Two weeks in the ambo!

[flying kurbmaster]

they were making noise rattled a bit too much mostly the right front over rough roads like they were moving a bit too much in the slide. before I replaced them the spring broke once, I replaced that then I bought some new calipers thinking that the old ones were worn or something, I got some new 1\2 moon springs but they seemed weeker or a little less skukom then the replacement set I bought so I switch them but this has not helped much. Then I bent the spring some more in order to tighten but this has not helped much either sorry no pics but it looks pretty much like yours.

 

[offroad]

Springs? Calipers have springs? Interesting discussion as it could be the bushings. http://www.howstuffinmycarworks.com/Front_brakes_rattle.html

 

[Baloo]

Springs? Calipers have springs? Interesting discussion as it could be the bushings. http://www.howstuffinmycarworks.com/Front_brakes_rattle.html

Oh no, commercial truck chassis don't use that type of brake setup. The caliper has a groove machined into it that slides on the support bracket. The upper end is held in place within retaining bracket that has a half moon shaped spring steel wedged in with it. The retaining bracket is held on place by a bolt. I have to drive my retainers in with a hammer and drift. Other than a worn out support bracket, I can't how the caliper could have any play. I have to change the pads on the other side today (the weather was hit or miss yesterday). I will photograph the process and that may help identify your issue.

 

[flying kurbmaster]

you are right it could be a slightly worn support bracket but replacing that is a major, it is not the end of the world but the rattle is a bit annoying when driving over rougher roads or bumps, I was hoping that there was some sort of trick that was well known to eliminate this. I am sure this must happen on a lot of older trucks. thanks by the way you describe it to a T that is exactly how mine is.

 

[offroad]

The rattle on my car from that side turned out to be the shock tower was not tightened correctly. Assume the suspension and linkage in that area was completely inspected.

 

[Baloo]

you are right it could be a slightly worn support bracket but replacing that is a major, it is not the end of the world but the rattle is a bit annoying when driving over rougher roads or bumps, I was hoping that there was some sort of trick that was well known to eliminate this. I am sure this must happen on a lot of older trucks. thanks by the way you describe it to a T that is exactly how mine is.

I have a buddy who works at a big truck repair facility, I will send him a message with your issue. Maybe he knows some cool truck to solve your noise. One question, are your king pins shimmed right? How are the spindle bushings? Could make noises in that area when you hit the bumps. I replaced the king pins and bushings on my truck, and man what a job. It was totally worth it, drives great now!

 

[highdesertranger]

you have bendix type brakes. if the caliper is loose once they are installed, you need a thicker key. here's an example. http://quad4x4.com/qu80019.html . your parts store can fix you up. I would get bendix brand. there is a specification for the gap the key fills, you must not exceed this spec. get this fixed asap, this is a dangerous situation, in an emergency stop the caliper could come loose. btw trying to bend the spring is not the way to fix this problem if you tried to bend the springs, buy new springs too. highdesertranger

 

[flying kurbmaster]

HDR that is exactly what my set up looks like with two bolts as in the picture thanks for the link. I will look into getting a bigger key I never realized that the key could come in a bigger size, I was focused on the spring. When the spring originally broke it got louder I pulled over and had a look brought it to a garage pulled a wheel and had a closer look but because it was a long weekend, no parts available in the secluded area I was in, the mechanic,( and I tended to agree at the time) that it was not possible for the caliper to come out with the wheel on, so I kept going to where I was going and back before I got a set of springs.

 

[Baloo]

Good deal HDR I also did not know you could get different sized keys, mine are so snug, I never thought about it

 

[highdesertranger]

yeah, they should go in like you described baloo. nice and tight. a hammer is needed for this procedure. highdesertranger

 

[Baloo]

Was a cold one this morning, had to crack out the heater.

 

[offroad]

You are a great photo documentarian.

 

[Baloo]

Kinda sad today, I realized there are only two more nights left on this adventure!

 

[WriterMs]

Kinda sad today, I realized there are only two more nights left on this adventure!

Kinda sad here, too, if it means you'll stop posting updates and pics. :s I agree with several others that you have about the coolest rig going. I admit to skipping through the mechanic stuff pretty quickly, but I also found your photos and descriptions of Guard duties interesting. And -- said with sincerity -- thank you for your continued service.

 

[LeeRevell]

Plenty other adventures await. The reports and pics will continue, I am sure!

 

[Baloo]

Plenty other adventures await. The reports and pics will continue, I am sure!

Oh yes, they will go back to showing the building process and daily adventures of the ambo. My question now is, who owns this rig? Saw it today at lunch.

 

[VJG1977]

You most have caught a ride with someone, that picture wasn't taken from you ambo.  Looks like the Krogers parking lot at Smyrna.  

 

[Baloo]

It was, in a buddies car getting lunch

 

[VJG1977]

If you only  have a couple of more days you have to go to Fat Mo's Burgers at 298 Sam Ridley Pkwy.

 

[Baloo]

If you only  have a couple of more days you have to go to Fat Mo's Burgers at 298 Sam Ridley Pkwy.

I eat lunch there from time to time