2007 American Lafrance Fire Truck problems

Filed Aug 17, 2010 · Brakes · 4,722 miles · NY

Fire truck was manufactured with the wrong brake parts on the rear axle. Axle was manufactured with the incorrect brake pads and incorrect s-cam rollers. This resulted in overheated front brakes and vehicle control problems due to the right rear brake not working and the left rear brake only capable of half application.because of the vehicle age ( one year out of warranty) the fire district assigned the brake problem to its fleet mechanic. When he discovered reason for the problem (poor braking) he contacted a arvin meritor repair center ( fleet pride, menands, ny) and he also contact the manufacture directly asking for guidance and an offer of warranty. The manufacturer instructed our fleet mechanic to take the truck to fleet pride. Fleet pride contacted the brake manufacturer and completed the trouble shooting steps requested. At no time was fleet pride instructed to disassemble the vehicle for a visual inspection. Arvinmeritor instructed the repair center by phone that they felt there is not a brake problem and return the truck to service. Clark boyer, averill park fire district, district manager, was summoned to the fleet mechanics facility to visually inspect the brake parts. Clark found overheated front brake drums and cracked front brake shoes. Reason, the front brakes are trying to do all the stopping. The right rear brake showed little to no wear indicating it seldom works, the left rear showed evidence of braking but the brake needed approximately 50% of its brake travel adjustment used to place the brake shoes contract with the break drum, even though the brake shoes are near full size (not worn down). This truck is unsafe and can not respond to fire calls. The taxpayers of our district should not have to pay for incorrect manufacturing. The vehicle manufacturer ( american lafrance) also certifies that the truck meets federal truck stopping standard.