We're new members of the site and just recently bought a 1989 Barth Regency. We took the coach to a local heavy truck/diesel mechanic to have it serviced and "checked out" mechanically before we hit the road. We are being suggested by him that we have automatic slack adjusters installed instead of the existing manual adjusters. The cost of this work is $1000.00. Is this work worth that sort of investment. We plan on putting about 6,000 miles a year on the Barth, which would occur on multiple trips per year. We are very excited to own this coach. I had a 1975, 25" back in my single days before I met my husband and loved it. Thanks for any input.
Sheila and Kelly

read this:

http://www.truckspring.com/hea...sters/automatic.aspx

Here is a very good video explaining proper Brake Adjustment on an air brake system>>
http://schoolbusmechanic.blogs...adjusting-slack.html

So, I am understanding that Automatic slack adjusters are just not necessary? Thanks for the information.
Sheila and Kelly

We have had both and the investment to put automatics on is not worth it. When we had our bus I would raise it up, take my socket wrench and hammer and about 2 minutes per wheel. Hammer??? Yup. Would tap on the brake drum and start turning the socket. You knew when the lining touched by sound and backed off a quarter of a turn. At 6000 miles a year it is an annual job or maybe even every other year.

The Newell had automatics adjusters, but I still checked them every year.

I had manuals on my Scenicruiser. As Gary said, very easy to adjust. Had automatics on some of my trucks, had to check them often because of the environment was subjecting them to.

Sure wish I had drum brakes on my Breakaway!

Thank you everyone for your comments. We have decided to leave well enough alone and forgo the automatics.
Yes, we did buy our Barth from Steve S. who is also a member of this site and he had purchased it from Herb Johns. We love the coach and feel very fortunate to have it. It's Tag number is 8901-0113-32-RDG-B. There are pictures of it on the site, and we will add our own. Our current camera had a memory card error. So that's on the list of things to do now also.
Sheila

Moved Reply:

Hi ED YOU SEEM TO BE VERY UP ON MANY OF THE TROUBLES & FIXES FOR THE bARTHS, WHEN THE OWNER OF THE Barth for sale in Miami says front brakes & alternator are new but needs rear brakes ,just how extensive does this make you think the job might be & expensive? Have been looking for a 30 fter that is turn key but none showing up on this side of the country so far.

On a 30 ft Breakaway it will most likely have disc brake front and rear, If the brakes have not been properly maintained then you are looking at some expense and time. Most importantly someone that knows the correct procedure(s) to bring them back to "new" condition.

If the pads have been worn thru and rotors scored, then the rotors would have to be replaced. I DO NOT recommend turning the rotors, most often the brakes have been over heated and are developing hair line cracks.

Replacing the rear rotors will involve removing the entire axle (both sides) and will necessitate changing the oil seals. These are rotary seals and MUST be installed properly and a proper tool used.

Depending on condition the calipers may need replacing. Brake bleeding is required and should be done on a regular basis, but any time the hydraulic lines are open bleeding MUST be done.

Bleeding the brakes could cause the master cylinders to start to leak. Reason? While bleeding the master cylinders will go all the way to the end of their stroke. Chances are that during normal operations the master cylinders will only move a small amount and will develop corrosion further down the bore. When the cylinder moves across this corrosion during bleeding, it may damage the seals and they start to leak.

This probably sounds scary and expensive but if done right done correctly and completely the brake will last a long time.

Cost:

Brake pads, sets of two, are about US$160.00

Calipers are about US$80.00, sometimes you can get "loaded" calipers (calipers with pads) for less $$$. I will go back to my records for correct pricing.

Master cylinders, these are EXPENSIVE, US$750.00 each, I know of no one that has rebuilt these as seals separately are not available. People have said they can be rebuilt but each time I checked and gave them the correct part number all I got back was "SORRY".

Brakes are something you don't want to skimp on or take chances on. Again if done right and driven correctly, they will last a long time. I have 243K miles on mine and I am on my 3rd set of pads, changed calipers once and changed rotors twice 1st time just after getting the coach, changed master cylinders once.

I do not buy my brake supplies from Spartan as their prices are very, NAPA carries the correct parts.

Changing the calipers require special care and measurement to make sure they don't come loose and swing up into the wheel. I found this out the hard way and will have a separate write up soon with pictures.

When I got my Breakaway, the former owner complained that he would got thru front brake pads in less than 10K miles. I found that someone had been into the rear brakes and mounted the left side rear caliper upside down and had hammered in the rear wheel seals. Hammer marks were visible on the seal

The left rear wheel and rotor was covered with oil and of course with the caliper upside down, could not be bled. He was driving with only front brakes.

Long but hope this helps

Thanks Ed that helps a lot alright. not going near that rig in Miami.