Hi List...
A friend (thanks, G!) drove my M35A2 last week and told me the brakes
are very weak.
This being the first M35A2 I've ever even SEEN, let alone drive, I
thought the brakes were normal.
So I emailed to another lister (thanks, J) and he gave me some good
suggestions, and indicated it might be the air pack.
So I tested the air pack by opening the air tank bleed valves and
draining the air tanks to no pressure, then driving (carefully) the
truck to see if the brakes were the same or worse. They were WAY
worse, with almost no braking. This means the air pack is working at
least a little bit.
So I'm not sure what to try next.
Could the air pack be only working partially?
Could the brake shoes be worn or glazed?
Could the hydraulics be going bad?
Should deuces stop easily if the brakes are working properly, or are
they always scary at stoplights?
Here are some facts:
o Brake fluid full (silicone as specified on sticker)
o Brake pedal is firm (not spongy as if bleeding were required)
o Air pressure charges up to a full 120 PSI
o Trailer air brake line shoots air when brake is pressed
o Small air puff hiss sound is heard when brake is released
o Tremendous leg strength is required to stop
o No leaking brake fluid around master cylinder or wheel cyls
o I have not inspected brake shoes or drum inner surfaces yet
Thanks!
--Jim "Ike" Newton
o 1984 M1007 CUCV Military Suburban 6.2 Liter Turbo-Diesel Engine 5/4 Ton Cargo Capacity, 4WD
o 1971 M35A2 Military Troop/Cargo Truck "Deuce and a Half" 478 Cubic Inch Turbo-Diesel Multi-Fuel Engine Air Shift Front Axle 2 1/2 Ton Cargo Capacity, 6WD
See them at: http://www.CUCV.net
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