Question:
I have a 1996 Rexhall Aerbus 36-foot with a tag axle. I had the steering gear box changed and after that I have never had the brakes that it had before.

We have bled the brakes twice and the shop that did the change also bled the brakes. Is there something that we have over looked? The brakes feel like they still have air in them; the pedal is real soft but does not bled down. It has a separate master cylinder for the tag axle and that was bled for air in the system. We used DOT 4 fluid. Since then I have not used the motorhome much as I don’t trust the brakes.

—Ray Dean

Answer:
Hello Ray,
Some deal—to get your steering fixed and mess up your brakes!

I don't know which chassis you have. However, in either one of the brands (Ford or Chevy) Rexhall used the power steering pump to supply the boost for the hydraulic brake booster. My suspicion is that the hydraulic system has some air trapped in it. You can bleed the system by turning the wheels back and forth with the front end off the ground while applying some brake pressure.  If that does not work, you can use an air conditioning vacuum pump or the like attached to the power steering reservoir to draw some of the air out of the system while turning the steering wheel and applying brakes.

The Chevy chassis can be a very challenging system to get the air out of, especially with automatic parking brake. On some of them there is a bleeder screw underneath.

Best wises for Safer and Happier Driving!
Robert

Do you have a question related to alignment, steering, handling, braking, fuel economy, tires, safety and maintenance of your RV? Robert Henderson, the president of Henderson’s Line-Up Brake and RV and SuperSteer/SuperStop products in Grants Pass, Oregon, is available to answer questions from readers. You may send your questions by e-mail to editor@rvlife.com.