I have to replace mine as it's rusted open. I'm wondering if there is a source to buy from other than Pacbrake itself.

Steve,

Please give more info on your pacbrake so those of us who are not michanical can help if we have had the same issue.

We have a 85 MCC and the parking brake quite working. The brake had been ajdusted and burnt out the pad, napa in Yuna was able to order in a rebuild with in the week. The repairman working on the brake had to rebuild some of the parts to get the brake to work, but it works great now.

A Pac Brake is nothing more then an exhaust back-pressure regulator.

The more exhaust pressure you can build up when you're off the throttle, the less actual brake pedal you'll need to stop. This will prolong the life of the actual brakes.

As far as the answer to the original question... It depends. You could spend more money trying to cob something together then what it's worth.

Normally these things will rust open or the butterfly valve will bend.

Have you pulled it apart yet? You might be surprised at how easy it is to free it up. You're better off waiting for some down time and then play with it. You could save some $$$'s

Bill N.Y.

edit to correct spelling mistake

Steve, A new PRXB model cost me $710 + overnight shipping a year ago. Mine stuck shut intermittently and I didn't have much choice since I was traveling. However, when I got back home, I tore into it and found the butterfly shaft was bent. After digging it out and making it straight, I cleaned all the rust off everything with a wire wheel and put it back together. The butterfly flops around free as can be if the air cylinder isn't connected. Now, I have a spare - for me or if I run into someone with a problem.

One thing I do recommend is to get familiar with the lube points and pick up some of the correct high temp PacBrake lube. Camping World carries it and I'm sure there are substitutes - but I've not tried anything else.

Sorry for the confusion.
I didn't mean to infer that I was going to "cobble" it together with different parts.....I meant to ask if there was another source to buy a genuine Pacbrake replacement that would be less expensive than obtaining the valve "manufacturer direct".
Anyway I am first planning to do as you suggested Bill and attempt to free the original valve up as Mike did.
Mike; I was wondering if you noticed any difference between the original braking performance (with the old valve) as opposed to the newer "PRXB" valve that you replaced yours with? Pacbrake is claiming better performance at lower rpm's than the older valves that were in our coaches.
Also is the Hi-temp Lube available at local supply stores and if so what name do you use (or is this type of lube only available exclusively from Pacbrake)?
Thanks again

Overall impression is that the PRXB does have better performance, but when I wash my car, it goes faster too. Since I have no way to really compare it by driving up & down the same hills before & after, it is just an impression.

I got a bottle of the lube with the PRXB from PacBrake. I have seen their brand at Camping World. Can't help with any other product names.

Thanks for the info Mike. I hope that when I get this off I can free the valve up. Sounds like I will be just fine without the new improved version!!

quote:

Originally posted by Steve WI:
I hope that when I get this off I can free the valve up.

Good luck Steve. What will you do, who will you ask, if you can't free this one up?

quote:

Originally posted by Relative:
Now, I have a spare - for me or if I run into someone with a problem.

Chances are very good that you'll be able to free it up.