Hi,

I'm new to to this thread. I'm in Switzerland and in charge of a fleet of E350s with ambulance conversions Type III. The units are 2006 E-350s with 6.0L, cutaway DRW. The units are not overweight but close to the GVW and are run mostly in the city of Geneva, heavy traffic and a lot of hard braking. The medics are complaining regularly of poor braking, even with new pads, rotors and calipers, all stock. The pads and rotors wear out quite rapidly as well. I checked with Ford if there was anything stock that could beef up the braking capacity of these units but beyond original parts, nothing.

Is there a non official but "guaranteed" method to solve this ? Thanks a lot for your input.

Mike

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...-stock-sd.html Have a read here. Maybe consider their suggestions, including the exhaust brake.

 

Thanks ! Actually, we had them all equipped with the BD brake but this system really only meets its purpose when going downhill, it does not help to slow you down on flat ground, at least for an ambulance that is. I had heard about the cryo solution. I passed it along, it could be interesting to run a trial on one unit.

 

Have a look at appliedrotortechnology.com and egrbrakes.com for more info.

 

Ambulances are typically very close to max gvw as you said and the drivers, well, they are not exactly easy on the brakes- being in the city they just don't get a chance to cool adequately. Here's MHO

Ceramics: They are good but do not develop any more friction than good quality OEM linings

Carbon (such as performance friction, hawk or carbotech): Good braking, increased friction but very dirty compared to OEM with the exception of VelveTouch- a line that Hawk just bought from Wellman Industries. VelveTouch lining has been used for many decades and was the original lining used in all Shelby Mustangs in the 60’s (I personally have used the Velvetouch lining since 1960’s until brake lining production ceased in 1986), then switched to Carbo. Wellman has been the builder of braking linings for all of the Formula 1 race teams for more than 30 years.

With regards to rotors, I have previously run Brembo OEM replacement rotors that are cryogenically treated at Diversified Cryogenics, making them almost as hard as stainless steel- Applied Rotor Technology in California provides the same product. Unfortunately, Brembo, Powerslot, Raybestos, Bendix, Hawk etc. are all purchasing their rotors from the same foundary in China (with the exception of the $300 each composite high end units for Ferrari, Porsche, etc). DC & ART purchase the highest grade rotors made, laser mic them for quality, scrap the ones that are out of spec and cryogenically treat the good ones which are now as strong as stainless. They will also slot and cross drill the rotors for you. Their service, price and quality is excellent as well.

For street use (in general), slotted/drilled rotors are just “cheese-graters” for the brake pads IMHO, because unless you are involved in true racing conditions, the brake linings do not produce the gases which slotted/drilled rotors are designed to relive. However, given the borderline design with which the brake system specs are combined with the lead foot of the drivers, this could be a good consideration. The staff can speak to you as well regarding those options

I also highly recommend using 5.1 DOT (non-silicone) brake fluid. It possesses all the great performance qualities of 5.0 DOT (silicone) but without the negatives. The only issue is for those with custom paint jobs- 5.0 DOT (silicone) fluid will not harm the paint like “conventional” brake fluid will/can.