Topic: Workhorse Brake Recall (Read 3909 times)

miket · « **on:** October 16, 2009, 10:46:01 PM »

The latest info points to a longer wait for parts than earlier reported. Testing is ongoing in the desert. I suspect it will be 2010 before the fix is available.

New info shows the piston is swelling cone shaped, with the fattest portion toward the pad. The thinking now is if someone has new pads installed, the piston is forced further back into the bore and can stick when the brakes are applied and get hot. The phenolic has shown it expands when hot. This may explain brake failure after pad replacement

FrontrangeRVer · « **Reply #1 on:** October 17, 2009, 04:43:10 AM »

Mike, I believe we are still under the belief that the phenolic piston has been the culprit because of the swelling in the bore during the presence of moisture, so the recall will involve Bosch calipers with steel pistons. These steel pistons will eliminate any swelling in the bore. Please correct me if this is wrong.

The statement about the swelling causing cone shaped phenolic pistons with newly installed pads is definately new information, and we appreciate the heads up! Maybe that explains some of the very low mileage failures.

I wonder what the recall holdup could be, as I hear that Bosch has completed the calipers, and Workhorse is standing ready for the market implementation. If you hear anything else regarding this, please let us know.....all info is good info!

miket · « **Reply #2 on:** October 17, 2009, 10:53:49 AM »

I had a conference call yesterday (Friday) and Bosch is still doing testing. The word I have received is that once Bosch decides on the method of "fix" it may take an additional 7 to 8 weeks for production to have the numbers needed for the recall. What I have been told is that Workhorse is not the hold up on this important issue.

What I do know as of now, the calipers will not have pads installed. Either the original pads will be used, or new ones, depending on the condition of the original pads. Rotors are not included unless they have been damaged by a caliper failure.

A copy of the guide lines on the recall should be posted at "the other site". I do not visit that site anymore, so I'm not sure if it has been posted there yet.

I also asked if Workhorse could post copies of recalls and other important notices on their web site, and it has been kicked to their IT department. It probably will take a while before it gets put on.

I was told that I can post or make available any Service Bulletins. Also any other info that is cleared to release. I have a pdf copy of the latest release, but I don't have a place to post the almost 1meg file.

I am sorry that this info is changing and I still do not know when parts and the "fix" will be available. Hopefully some of the proposals suggested to WH will get on their web site and elsewhere.

I just checked the other site, the campaign 50902 -1 is not posted there yet, however the 2009 chassis guide is, but that is going to be revised to include a list of campaigns to date, plus some other minor mods to it.

Tom · « **Reply #3 on:** October 17, 2009, 10:58:01 AM »

Quote from: miket

I have a pdf copy of the latest release, but I don't have a place to post the almost 1meg file.

Mike,

Email the file to me (click the 'envelope icon beneath my avatar) and I'll get it up on this site, provided there are no copyright restrictions Thanks.

miket · « **Reply #4 on:** October 17, 2009, 11:32:29 AM »

It's on the way second emial is the one -- forgot to attach on first, fat fingered send key --

Tom · « **Reply #5 on:** October 17, 2009, 11:57:36 AM »

Got it Mike, thanks. Here's the direct link to the file. I'll get it into the library later. I also dropped a note in our Industry News and Recalls board here.

sheltie · « **Reply #6 on:** October 17, 2009, 03:18:36 PM »

Mike - thanks for the update, it is very helpful. Just out of curiosity, to which other site are you referring?

FrontrangeRVer · « **Reply #7 on:** October 17, 2009, 04:08:06 PM »

Thanks so much Mike and Tom for the link.

No, I dont go to the "other site" (irv2) either. I'm looking for facts and not pom pom waving!

Mike, VERY GOOD and VALUABLE new info...thanks again!

sheltie · « **Reply #8 on:** October 17, 2009, 06:27:49 PM »

Quote from: FrontrangeRVer on October 17, 2009, 04:08:06 PM

Thanks so much Mike and Tom for the link.

No, I dont go to the "other site" (irv2) either. I'm looking for facts and not pom pom waving!

Mike, VERY GOOD and VALUABLE new info...thanks again!

I guess I missed the "pom-pom waving". What I have seen on that site regarding WH and Winnebago/Itasca related threads have been very valuable to me. Actually, I thought Mike might have been referring to RV.net, but I guess not.

Tom · « **Reply #9 on:** October 17, 2009, 06:56:55 PM »

FWIW all the staff and I here have tried to do for the last 16 years is serve the need of our forum members, and to stay neutral. We don't always succeed, and (IMHO too often) we take some stick for our efforts, but we keep trying.

I believe that miket's appearance on the scene was a welcome event. Contrary to some of the "anti-WH Ambassador" comments I'd read, Mike has been very open about his communications with WH.

Personally, I feel for all the folks who experienced these problems; I can't imagine what it's like to drive down the road in a coach with the nagging feeling that the brakes might not function as expected at some random time. It appears that WH is attempting to do the right thing, and that Mike is a good conduit for information.

BTW we're not sponsored by any manufacturer, and are therefore able to remain unbiased. To take a line from a TV host, this is "The no-spin zone".

miket · « **Reply #10 on:** October 17, 2009, 10:00:30 PM »

There may be some confusion since two of the Workhorse Ambassadors are Mike. I am miket, the other is DriVer on iRV2. I try to give the facts without the spin and glitter. Basically I am a Doubting Thomas until I can verify what I' have been told.

The above info was released at the Workhorse Chassis Club Rally in Greenville, Ohio in July, but a print version was not available until now.

miket · « **Reply #11 on:** October 17, 2009, 11:24:07 PM »

Why change brake fluid?

Brake Fluid Info

Workhorse also recommends using Dot 4 fluid with over 500 degree boiling point Ford has a fluid that meets this requirement.

DO NOT USE DOT 5

FrontrangeRVer · « **Reply #12 on:** October 18, 2009, 02:15:09 AM »

Quote from: Tom on October 17, 2009, 06:56:55 PM

Contrary to some of the "anti-WH Ambassador" comments I'd read, Mike has been very open about his communications with WH.

Tom, you are correct. MikeT is very open about his communciations with WH.

The other two Ambassadors border on rediculous!

sheltie · « **Reply #13 on:** October 18, 2009, 08:14:03 AM »

Quote from: FrontrangeRVer on October 18, 2009, 02:15:09 AM

Tom, you are correct. MikeT is very open about his communciations with WH.

The other two Ambassadors border on rediculous!

Again, I completely disagree with you in your last sentence. Driver has been extremely helpful to those of us who are not mechanically inclined (and to those who are) and has taken the time to explain things in laymen's terms. He is obviously passionate about WH and makes no bones about it. I'm sure miket is no less so. Your comment about "the two other Ambassadors borders on rediculous" is not only misspelled, but is itself ridiculous. Don't mistake knowledge for "pompom waving".

Tom · « **Reply #14 on:** October 18, 2009, 09:07:06 AM »

OK guys, let's not let this discussion go spiraling down.

FrontrangeRVer · « **Reply #15 on:** October 19, 2009, 02:28:14 AM »

Absolutely Tom! I didn't know I had misspelled a word....I've learned my lesson and will run spell check from now on!

FrontrangeRVer · « **Reply #16 on:** October 19, 2009, 02:50:46 AM »

Quote from: miket on October 17, 2009, 10:53:49 AM

................. should be posted at "the other site". I do not visit that site anymore, ......................

I'm sorry, I thought you were talking about irv2.

miket · « **Reply #17 on:** October 19, 2009, 08:27:44 AM »

I decided to check if the latest info was posted, the 50902 bulletin ---- it is posted as 50901 which is the Interim Notice --- it is not as complete as the posting here, the pix are missing now---

ralphross · « **Reply #18 on:** October 19, 2009, 10:46:58 AM »

::)This recall seems suspicious in a few ways. I have been involved in a few RV recalls and they were always flat out recalls. This 'interim recall' seem to try to limit liability for Workhorse but isn't too helpful to consumers, since you can get all the symptoms listed in the recall but an inspection of the calipers may only result in a position by Workhorse that says the calipers are okay so Workhorse won't pay the $400 for the inspection due to the failure caused by their bad calipers (yikes this is a paradox). I had a failure while on the road that exhibited all the symptons listed in the interim recall letter, but the calipers escaped damage (maybe because I sensed the problem (caused by the bad design) and pulled off and when the brake pedal continued to go to the floor I had the MH towed. So I called Workhorse and I think they were a little rude and curt, but listened to my concerns. I noticed on another forum that there may be a dispute on who is picking up the cost of the repairs which makes me wonder if the new parts are designed and available but we all may be waiting for the accountability on the costs to be ironed out. Anyway this stinks because you have the interim recall that appears to maybe remove injury liability from Workhorse while you don't know whether to take a chance to use the MH or wait for the final notice. I was told clearly that the final recall will get the bad parts replaced and Workhorse will pay (except for your new brake fluid). People will have to decide if they want to avoid Workhorse chassis MH's for their next purchase. I think this recall is being handled very poorly from a consumer and safety point of view.

jc2 · « **Reply #19 on:** October 19, 2009, 11:14:05 AM »

People will have to decide if they want to avoid Workhorse chassis MH's for their next purchase. (Ralphross)

From what I've been reading on various forums, the WorkHorse chassis will not be considered by a lot of people. I think the ultimate loser in this recall will indeed be WH.

Photog · « **Reply #20 on:** October 19, 2009, 11:42:02 AM »

Quote from: jc2 on October 19, 2009, 11:14:05 AM

I think the ultimate loser in this recall will indeed be WH.

I don't think it is the recall, but rather very bad customer service that is the real problem at WH. I agree that WH will be the ultimate loser.

miket · « **Reply #21 on:** October 19, 2009, 01:08:15 PM »

The actual recall has not happened yet. WH tried to inform owners of what the signs are of a caliper hanging up and will issue the recall when Bosch has made the parts for the NHTSA recall to be completed. The purpose of the Interim notice was to inform the owners of the problems.

There has been enough said about this issue, when the parts are available, then you will be notified and can schedule an appointment for the calipers.

This subject has been beaten to death on all the boards, there will be no further comment from me until new information is available. The Interim Notice and 50902 is posted at various boards.

jc2 · « **Reply #22 on:** October 19, 2009, 01:22:41 PM »

Quote from: miket on October 19, 2009, 01:08:15 PM

The actual recall has not happened yet. WH tried to inform owners of what the signs are of a caliper hanging up and will issue the recall when Bosch has made the parts for the NHTSA recall to be completed. The purpose of the Interim notice was to inform the owners of the problems.

There has been enough said about this issue, when the parts are available, then you will be notified and can schedule an appointment for the calipers.

This subject has been beaten to death on all the boards, there will be no further comment from me until new information is available. The Interim Notice and 50902 is posted at various boards.

We still luv ya MikeT.

miket · « **Reply #23 on:** October 19, 2009, 05:57:56 PM »

I feel the Luv

FrontrangeRVer · « **Reply #24 on:** October 19, 2009, 06:07:26 PM »

Quote from: jc2 on October 19, 2009, 01:22:41 PM

We still luv ya MikeT.

Yep!...keep the info coming!

miket · « **Reply #25 on:** October 19, 2009, 09:27:15 PM »

OK I just asked Tom to add to the library "Why change Brake Fluid PDF" where Workhorse in Print states to change brake fluid every 2 years or 24,000 miles. It is finally in print, it ain't in your manuals, but it is in print!!!

It's in Red, not black and white ---

Tom · « **Reply #26 on:** October 19, 2009, 10:45:40 PM »

Thanks Mike. Here's a direct link to the file.

sheltie · « **Reply #27 on:** October 20, 2009, 08:21:11 AM »

For those of us - especially me - who are not mechanically inclined, should I change my brake fluid every other year, or will every 24,000 miles suffice. Sorry if this seems to be a dumb question, but it isn't intended to be. I'm almost at the 24,000 marks and have already had it changed three times in five years. If I don't have to as much I'd prefer not to.

miket · « **Reply #28 on:** October 20, 2009, 07:46:43 PM »

Note: Workhorse Custom Chassis recommends fluid check with
replacement ever two (2) years or 24,000 miles. (Whichever comes first)

sheltie · « **Reply #29 on:** October 21, 2009, 08:47:58 AM »

Quote from: miket on October 20, 2009, 07:46:43 PM

Note: Workhorse Custom Chassis recommends fluid check with
replacement ever two (2) years or 24,000 miles. (Whichever comes first)

Thanks, Mike. It's nice to know that I was doing something right, even if I didn't realize it!

News:

Author Topic: Workhorse Brake Recall (Read 3909 times)