1993 Ford L7000 dump truck brakes

[PineRiverPat]

Hello all. I’m hoping someone out there has a little experience with one of these trucks. It has a diesel engine. 5 speed manual transmission.
I was told it has air over hydraulic brakes. But I dont see any air compressor on the motor.
I’m wondering if it has a girling brake system. The dash shows an alarm for E-Brake Warning and an alarm is sounding.
There are brake release push knobs on the dash like air brake trucks, but this guy is a hydraulic brake setup, at least at the wheels.
The truck is stuck with brakes applied, like parking brakes.
And where can a guy get a decent repair manual showing this brake system?

Thank you all very much. Greatly appreciated.
Patrick.

 

[MKinON]

Pretty sure it’s just hydraulic brakes boosted by the power steering pump pressure. Push the yellow knob in to release the ebrake/parking brake. As I recall, those things always made a lot of noise with buzzers and pumps. If you stepped on the brakes when the engine was off, they made a heck off a racket while the emergency pump kicked on to supply pressure. If it’s not releasing when you pressed the yellow park knob and the buzzer is sounding, there’s likely a problem of low hydraulic pressure in the system for any number of reasons. Possibly the fluid is just low in either the booster pump or brake system.

 

[used red MN]

First year? The info I am giving you is very “grain of salt” quality. These systems were just coming out when I was getting out of the vehicle mechanical repair field. I do know the system has hydraulically released spring applied parking brakes. If you are familiar with semi truck air brakes they also have “spring brakes” that are released by air pressure. I am sure you can do the same thing but here is what Google/AI comes up with below.
I had to add this above what I copied in. The end part about caging the spring applied parking brakes is probably what you may be interested in initially. I can’t seem to get any info to come up that directly applies to that brake system in terms of specifically how to cage the park springs on this system to make the truck at least movable. Is there a brake fluid reservoir on the firewall as you would find on and other hydraulic “brake fluid” system? I also think in some cases the engine driven power steering pump connects into this system. It seems like I may have seen some with a 2nd power steering type pump devoted strictly to this type of brake system, that may have been on a school bus set up.
-.-.
The Ford L7000 heavy truck commonly uses a Bendix Maxibrake H-series hydraulic/air spring park brake (often part number
E6HT2B651AB), which uses spring tension to engage the parking brake and high-pressure hydraulic fluid (approx.
1500
PSI) to release it. These systems are typically found on Ford L, C, and F-series trucks with hydraulic brakes.
Key details regarding the system:

• Release Mechanism: The system is "fail-safe," meaning it applies the parking brake automatically if hydraulic pressure drops.
• Bendix Maxibrake: The H-Series actuator is designed for spring-applied, pressure-released parking brakes, often featuring a 5-inch shoe, notes TruckSpring.
• Troubleshooting: If the brake fails to release, it may be due to lack of hydraulic pressure, a malfunctioning electric/hydraulic pump, or a seized mechanical component.
• Parts: Similar systems were used across various heavy Ford trucks, with components often interchangeable or similar to those found on the L-series and Bendix Brakes & Brake Parts for Ford C7000 for sale on eBay.
  TruckSpring +2
• If the parking brake is stuck, it may require manual "caging" to move the vehicle.

 

[PineRiverPat]

Thank you very much for the reply. The owner I’m buying this from says nothing happens when pushing the park knob in or trying to release the park brake system. I have not checked the power steering fluid level but will look at that. I really need to find a good shop repair manual.
Thank you kindly.
Patrick

 

[used red MN]

Thank you very much for the reply. The owner I’m buying this from says nothing happens when pushing the park knob in or trying to release the park brake system. I have not checked the power steering fluid level but will look at that. I really need to find a good shop repair manual.
Thank you kindly.
Patrick

Still no year. If you go on eBay and find some that look like used Ford manuals those are the ones I would say would be the best. I think it might be a possibility that there is a separate manual that covers this brake system alone. I can’t look for any or recommend any without the model year.

 

[PineRiverPat]

First year? The info I am giving you is very “grain of salt” quality. These systems were just coming out when I was getting out of the vehicle mechanical repair field. I do know the system has hydraulically released spring applied parking brakes. If you are familiar with semi truck air brakes they also have “spring brakes” that are released by air pressure. I am sure you can do the same thing but here is what Google/AI comes up with below.
I had to add this above what I copied in. The end part about caging the spring applied parking brakes is probably what you may be interested in initially. I can’t seem to get any info to come up that directly applies to that brake system in terms of specifically how to cage the park springs on this system to make the truck at least movable. Is there a brake fluid reservoir on the firewall as you would find on and other hydraulic “brake fluid” system? I also think in some cases the engine driven power steering pump connects into this system. It seems like I may have seen some with a 2nd power steering type pump devoted strictly to this type of brake system, that may have been on a school bus set up.
-.-.
The Ford L7000 heavy truck commonly uses a Bendix Maxibrake H-series hydraulic/air spring park brake (often part number
E6HT2B651AB), which uses spring tension to engage the parking brake and high-pressure hydraulic fluid (approx.
1500
PSI) to release it. These systems are typically found on Ford L, C, and F-series trucks with hydraulic brakes.
Key details regarding the system:

• Release Mechanism: The system is "fail-safe," meaning it applies the parking brake automatically if hydraulic pressure drops.
• Bendix Maxibrake: The H-Series actuator is designed for spring-applied, pressure-released parking brakes, often featuring a 5-inch shoe, notes TruckSpring.
• Troubleshooting: If the brake fails to release, it may be due to lack of hydraulic pressure, a malfunctioning electric/hydraulic pump, or a seized mechanical component.
• Parts: Similar systems were used across various heavy Ford trucks, with components often interchangeable or similar to those found on the L-series and Bendix Brakes & Brake Parts for Ford C7000 for sale on eBay.
  TruckSpring +2
• If the parking brake is stuck, it may require manual "caging" to move the vehicle.

Thank you for this information. I do not know if any reservoir is up on the firewall but will look for one. I also wondered if there was any type of a 2nd pump system on this truck for “engine off” braking. I am a little familiar with semi air brakes, but no expert. I thought the girling brake system was “odd”. Ha. I have to look around for a good repair manual on this braking system. This truck is overall very good yet and I believe worth an effort to save. Thank you very kindly. Have a great weekend.

 

[PineRiverPat]

Still no year. If you go on eBay and find some that look like used Ford manuals those are the ones I would say would be the best. I think it might be a possibility that there is a separate manual that covers this brake system alone. I can’t look for any or recommend any without the model year.

1993 is supposed to be the year. I only know the engine is diesel and it has a 5 speed transmission. It is an L7000. Single axle. No 2 speed rearend.

 

[Mule Meat]

Try pressing the brake peddle hard then release the parking brake.

 

[used red MN]

I also wondered if there was any type of a 2nd pump system on this truck for “engine off” braking.

The ones I was around had an electric motor running a small hydraulic pump. Can remember if it came on when you turned on the key or if it only activated when the engine was off and the brake pedal was pushed. We worked on trucks for a railroad, the one I am remembering the most was an 1981 F700 it didn’t have the hydraulic park brake but only a hydro boost brake system if you know what that is. They use the power steering pump to “power assist” the regular DOT 3 fluid brakes instead of a vacuum type power booster.

 

[farmer656]

Hello all. I’m hoping someone out there has a little experience with one of these trucks. It has a diesel engine. 5 speed manual transmission.
I was told it has air over hydraulic brakes. But I dont see any air compressor on the motor.
I’m wondering if it has a girling brake system. The dash shows an alarm for E-Brake Warning and an alarm is sounding.
There are brake release push knobs on the dash like air brake trucks, but this guy is a hydraulic brake setup, at least at the wheels.
The truck is stuck with brakes applied, like parking brakes.
And where can a guy get a decent repair manual showing this brake system?

Thank you all very much. Greatly appreciated.
Patrick.

A picture of the brake chamber would be great to identify what you have,, that series truck could have what they call the Lucas Gerling, if there are you are almost completely our of luck on parts I did a brake job on one about 7 years ago, like to never found a brake drum, and that was over 700.00 , not counting shipping from Cal, to Mississippi

 

[Welding man]

I have worked on dozens of them. Lucas-Girling. Local Lumber store had a couple and a farmers had cattle and fertilizer spreader trucks. Most had 2 power steering pumps. 2 wheel cylinders on each wheel, pain to adjust and just plain terrible to work on. Parts are extremely expensive and are hard to come by in my area. If there is much wrong with them, it may cost more to fix it than the truck is worth. Hydraulic brake trucks are getting pretty rare in my area and I am glad.

 

[Hobo,NC]

By the time those trucks started showing up in the shop I had about quit working on trucks. I remember they were extremely expensive to repair and all but impossible to replace wheel cylinders on. I got into the brakes on one I called a bud and asked what was the trick to replace shoes and wheel cylinders he told me to replace the Backplate assembly as a loaded unit. I repaired the brakes on that one after that I sent them to my bud to fix.

​

 

[PineRiverPat]

The ones I was around had an electric motor running a small hydraulic pump. Can remember if it came on when you turned on the key or if it only activated when the engine was off and the brake pedal was pushed. We worked on trucks for a railroad, the one I am remembering the most was an 1981 F700 it didn’t have the hydraulic park brake but only a hydro boost brake system if you know what that is. They use the power steering pump to “power assist” the regular DOT 3 fluid brakes instead of a vacuum type power booster.

Thank you. Yes you are correct. I had a F700 with that brake system, it was the the Lucas Girling system. Worked fine when it worked, kinda weird and complicated when it wasn’t working properly. I don’t know if this L7000 has that system but we will be looking for all we can. Thank you again.

 

[PineRiverPat]

A picture of the brake chamber would be great to identify what you have,, that series truck could have what they call the Lucas Gerling, if there are you are almost completely our of luck on parts I did a brake job on one about 7 years ago, like to never found a brake drum, and that was over 700.00 , not counting shipping from Cal, to Mississippi

Thank you. I had an older F700 with that Lucas Girling system. I’m not a fan of that system. I hope this is not that. Thanks

 

[used red MN]

Thank you. Yes you are correct. I had a F700 with that brake system, it was the the Lucas Girling system. Worked fine when it worked, kinda weird and complicated when it wasn’t working properly. I don’t know if this L7000 has that system but we will be looking for all we can. Thank you again.

As I opened with in reply 3 the info I gave was “grain of salt” Bendix might not be the manufacturer of the system on that truck. I am fairly certain that if you don’t figure out an easy fix like the engine driven pump is low on fluid then you will be figuring out how to “cage” (release) those park brakes to move it. What may complicate this is how long it sat there with the brake shoes shoved against the drums, that’s a whole different can of worms. I would pull out the old “Ford’s better idea” shot, but I think GM put these on some trucks as well. I think your definitely going to need a good stroke of luck to come out on this deal hopefully the price was bargain basement level.

 

[trackrat]

I have a f700 with those brakes works but is very quirky makes some strange noises, I have never worked on it

 

[PineRiverPat]

As I opened with in reply 3 the info I gave was “grain of salt” Bendix might not be the manufacturer of the system on that truck. I am fairly certain that if you don’t figure out an easy fix like the engine driven pump is low on fluid then you will be figuring out how to “cage” (release) those park brakes to move it. What may complicate this is how long it sat there with the brake shoes shoved against the drums, that’s a whole different can of worms. I would pull out the old “Ford’s better idea” shot, but I think GM put these on some trucks as well. I think your definitely going to need a good stroke of luck to come out on this deal hopefully the price was bargain basement level.

Hey. Thanks. I agreed to give $3,000 for the truck. It runs good, 200,000 miles. Pretty clean yet. Good rubber. All solid frame and box, etc. box hoist works good. I don’t see any rust anywhere. I thought it was a little odd though that it had a 5-speed transmission and no 2-speed rearend. The truck was plated in 2024. Owner said he drove it there fall of 2024. I don’t know anything about caging the brakes so I need to learn that trick. Thank you.

 

[SkipperII]

They were used to skirt around the air brake restriction of the CDL. We had some in our fleet of ladder/service trucks. They were a disaster when brand new. RUN!!!

 

[PineRiverPat]

They were used to skirt around the air brake restriction of the CDL. We had some in our fleet of ladder/service trucks. They were a disaster when brand new. RUN!!!

 

[showcrop]

Hydraulic brakes on anything old tend to be problematic if they sit for awhile because the fluid sucks moisture out of the air, and the water slowly migrates down to the wheel cylinders. Brakes are kind of important on any vehicle, so you will ost likely need wheel cylinders on all four corners at a minimum. Unless you have $3,000.00 to throw away, I suggest before closing the deal you verify that you can get the parts and what they will cost.