Brake Adjustment/Slack Adjuster; Abs System (Anti-Lock Brakes) - Monaco 2002 Diplomat Service Manual

The motorhome is equipped with automatic slack adjusters. As brake
linings wear, the slack adjusters will automatically ratchet on the return
stroke as needed. This ratchet action will keep the brake linings at proper
adjustment. Brake adjustment should not be necessary. Indications of a vehicle
needing a possible brake adjustment may be noticed by the park brake not
holding on a hill or gradual loss of braking power. Automatic slack adjusters
and the connecting S-camshaft require periodic lubrication.
NOTE: Replacement parts should be of the same original
equipment size and type. Mixing brake components may
result in unequal braking action. Brake adjustments are
part of normal maintenance of the motorhome. Brake
adjustments are not covered by the manufacturer.
WARNING: Brake lining may contain asbestos material
and should only be serviced by qualified service technicians
who are trained in the appropriate precautionary proce-
dures. If any loss of braking effectiveness, or abnormal
braking indications are noticed, the brakes and slack
adjusters should be inspected by a qualified brake techni-
cian.
The motorhome is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The
ABS system monitors wheel rotation speeds by using a 100 tooth magnetic
tone ring mounted to the hub. Revolving with the wheel, the magnetic tone
ring is polarized giving positive and negative pulsations. A stationary sensor
is mounted adjacent to the tone ring monitoring the magnetic pulses. The
pulses are monitored by the ABS electronic control unit (ECU).
The ECU monitors all available wheel sensors at the rate of 100 times per
second. The ECU controls Pressure Modulator Valves. Pressure Modulator
Valves have two electric over air solenoids, a hold solenoid and a release
solenoid. The modulator valves are open under normal braking, allowing a
straight through air signal from the treadle valve to the brake chamber.
Should a wheel lose traction under a braking application, the ECU will energize
the hold solenoid of the Pressure Modulator Valve to interrupt the air signal
from the treadle valve to the brake chamber, while the release solenoid vents
the existing air signal to the atmosphere allowing the skidding tire to regain
traction. Skidding tires have less tractive efficiency. It is possible, under
certain conditions, to have the wheel(s) skid with a normal functioning ABS
system.
The ABS itself does not apply additional braking power. The purpose of
the ABS is limiting brake torque to prevent wheel locking that results in the
loss of lateral stability and increased stopping distances. Cautious driving
practices and maintaining adequate safe distances when following vehicles is
the key to safe vehicle operation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D I P L O M A T
Chassis Information
BRAKE
ADJUSTMENT/
SLACK ADJUSTER
ABS SYSTEM
(Anti-lock Brakes)
1 0 • 2 7 5