This is a motorhome with bosch disc brakes. The brakes do not always release after a stop. When this happens, it is not known by the driver until you smell brakes burning or the ABS light comes on because it has melted from the heat. It causes damage to the braking system, bearings, and other axle components. I have done some research on the problem and it appears that there is a problem with the disc caliper piston not retracting occasionally after a stop. I have had seven failures that I know about, and know that I have had more because I check the condition of the components. Other owners of motorhomes with this type of brake caliper have reported on the internet of fires and loss of braking. Bosch will not talk to any of us about a real fix for this problem.
Holiday Rambler Ambassador brake failure problems
10 of the 66 owner complaints about the Holiday Rambler Ambassador describe brake failure, most of them for the 2000 model year.
- owner complaints
- 10
- worst model year
- 2000
- typical mileage
- 67,800
By model year
- 20021
- 20012
- 20007
Often reported together
What owners say
Driving out of houston, tx, I smelled brakes so I pulled over to allow the calipers to cool. Found the rh front caliper was very hot and smoking. I let it cool for 1/2 hour and checked for free movement of the wheel. Everything seem ok so I proceeded. No more than 1/2 city block, the smell resumed and then the ABS light on the dash came on. The ABS sensor on the right front was burned up and the caliper was sizzling hot and the wheel locked up. This is the ninth thermal brake failure I have had on this motorhome. The safety recall that was done in 2002 did not correct my problem. They only inspected my calipers and said that I had the new style installed and that no further action was required. Bosch needs to take action on this before something more serious happens.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 holiday rambler ambassador rv. The contact stated that the front driver's side brake overheated and began smoking while driving 30 MPH. The failure left the vehicle without braking power. He noticed that the issue occurred on four different occasions. In 2002, the brakes overheated and smoke appeared, but there was no loss of braking power. The contact pulled over and allowed the brakes to cool off. In 2003, the brakes were rebuilt after the manufacturer shipped out parts due to the failure. After the failure recurred, the vehicle was repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign id number 02v278000 in 2004. The manufacturer stated that they could not assist because the recall repair had already been performed. The vehicle has not been repaired a fourth time. The current mileage was 45,148 and failure mileage was 25,251. Updated 05/08/09. *lj updated 05/11/09.
Again on 18 nov 08, on a trip to key west, fl I had thermal brake failure. This time the left rear caliper piston failed to retract fully and caused the pad to drag on the rotor and this resulted in an extremely hot situation, with smoke smell and then an illuminated ABS warning light came on the dash. This is the 8th failure we have encountered since we have purchased this motorhome. Monaco representative continues to state that there is no brake problem with their units and plainly stated on our last phone conversation, that they don't plan to do anything about my or any one else's complaint concerning this mater. It is a bosch problem, but the system is installed on a monaco motorhome.
Thermal brake failure on florida state road 33 just north of groveland, fl. On 8 oct 08. Right rear caliper overheated and caused burned brake smell and resultant failure of the ABS sensor. Pistons failed to fully retract which caused the pads to drag on the rotor and cause heat build up. This is the 8th failure since I have purchased this mortorhome new april 2000. Recall in 2004 only involved an inspection for my motorhome and they determined that my installed calipers that were installed at the factory in 2003 were proper. I still believe that I do not have the proper calipers due to the continued thermal brake failures. I send a courtesy copy of each complaint I file to monaco. Monace representative mr. Michael becker continues to state that there is no brake problem on holiday rambler motorhomes and that the recall corrected the original problem. The bosch representative would not discuss this matter with me.
I went to leave for daytona last thursday(2/7/08) when I got to the hwy, I stepped on the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. So I got it back to my lot( using the parking brake) and found out that there was brake fuild running out on the ground and that holiday rambler had assembled the brake lines on the bottom inside of the frame and they had all rusted out, I replace all line and bleed the brakes, but they are not adiquit to stop this 36' motorome, could have been a lot worse!!. I am back in okeechobee, but I am scared to death to drive it, it is not road worthy.
Thermal brake failure while in traffic at paducka, ky. Left rear caliper overheated and caused strong smell, smoke and resultant failure of ABS sensor. Pistons failed to fully retract and the pads were dragging on the rotor causing the heat build up. This is the 7th failure since we purchased this motorhome new in april 2000 . Recall in 2004 only involved an inspection for my motorhome and they determined that my installed calipers that were installed by the factory in 2003 were proper. I don't believe this to be correct as I continue to have same problem. My calipers should have been replaced during the recall instead of just an inspection! I report each failure to monaco and the representatives state that my calipers are current and ok. Bosch will not discuss this matter with me. They state they will only talk about this to factory representative.
Thermal disc brake failure after 3rd application of brakes on mountain decent. Right front caliper overheated and caused the pistons to fail to fully retract resulting in the pads to drag on the rotors and cause smoke, brake overheat smell and illumination of the ABS light on the dash. This is the 6th failure since we purchased this motorhome. Recall in 2003, did not resolve this problem.
Consumer received 02v278000 notice concerning ABS brake failure. Recall repairs were done twice. However, ABS brakes needed to be repaired again for a third time.
Consumer received the federal safety agency recall 02v278000 concerning ABS brake failure. The brake assemblies exhibit elevated temperatures that can lead to catastrophic deterioration of the wheel end components such as bearings, races, spindles, knuckles, seals, hubs, rotors, patch bolts, calipers, brake pads, and ABS sensors. Dealer has replaced rotors, caliper and the ABS sensor left front and still recurring the problem. *ak the consumer requested reimbursement for living expenses. *sc
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
- What is wrong
- Kongsberg power products systems I, inc., (kpps) is recalling on behalf of monaco coach certain model year 2008-2010 motor homes manufactured after april 2007 and equipped with pneumatic and hydraulic adjustable brake pedal assemblies supplied by kpps. The drive pin which secures the brake pedal arm to the balance of the assembly may become disengaged, this may cause a reduction in vehicle braking and/or cause the brake pedal to move out of position and interfere with throttle pedal function.
- Risk
- A reduction in braking or interference with the throttle pedal could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Kpps will provide a clamp assembly kit along with installation instructions free of charge. The safety recall began on july 16, 2010. Owners may contact kpps at 1‑877‑485‑6647.
Recall number 10V284000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
- What is wrong
- Navistar is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 beaver contessa, model year 2009 beaver marquis, patriot, monterey, model year 2009-2010 holiday rambler ambassador, model year 2010-2011 holiday rambler endeavor, model year 2009-2010 holiday rambler imperial, model year 2010 holiday rambler navigator, and sceptor, model year 2010 monaco camelot model year 2010-2011 monaco diplomat, model year 2010 monaco dynasty, model year 2009-2010 monaco knight and model year 2010 monaco signature manufactured from january 22, 2008 through october 27, 2009 on behalf of monaco rv with kongsberg power products systems adjustable brake pedals. The drive pin which secures the brake pedal arm to the balance of the assembly may become disengaged, this may cause a reduction in vehicle braking and/or cause the brake pedal to move out of position and interfere with throttle pedal function.
- Risk
- A reduction in braking or interference with the throttle pedal could result in a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Navistar is working with kongsberg please see kongsberg defect report 09e-064. Navistar will receive kits and will inspect and install a c-clamp on the adjustable brake pedal. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on february 4, 2010. Owners may contact navistar at 1‑800‑685‑6545.
Recall number 10V014000 · Recall details
Service brakes, air: supply: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- On certain motorhomes certification tags were omitted on the cloth covered front and rear brake line assemblies.
- Risk
- This does not comply with the standard.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install new front and rear cloth covered brake lines that have the required certification tags. Owner notification began october 20, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact monaco at 1‑877‑466‑6226.
Recall number 03V360000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components
- What is wrong
- On certain motor homes, the brake assemblies exhibit elevated temperatures that can lead to catastrophic deterioration of the wheel end components such as bearings, races, spindles, knuckles, seals, hubs, rotors, patch bolts, calipers, brake pads, and ABS sensors.
- Risk
- This could result in loss of control, and/or the potential for a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the front and rear brake calipers for corrosion and replace or rebuild the calipers as necessary. The recall began on august 18, 2004. Owners should contact monaco at 1‑800‑685‑6545.
Recall number 02V278000 · Recall details
Service brakes, air: antilock
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: motor homes equipped with meritor wabco phase 1, d-version antilock brake system (ABS), fail to comply to the requirements of fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic and electric brake systems." an internal diagnostic system in the ABS may not detect an extreme wheel speed sensor air gap. Such a condition could possibly occur during (1) original assembly or (2) subsequent wheel end service.
- Risk
- This could disable the anti-lock function on the affected wheel without providing the required operator warning that the ABS function requires servicing.
- Remedy
- Meritor is conducting the owner notification and remedy scheduling for this campaign. The ABS ecu will be removed and replaced or the ecu will be reprogrammed. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact meritor wabco at 1‑800‑535‑5560.
Recall number 00V279003 · Recall details
Questions about the Holiday Rambler Ambassador brake failure
Which Holiday Rambler Ambassador years have brake failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2000 (7 complaints), 2001 (2 complaints) and 2002 (1 complaints).
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