I've been told by so called 'expert technicians' (read that working for a repair facility) that on these 20+ year old Breakaways, all the calipers and pads need to be replaced as well as the brake lines. And probably the air compressor system,too. What has been the experience of others with Breakaways? I have replaced calipers and brake lines on cars but never on this type of system. Is it a DIY thing?
Jim

Pretty much the same game, just heavier. Keep in mind the brakes are hydralic and the air operates the master cylinder.

While the calipers, pads and lines are manageable, the wheels are very heavy, and require 450 lb.ft. of torque on the studs to secure, significantly more than the average DIYer's impact wrenches can provide. Special (Budd) sockets are also useful.

OK, now I understand. But is there any reason to replace calipers if they are working ok now? I will be bleeding the system, checking pads etc. The brake lines are not rusty at all. I've had cars with calipers that were over 30 years old with no problems. And when you're bleeding the brakes, do you have to have the engine running to get the air pressure up or can you just pump the brake pedal as in a car?

Unless you have a way to maintain air pressure, the engine needs to be running.

I just replaced the air brake chamber and a couple of vacuum pumps on our '93 Breakaway. Spartan didn't have the part in stock but gave me a part # I could use in finding a supplier for a Haldex-Midland replacement. The coach was losing air pressure in the rear brake system at idle and probably would only have gotten worse over time. (Besides, it's nice to know we can stop when necessary.)

Dealing with these things is not cheap; especially if you have to go to a certified shop to do it. But at 90,000 miles and after 21 years in service I guess I can't complain. Besides, the total cost was probably equivalent to one month's installment on a new coach, and I can still get down the road and a good night's sleep in this one (maybe better knowing there probably won't be another installment due next month ).

I'm told there are shops that can rebuild the brake chamber at about 1/2 the cost of a new one. That takes a little time and some shipping back and forth, but if anyone out there has a Breakaway of this vintage and needs a new chamber, let me know. I have the old one that could be rebuilt.

Lou