch, it worked fine for the last weeks, then this morning it stuck shut for about 5 seconds on the first use, then worked fine all day. What gives??? Seemslike before that the first use sticks, then she works fine. Any other suggestions?

 

[Stranger]

It's the vacuum cylinder. The seals are breaking down. Per Pac-Brake it's only repairable by buying a new cylinder which will fail again.



I'm working on a fix for that. Stay tuned.

 

[Kalaehina]

Is that the "big" vacuum cylinder (the actual brake) or the small vaccum switch with the o-rings on the inner sleeve thing? Either way does not sound good!

 

[Stranger]

The biggun'. The actuator.

 

[Kalaehina]

Ah, is there a "we'll replace it if it fails" deal going on, or is it a commin from my pocket?

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

Did you lube the spool in the valve after cleaning it?



Dan

 

[Kalaehina]

Yup, lubed it. Maybe I should do it again to be sure, but I know I did. Followed the TDR instructions to the tee. But a little more shouldn't hurt right?

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

I would try it with no lube, and make sure you get it all out of the sleeve also. I was told that the sleeve and spool are assembled as a matched set and that theoretically, there is a air gap between the spool and sleeve. If using too heavy of a lube, it acts as a brake per say. That is how I do mine with no problems in 4 years. I clean it every year. At work we have had problems with valves gumming up when using lube. If your dead set on a lube, use something very light like wd40. What did you use?

 

[Kalaehina]

Lightweight air tool oil.

 

[chrleb1]

Everytime my brake sticks, it is the vaccum switch. I have to take it apart and and clean it and lube it. If it is a place that can get moisture it will do that.

 

[Kalaehina]

So far it's been okay. Every morning right after I fire her up I activate the brake then shut it off, that way I can see if it gets stuck before I get on the highway.