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DUAL BRAKE SYSTEM
The dual brake system allows the driver reasonable brake capacity in case either the front or the rear
brake circuit fails.
CAUTION: When one circuit of the dual system fails, the following conditions will exist.
1. Bus stopping distance will increase. Drive the bus only with extreme caution. Service immediately!
2. The brake pedal will be softer to push.
3. The brake pedal will travel further, even as far as the floorboard. These conditions exist because only
one axle will be stopping the bus.
MAINTENANCE
The Bendix disc brakes self-adjust for lining wear. Brake fluid in the reservoir located behind the driver’s
seat must be maintained to the correct level. As the brake linings wear, fluid from the reservoir will displace
the lining thickness loss. Be sure to use only brake fluid in the reservoir behind the driver’s seat.
The power steering reservoir is located behind the front grille access panel on the driver’s side. The power
steering fluid serves the power steering gear-driven pump, power steering gear and Bendix Hydro-max booster.
CAUTION: Put only brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir and power steering fluid in the power steer-
ing system. Failure to use the proper fluids could result in loss of braking or steering.
BRAKE WARNING SYSTEM
The brake warning system includes a buzzer and a dash mounted red light labelled BRAKE. The light
and buzzer will operate as a result of the following:
1. Engine is running, brakes not applied with a loss of electrical power to the electric back up pump
motor.
2. Engine is running, brakes not applied, with a loss of power assist from the power steering pump.
3. Engine is running, brakes are applied and either the front or rear section of the system has failed. The
backup pump, buzzer and light will remain on even after the brake pedal has been released.
4. Engine is not running, brakes not applied, but ignition key is ON. This condition should happen
every time the driver starts the bus. The bus should not be driven if the backup pump system is not
working. The backup system should go off when the engine starts.
5. Engine is not running, brakes are applied, ignition is in ON or START position. This is a method for
checking that the back-up pump system is not working. NOTE: With engine not running and igni-
tion OFF, a depressed brake pedal will cause the backup to run with no light and buzzer.
The back-
up system should go off when the pedal is released. Without the assist of the power steering pump
and without the assist of the backup pump, the master cylinder will allow the brakes to be applied.
However, brake capacity will be very limited and the bus should not be driven under these condi-
tions.
PARKING BRAKE (HYDRAULIC BRAKES)
The parking brake is designed to hold the loaded bus up to a 20% grade. The parking brake is not to be
used as a normal service brake, but can be used to help stop in an emergency situation.
When the parking brake is applied, and the ignition switch is ON, a dash-mounted yellow light labelled
PARK
will warn the driver that the brake is applied. The bus should not be driven when the parking brake is
applied. Driving the bus when the parking brake is applied will prematurely wear the parking brake or
damage other drive train components.
WARNING: Improper adjustment of the parking brake can significantly reduce the holding ability of the
parking brake system. This could result in the vehicle’s moving when unattended.
Summary of Contents for TC/2000
Page 1: ...Owner s Manual TC 2000 ...
Page 3: ...2 ...
Page 106: ...105 NOTES ...
Page 111: ...Part Number 1919331 Blue Bird Corporation P O Box 937 Fort Valley GA 31030 ...
