Brake wires

[BobW]

Checking the MS and found loose wires on the right side going to the brakes. They are two small connectors with wire about 6" long laying next the the back of the drums. There not connected to anything. I have a feeling they are for the electric brakes and have never been connected. Think this means I've been using only the left brakes only all this time?

[jdwilson3]

Bob,

Yes.

Now, how do you check...easy, get your compass out, hold about 2 feet away from wheel, and have someone step on brake pedal. If brakes have power, compass needle will swing towards the wheel.

[BobW]

Good idea. I'll try that next time I hook her up. The RV's going back in two weeks. And to think of the steep hills I've gone down in the past 15k miles.

[jdwilson3]

I had a brake wire come loose on my 1997 TT, and it is now an item I check on a regular basis...learned the compass trick from the proverbial 900 year old man. :D

[BobW]

Reminds me of an old story. Years ago I was on a flight to Europe, sitting next to me was an elderly man. I took out a compass and was looking at it, checking directions, when the old man said that the compass won't work in here because it will only point to north.

[sigo'suite]

Checking the MS and found loose wires on the right side going to the brakes. They are two small connectors with wire about 6" long laying next the the back of the drums. There not connected to anything. I have a feeling they are for the electric brakes and have never been connected. Think this means I've been using only the left brakes only all this time?

I don't think so, I have the same thing and I have brakes all the way around.

[BobW]

Checking the MS and found loose wires on the right side going to the brakes. They are two small connectors with wire about 6" long laying next the the back of the drums. There not connected to anything. I have a feeling they are for the electric brakes and have never been connected. Think this means I've been using only the left brakes only all this time?

I don't think so, I have the same thing and I have brakes all the way around.

So what are the wires for :?:

[sigo'suite]

I don't know, but I'm searching for an answer. Will post again when I find something out.

[shergry]

Went and looked at my brakes and found that Dexter had pre-wired the axle for electric brakes. When bought in bulk allows the manufacturer to wire down one side of the coach to the brakes, for electric brake system. We have the hydraulic disc brake system, and they work. Also found out the hard way that when the break away cable gets caught in the 5th wheel it pulled out and the system worked, the brakes locked. :oops: Freightliner on the other hand wanted to go, soooooo we stopped :lol: Good lesson!? :D

[Okie]

I thought I had the same problem with the break wires. I called the factory and asked about it. I talked to Tom Peck and he said he had no idea about the break system but would find out and call me back. He did and said that the breaks on the right were wired from the left side to the right side through the center of the axels. I am beguining to wish I had recorded all of the phone conversations for posterity or court. I still have a question about it but I haven't had any problems breaking the rig. Haven't had an emergency one either. I would think there would be a definite pull to the left if it wasn't correct and I don't have that problem.

Okie