SIGNAL MOUNTIAN WILDERNESS

[gearhead 693]

Running a little late, but should be there by 9:20.  Ty

[Mick Bowers 457]

Thanks Mike. Keep me posted

[WILL E 525]

WHAT HAPPENED TO WILL E?  

 

Shortly after we pulled way from the meetup spot I heard a 'clink' followed by a constant 'rub/grinding' noise and every time I released the brakes a 'clunk'.  

 

My Jeep picked that moment to eject the Caliper support spring and Caliper Support Key.  

 

 

 

No plastic Mallet was involved.   With these support pieces missing it made the caliper push out towards the rim (grinding noise) and since it was no longer secure, when I would release the brakes it would smack up against the rim again (clunk).  The brakes worked but it's obviously not drivable. 

 

It's not a great design and it was modified in later versions of the Dana 60.    It has the added benefit of 'tossing' the parts when it happens so you're pretty much screwed.  Sometimes I think my jeep just rejects parts from other makes.  Who knows. 

 

There is a bolt that goes into the hole (not shown).  It was still in place but the support key and spring were gone.  

 

I carry spares.  

 

I had this happen once on Cherry Creek.  That time it was the passenger side and I had no idea what the issue was.  We limped it out to pavement and I took a tow truck ride home (Just within the AAA limit, yeah!).  That's when I learned all about early model Dana 60 disc brake mounting.    The parts are not expensive so I bought a few spares 'just in case'.   Today was just in case. 

 

It's not a difficult repair but you do have to jack up the truck, remove the tire, put the parts in and then put it all back together.  It took me about an hour or so.   

 

If we had been on the trail we would have fixed it but since we were just starting out I figured I wouldn't hold you all up and didn't want to find out it was something 'worse' and then tell you to keep going.  I know you already had a long day ahead of you.  

 

I drove east on the local road for about 20 miles and when I felt comfortable with it got back on the freeway.  Made it home no issues, just a bit dirty from laying on the ground. 

 

I hope you guys had fun, sorry I missed out on the adventure.  It was a beautiful day to be out.  

 

[gearhead 693]

Back home!  Nice trail!  Thanks to Mick for leading!

[JohnK 5]

Thanks again Mick.  Great trail, great people.  A wonderful day!

[Dennis Szymanski 71]

Great run, Thanks Mick and the best part was the FATBOY ICE CREAM, Thanks again

[Mick Bowers 457]

Welcome !

[Mick Bowers 457]

Everyone 

If you have photos you like post them here and I’ll put em on the trip report. And maybe FB