STROKER_T Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 Does anyone have a reccomendation for vented rotors on an 04 F350 super duty ambulance,the drivers seem to have race driver like characteristics... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STROKER_T Posted November 21, 2008 Author Share Posted November 21, 2008 Ok ,let me go a little more into it...We've got this one ambulance out of 50 that seems to be harder on front brakes than the usual.I've checked rear brake operation,brake fluid,pressure,master cylinder,all new brake parts on the front. By the looks of the pads,looks like plain 'ole,flat out pedal to the floor,moonshine run drivin'. Anybody had the front brakes wear out excessively? We're talking every 5-10K,its in in for a brake job.Already did the hotline thing,and thats all it is...and thats all I'm gonna say about that... This truck is an inheritance to me,she's been around the shop like a stripper at a bacholer party...just not as much fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Browning Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 I was going to suggest that perhaps the body may be too much for the chassis, I had a customer with an E350 that had a utility body on it that was constantly overloaded. They were constantly bringing the truck in for brake squeal and vibration. I suspect this isn't the case here and there is either something wrong with this ambulance or it is being driven hard or by someone who rides the brake or drives with two feet. If you have gone over this truck confidently you might suggest that the fleet rotate that ambulance to different drivers and see if that has any affect. Just a thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STROKER_T Posted November 21, 2008 Author Share Posted November 21, 2008 I totally agree with your suggestion,Mr. Browning.I tried to emphasize that to the powers that be,and I've spent alot of time trying to find a concern that could very well be driver related... The funny thing is that the pedal is perfect.I've pondered whether a proportioning vale could be something to look at,but than again the rear brakes function properly. We do a good bit of ambulance brakes out here in the woods,so I've caught myself second-guessing,and that never any fun... /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/confused.gif Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Browning Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Vented rotors... proportioning valve... re-engineering vehicles is not what we should be doing in my opinion. Then you will REALLY own it. TO put it simply, if there are no problems with the Ford chassis then the real issue is it is either being abused or there is simply not enough truck under the body. Again, if this ambulance is identical to many others in the fleet and the others don't have this problem then it sure looks like a driver concern. Persevere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Amacker Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Again, if this ambulance is identical to many others in the fleet and the others don't have this problem then it sure looks like a driver concern. Persevere. Ditto. One of my ambulance fleets has in-cab cameras recording a wide angle view 24/7 to act as a witness in the event of an accident, and to identify bad drivers and driving habits. They fire drivers that are habitual offenders. One recent situation was a female driver who repeatedly bent and blew out RR tires/wheels from clipping curbs. They released her. I'd add to use an IR gun and compare front and rear brake temps with a similar vehicle after a normal road test to make sure the rear brakes are functioning properly. I love IR guns for this..... Good Luck! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DamageINC Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 I agree with Keith too - a lot of ambulance conversions after they're loaded with equipment and O2 tanks and all that crap can weigh over 13,000lbs, some even more! That seems like overkill for a 350 chassis on a day-to-day basis. But you also mentioned that the rest of the fleet is fine... so I'd bet it's a combo of the weight of the truck, AND the weight of the drivers right foot. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastendpowerstroke Posted November 27, 2008 Share Posted November 27, 2008 I agree with Keith too - a lot of ambulance conversions after they're loaded with equipment and O2 tanks and all that crap can weigh over 13,000lbs, some even more! That seems like overkill for a 350 chassis on a day-to-day basis. But you also mentioned that the rest of the fleet is fine... so I'd bet it's a combo of the weight of the truck, AND the weight of the drivers right foot. Dave Great point maybe you should try taking the offending bus and a similar unit to the local landfill, truck stop, feed store, or any other place that has a scale and compare it's weight to the problem free similar unit. If all other factors are equal it has to be driver abuse. having this info will sure keep you from looking like an asshole when you start throwing stones at the driver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Posted November 27, 2008 Share Posted November 27, 2008 having this info will sure keep you from looking like an asshole when you start throwing stones at the driver. Naw, we always look like assholes in these situations, no matter what. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LARRY BRUDZYNSKI Posted November 28, 2008 Share Posted November 28, 2008 Quote: Naw, we always look like assholes in these situations, no matter what. That's right and don't forget the 3 rules... 1) Customer is always right. 2) If customer is wrong refer to rule #1 3) Keep fixing the problem until somebody gives in, or Ford starts kicking back warranty claims. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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