Park & Emergency Brake Systems - Monaco DIPLOMAT 2004 Owner's Manual

The park and emergency brake systems are combined and apply to the
rear drive axle only. These are called spring brakes. When the park brake is
applied, air is released from the rear brake chambers, allowing the large
spring in each rear brake chamber to manually push the brake pads against
the drum. The air system must be charged above 35 psi so the park brake will
remain released. Pushing down on the park brake handle charges the rear
brake chambers with air pressure, overriding the emergency brake springs
and releasing the brakes. In the event of air loss, while the vehicle is
under operation, the park brake will automatically apply (this occurs at approxi-
mately 30 psi) acting as an automatic emergency brake system.
When preparing to depart, allow the air system to achieve full air
pressure. This is indicated by the air gauge needles. Listen for the air dryer to
purge, indicating full air pressure has been obtained and the air dryer is
functioning. Look and listen for abnormalities. Abnormal air pressure
readings by either needle of the air gauge should alert the operator. Have the
air system checked to avoid an untimely failure.
Should a failure occur in the air system, preventing the air pressure from
building, it may become necessary to "cage" the spring brakes. This is an
emergency procedure only. Caging the rear air brake chambers manually
overrides the spring brakes and allows the vehicle to move. This procedure
does not affect normal service braking. (See Section 2 for details.)
NOTE: When the park brake is released the Park illumina-
tion lamp will remain lit until air system pressure is above
65 psi.
WARNING: When parked, if the air tank is not depleted
there is the possibility of an accidental release of the parking
brake. Traveling with small children and/or pets may
require a small block to be fabricated to prevent accidental
release. The block should be placed under the knob on the
dash panel. A wooden clothes pin, clasped at the base of the
shaft, will work.
CHASSIS INFORMATION
DIPLOMAT 2004
Park & Emergency
Brake Systems
10 • 365