Xplore 304, Manual

Page: 165 / 206

10-11
CARE OF YOUR CARAVAN
Fig 10
pulled out it should extend
between 5 and 8 mm (Fig.
8). (On tandem axles a
double abutment is fitted to
the front axle only).
• Repeat for other wheel or
wheels.
• On tandem axles the brake
cables from
the rear axle
should pass over this axle
and cross over each other
before being connected to
the abutment on the front
axle.
• Ensure the balance bar
(compensation) is being
pulled evenly. This bar (double on
tandem axles) should always be
paralleled with the axle tube when pulled
(Figs. 8 & 10). Adjust M8 lock and ball
nuts, if necessary, to achieve correct
parallel position (Fig. 10).
• Check the brake rod support bracket,
(fixed to the floor) is supporting the brake
rod evenly. The brake rod must always
run straight, never bent or curved under
any fittings. On tandem axles, using the
double balance bar, a brake rod support
tube (Part No. 228827) must always be
fitted on the end of the brake rod,
passing through the centre aperture on
the abutment.
• Remove the slack in the brake rod by
adjusting the long ball nut, rear of the
balance bar, ensuring the overrun lever
makes contact with the end of the towing
shaft.
• Over adjustment to the long ball nut (Fig
10), could induce movement of the inner
brake cable, reducing the effective
clearance of the brake shoes. If the over
run lever will not make contact, it is
possible the two lock nuts, forward of the
spring cylinder, are incorrectly adjusted.
Loosen the nuts and adjust the brake rod
as above (Figs 8 & 10).
• Adjust the two locking nuts, forward of
the spring cylinder (Fig. 10), (on some
chassis a single Nyloc nut is used) to
give 1mm of clearance on the spring
cylinder. This cylinder (the energy store
for the handbrake operation) must be
able to rotate only, not slide on the brake
rod.
(See Fig. 10). If the overrun assembly is
fitted with a gas strut handbrake then no
spring cylinder is fitted - therefore ignore
this paragraph).
• Correct adjustment of the linkage is
checked by operating the handbrake
lever so that when the second or third
tooth is engaged, a slight braking force is
felt on the road wheels.
• Over adjustment of either the wheel
brakes or linkage, will result in difficult
reversing causing the wheels to ‘lock-up’.
• When parking, the handbrake lever must
always be engaged into the fully upright
position (90
°
). This is to compress the
spring within the spring cylinder and
thereby create an energy store, which will
automatically engage the brakes further
should the caravan move.
If difficulty is experienced in this
operation, try easing the caravan
backwards with one hand while engaging
the handbrake fully with the other. This
manoeuvre should not be attempted on a
rearwards facing slope. In this case
wheel chocks should be used combined
with the handbrake.