Brake Snatch

ihatew0rk
ihatew0rk Forum Participant Posts: 84
edited July 2017 in Caravans #1

I'm getting a real snatch when braking, especially at islands. Has just been serviced and damper was passed as ok. Any ideas as to what else it could be as it makes for a really uncomfortable experience. Bailey Senator series 5.

Comments

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2017 #2

    Was going to suggest damper but it seems to be ok, are you sure?  Test by pushing the hook in if it goes in easily the damper is shot.  An odd symptom at islands only!  Is the breaking linkage ok?  Would get people who did service to recheck as it should not happen and the breaks are an essential part of the service.

  • Boff
    Boff Forum Participant Posts: 1,742
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2017 #3

    I would suggest that your brakes have been wrongly adjusted and are coming on to harshly.  Did you have the problem before the service?

  • ihatew0rk
    ihatew0rk Forum Participant Posts: 84
    edited July 2017 #4

    It's done it since I bought it (privately). It does it at all junctions etc. but it's more noticeable at junctions, islands & traffic lights. I meant that if you just brake gently you aren't aware of it. I think I'll change the damper as it must be the cause of the problem. 

  • Milothedog
    Milothedog Forum Participant Posts: 1,433
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2017 #5

    Contaminated brake shoes could cause the brakes to grab if the hub bearing seals have leaked grease on to them. but you would hope that the drums were removed when it was serviced and it was spotted if it were the case?

  • ihatew0rk
    ihatew0rk Forum Participant Posts: 84
    edited July 2017 #6

    Yes I agree that they would have been checked. It was done professionally by a highly rated person. Maybe I'll get him to tow it as I presume they wouldn't road test it after a service?

  • crusader
    crusader Forum Participant Posts: 299
    100 Comments
    edited July 2017 #7

    do you know if the hitch hs been replaced at any time also go back to the seller and see if he had the same problem and more importantly did they replace the hitch. One other suggestion is that  what tow ball have you on your car ? if you have a Alko hitch you should also have a Alko style tow ball because they are taller than the normal towball

  • Milothedog
    Milothedog Forum Participant Posts: 1,433
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2017 #8

    I can't see that the tow ball has any relevance to problem myself, the only reason it's taller is to allow more articulation of the coupling without it necking as far as I'm aware.

    It's the caravan pushing the car as the car brakes that apply the caravan breaks via the telescopic movement of the coupling.

    My thoughts are the problem is within the drums i.e. something making the brake shoes grab the drums. The shoes are designed to self apply to a degree through what's known as the "self servo action" but if the linings are contaminated in some way then this will possibly cause grabbing. Which is what the OP is saying.

     

    Just a thought Ihatew0rk,  have you put your hands on the centre of the wheels after a decent run to see if one or both are getting hot. They will be warm but should't really get that hot that you can't hold your hand on the wheel ?

  • crusader
    crusader Forum Participant Posts: 299
    100 Comments
    edited July 2017 #9

    The reason I mentioned the tow ball is that Alko say without the Alko ball it is possible for the van to brake free

  • ihatew0rk
    ihatew0rk Forum Participant Posts: 84
    edited July 2017 #10

    Thanks for the tips, I've just returned from a weekend away and it actually wasn't as bad. I'll check the temperature on my next trip on Saturday. It's a Thule removable towbar, Alko hitch with built in stabiliser.

    I've booked it in to Broad Lane caravans in a few weeks to get it checked as it's so obviously not right. 

Categories