Dhhhooooooo No Brake!!!!!

Kevin B · #1 10-19-04, 07:49 AM

This Sat. after landing at KSLH in the high winds the left brake failed on roll out with out any warning. After getting the plane to the ramp I found that the left master cylinder had no pressure as if it was empty. After looking around I find no sign of brake fluid any where. I even removed the inspection plates. I have my service center looking at it but I am stumped as to what my have occured.
Kevin B

Mitch Taylor · #2 10-19-04, 10:38 AM

Check the swivel fitting in the brake line on the top end of the gear leg. They can leak in one position, and be fine the rest of the time. I had a similar incident, but in my case I was just taxiing out for takeoff. Find someone who can replace the o-rings in it- I bought a new one and it was over $500.

rick bell · #3 10-19-04, 11:06 PM

sometimes dirt get inside the calibers and ruins the o-ring behind the pucks which will either loose fluid or allow air in

Jerry De Santis · #4 10-20-04, 12:35 AM

Hi Kevin, I am forever replacing the o-ring on the pukes. Its now to the point I can take the brake apart and have it back on the plane with new o-rings in less than an hour. Seems to need o-rings about ever year on both pukes on each brake.

The bore the pukes slide in are pretty smooth and do not indicate much wear. Lot of the fields I go into are short and I am often on the brakes. I just put different size o-rings on left side and keeping my fingers cross that they last longer.

Drop by BTL some day and I'l check your brakes out for you.

Cheers
Jerry

Kevin B · #5 10-20-04, 07:02 AM

I check or look at the brakes before each flight and never have seen any thing wet or any brake fluid. Would this be anything I should be able to see?

Jerry De Santis · #6 10-20-04, 08:53 AM

Yes! If the leak is by the puke o=rings. Can't miss it.
Jerry

Kevin B · #7 10-20-04, 10:04 AM

I have never seen any fluid or any thing wet on the hanger floor or on the wheel. How ever I have seen some oil on the nose wheel.

FRED-E · #8 10-21-04, 12:01 AM

Kevin
Did the master cyl have fluid in it ? If it does the master cyl just may be bad. If it does not we will have to rethink the problem, ie, when was the last time you put fluid it it, did you fill it at the master or the brake, etc.
Fred N358

Kevin B · #9 10-21-04, 07:10 AM

Fred. there was no fluid. We back bled the system last night and found no leak. It's flying today and I keep an eye on it for leaks. The system seam to build pressure and hold it.
Kevin B