User Manual

Brake Operation
WARNING
DO NOT drive through water deep
enough
to wet brake components, as it
may cause the brakes to work less ef-
ficiently than normal. The vehicle's
stopping distance may be longer than
expected, and the vehicle may pull to
the left or right when brakes are ap-
plied, which could contribute to an ac-
cident involving death or personal in-
jury.
To rectify this condition, check the rear and
both sides of the vehicle for clear traf
fic,
then apply the brakes gently, releasing and
gently reapplying until the brakes dry out,
restoring normal operation. Always check
brakes after driving through deep water to
help reduce the possibility of personal
injury or an accident.
Overheated Brakes
Under normal braking conditions, the
energy generated will bring the internal
brake drum temperature to about 500˚ F
(260˚ C). This is well within the safe zone:
the maximum safe temperature of lining for
drum type brakes is usually about 800˚ F
(427˚ C).
If service brakes are used for emergency
braking, used improperly
, or for prolonged
periods, internal brake drum temperatures
may exceed 800˚ F (427˚ C). Such brake
overheating may be detected by a burning
smell or smoke coming from a drum. If this
occurs, you should immediately stop and
check for cracked brake drums or lining
fires. If neither exists, continue driving and
resume a slow speed as soon as possible
to cool the brakes. If the vehicle was to
remain stopped, the heat transfer could
destroy the linings and distort the brake
drum.
To prevent drums from distortion while they
cool down:
• Park the vehicle on level surface
and block the wheels.
• Release the parking brake and
allow the brakes to cool down. See
Brakes, Parking Brake Valve on
page 88.
Retarders
Various retarders are available, which
function against the engine, driveline, or
transmission. These are devices that use
your engine’s power to slow down your
vehicle. They save wear and tear on your
service brakes and can be a safety feature,
too, because they can keep your brakes
from overheating. Ideally, you should
always slow your vehicle with your retarder
(where permitted by law) and use your
service brakes only for stopping
completely. Operating this way will greatly
prolong the life of your brakes.
WARNING
DO NOT use any of the vehicle’s re-
tarders
in any situation that requires
an immediate stop and/or in situations
of poor traction (such as wet, icy or
snow covered roads). Trying to use
the retarder instead of the service
brakes may cause a loss of vehicle
control, which may result in an acci-
dent involving death or personal injury.
DRIVING - Retarders
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