E-Series VansTechnical discussion of topics related to vans powered by any of the Navistar engines. This covers a broad number of years, but there isn't enough demand to split it any further.
My 96 E350 rear brakes seem to be almost non existent. At 190K miles the rear brakes had never been replaced. Yes, I know. This should have been a hint to me... Anyway, the pads were about 2/3 worn and minor lip on the drums. Replaced pads and everything looks good.
However... Emergency brake has very little holding power. Slamming on the EB as hard as I can brings van to gradual coasting stop. EB is not bottoming out and I am using a lot of force on the pedal. Raising the rear end off ground and holding the main brake petal down, the engine can easily spin both wheels. In comparing the EB and the main brakes with rear off ground I can tell the rear brakes are doing next to nothing.
Can anyone give me an idea on what to look for? Another clue; my ABS light comes on often. I believe this is a problem with the sensor ring in the differential since my speedometer flutters slightly but it may be a brake issue. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]
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96 E350 Running SVO. 110 gal grease tanks, 13 gal dino fuel tank. All under van. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
Did you have the drums turned, were they within specs, not oversized. Oversized drums (have a maximum size for ID on the drum) will not work correctly, you use less than half the shoe per side.... Next would be to adjust them up correctly..... If you must buy new get MOOG, madeinchina are garbage.
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93 F250 7.3 IDI S/C XLT 4X4 E40D 3.55LS, Captains chairs, Tutone Mocha, Leer 48" Hiboy cap, FR & RR hitches, full DeeZee running boards. Factory ordered/delivered Jan 93 has 160K+, it's basically a stock truck with all the Ford options, just no disc player.
Toys: 26'Jayco FK TT, 18'Sylvan Pro Fish.
cdnsarguy, I did not turn the drums. They have almost zero wear, not discolored and ring like a bell when tapped so they are not cracked. Honestly, they really have almost no wear. This tells me the rear brakes never have done much since it was new. We did adjust the shoes all the way out.
Toalpi, It is two wheel ABS on front with a third ABS sensor being the speed sensor on top of the differential. I have wondered about swapping the differential out for a newer one with disc brakes but that effects ABS so thought it might be too involved.
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96 E350 Running SVO. 110 gal grease tanks, 13 gal dino fuel tank. All under van. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
If your speedo is fluttering there is a problem with the speed sensor. Pull it out and check for metal filings stuck to the end.
Most of the major brake manufacturers make "severe duty" brake shoes that are a semi-metallic composition and will have better friction than a stock type lining. The auto parts stores don't stock that stuff, I've gotten them from rockauto.com
Is there a height sensor in the rear? If there is, you should be able to adjust it so that you get more brake pressure to the rear. You need to adjust it so the van thinks it's "lower" (i.e. heavier loaded)than it really is.
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1985 International rollback, 6.9L 5 speed "Li'l Big Truck"
Mr_Roboto, I have changed the speed sensor three times over the life of the van. This problem has been with me since it was new. The dealer was never able to fix it so I've just been living with it for 190,000 miles. I've recently learned that the sensor ring in the differential could be causing the ABS problems so I plan to change that out soon.
I just put new shoes on. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] I'll order some from rockauto.com though. Thanks for the tip.
I find no reference to a height sensor. Have searched the online manuals at alldatadiy.com and find nothing. Do you know where it would physically be on the van? Also, Should I be able to lock up the rear wheels with the emergency brake? If so, I still have a mechanical problem since the EB does practically nothing.
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96 E350 Running SVO. 110 gal grease tanks, 13 gal dino fuel tank. All under van. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
Got the right shoes on the proper side? Is there still a short & long lining on shoe? In older cars, I remember , if the master cylinder rod was not adjusted properly, it would not let the rear piston grab more fluid to push.(I think) There is probably a way to install a presure guage on the rear main line going to differential to measure presure? Don't know what it should be though.
Are the drums "glazed" - Take some 50 -80 grit sand paper and sand the drums and shoes - then retry. I'd also make sure the wheel cylinders are not siezed.
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05 F-350 Crewcab 4x4, 6.0, Auto, Dually, My new Tow Rig
95 F-350 Crewcab 4x4, 7.3, Auto, Awesome Tow Rig
80 F-250 4X4, 429, 4 Speed, Lifted, Solid Axles, Boggers, 450,000km and going strong
90 Bronco, Work in Progress
Have you ever done a vacuum test.........see my gallery.
I'm reading a lot about the booster and associated problems, how does your application feel hard or soft.......take a lot of pushing to stop.
__________________ http://photos.thedieselstop.com/show...0/ppuser/28329
93 F250 7.3 IDI S/C XLT 4X4 E40D 3.55LS, Captains chairs, Tutone Mocha, Leer 48" Hiboy cap, FR & RR hitches, full DeeZee running boards. Factory ordered/delivered Jan 93 has 160K+, it's basically a stock truck with all the Ford options, just no disc player.
Toys: 26'Jayco FK TT, 18'Sylvan Pro Fish.
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