Posted 2009-09-09 8:34 AM (#110469) Subject: Brakes - How bad could it be?
Veteran
Posts: 213 Location: Virginia
I got a phone call yesterday from the guy I bought the horse van from. I decided to wait till Saturday to pick it up (in case it breaks down on the way home - about 50 miles - I will have all day to get a tow truck!) Anyhow, the guy calls and seems overly concerned about the brakes. He told me that they weren't the best BEFORE I bought it, so I felt like he wasn't hiding anything. When he called, he actually told me he would feel better if he drove it to my mechanic's shop and he is having his mechanic buddy look at the brakes this afternoon. He originally said that it was losing fluid and had to be refilled and was possibly a leaking brake line. The brakes worked during the test drive.
Having experienced a total failure of brakes once in my life, I had intended to replace the ENTIRE brake system anyway. Breaking down is an inconvenience, losing brakes can be your life.
Posted 2009-09-09 9:14 AM (#110472 - in reply to #110469) Subject: RE: Brakes - How bad could it be?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Originally written by pinkmouse on 2009-09-09 9:34 AM
Anyhow, the guy calls and seems overly concerned about the brakes. . When he called, he actually told me he would feel better if he drove it to my mechanic's shop. Having experienced a total failure of brakes once in my life, I had intended to replace the ENTIRE brake system anyway. Breaking down is an inconvenience, losing brakes can be your life.
My thoughts are that you are absolutely correct. Having them replaced/repaired before you start using the vehicle would be the safest consideration.
Posted 2009-09-09 9:37 AM (#110476 - in reply to #110469) Subject: RE: Brakes - How bad could it be?
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
If it's been sitting for a while, the wheel cylinders need to be rebuilt/replaced, master cylinder replaced, hydrovac replaced.... Replace all of the flex hoses and flush the system.... Check linings and wheel bearing, replace axle/hub/wheel seals while it's apart. Look at the build date on those tires while they're off. It is a 33 year old truck...
Do you have an International Harvester/Navistar truck dealer near by?
Posted 2009-09-09 11:02 AM (#110483 - in reply to #110469) Subject: RE: Brakes - How bad could it be?
Veteran
Posts: 213 Location: Virginia
No International/Navstar dealers, but lots of large truck repair facilities.
My main concern with the brakes was if I should let my mechanic drive the vehicle on Saturday or let the guy who sold it to me drive it. I don't want either one to get hurt. I feel that the guy who sold it to me should drive it as he knows it better and has expressed his concerns, but my mechanic said he would prefer to drive it himself so he can evaluate it on the way.
Posted 2009-09-11 7:53 PM (#110599 - in reply to #110469) Subject: RE: Brakes - How bad could it be?
Veteran
Posts: 213 Location: Virginia
As the owner, I probably should be delivering it to my mechanic, but of the three of us (buyer/seller/mechanic), I am the only one that does NOT want to drive it before the brakes are repaired/refurbished/replaced.
So I came up with the perfect solution. I will be taking the mechanic AND the guy who sold it to me up to the truck tomorrow and they are both going to drive it into town. I figure this way the person who is most familiar with the brake problems can handle that if something comes up and the mechanic can evaluate and ask questions as they are going down the road.
Brakes - How bad could it be?
I will be taking the mechanic AND the guy who sold it to me up to the truck tomorrow and they are both going to drive it into town. I figure this way the person who is most familiar with the brake problems can handle that if something comes up and the mechanic can evaluate and ask questions as they are going down the road.