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Off Road Podcast 438 – All About Brakes

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This episode of the Off Road Podcast is Sponsored by WARN, Colby Valve, and 4Patriots.

Tonight, Aaron fixes his brake, Coy gets no breaks, & Ben finally catches a break

Welcome to the off-road podcast. A podcast about everything off-road. We cover the news, review products, and interview people in the off road industry.  Your hosts tonight are Aaron, Coy and my name is Ben.  Welcome to the show.

Coy – SAR training, found a cool camp spot

Aaron – Headlights fixed.  Bought a diesel heater. Almost junked the Titan.

Ben – passed my CDL test and started Christmas break so two weeks off to catch up on some much needed maintenance 

This week in review was brought to you by 4Patriots….Go to 4Patriots.com/FRN. 

Patriotpatch.co 

We also want to thank our sponsor Patriot Patch. Head over to Patriotpatch.co and check out their selection of great patches, shirts, cleaning mats, signs , and stickers.  You can also join the patch of the month club for 15 bucks and receive a patch, matching sticker, and artist proof each month.

Our patches $13 shipped in the US for one and $10 for any additional.  Or $10 picked up from us in person.  Just send us a message through any of our channels and we can set you up with a Paypal link.

News brought to you by Colby Valve

  • The Drive – GM Issues Stop Sale On Some Silverado & Sierra Trucks
    • some 2024 Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra owners, as GM is issuing a stop-sale and fix for certain models that have splitting roofs.
    • According to this report from GM Trucks, around 3,067 trucks—including both the Silverado and Sierra—have an issue with their roofs splitting under the molding near the doors
    • At the moment, the issue doesn’t seem to be model or trim-specific and there isn’t a specific factory to point to. However, GM knows the number of trucks with roof splits and the VINs of those trucks. So a stop-sale was issued—meaning the affected trucks still in dealership inventory can’t be sold—along with a fix for any affected trucks that are already owned.
    • To fix the splitting roofs, GM is reportedly advising dealers to identify the crack, drill holes at either end of the crack to prevent it from splitting further, and then MIG weld the crack and apply seam sealer underneath. After the crack is repaired, the dealer will then repaint the area and, if all is done correctly, it should be unrecognizable.
    • None of that will cost the owner anything, as it’s all covered under warranty, and owners will be given loaner cars from the dealer while they await their repairs.
    • it’s a pretty invasive fix, requiring MIG welding and seam sealing a crack in the roof structure of the truck, Redditors have expressed their concern about the variations in repair quality that might pop up. The cracks might be small and thin but if they aren’t repaired properly they can lead to rust and water damage. I’m not saying all dealerships do shoddy work but I’ve certainly seen my fair share.
    • Since GM knows which trucks are affected, and dealers will have to fix any unsold trucks before selling them, let’s hope customers are given a heads-up on which trucks were affected and repaired. Knowing the truck you’re looking at might have a repaired roof crack might affect your decision to buy it. Or they can just wait until 2025 models start coming out to guarantee they don’t have to deal with the cracks.
  • A -80LV – Expedition: A Mudrunner Game
  • Fandom.com – Expedition: A Mudrunner Game
    • Coming out March 5th 2024
    • on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch
    • Features:
      • Plan your itinerary wisely by flying over the landscapes with your reconnaissance drone, use your metal detector and camera drone to locate caches of valuable equipment.
      • Chart through extreme landscapes with your vehicle’s arsenal of cutting-edge gadgets, like planting anchors to ascend difficult slopes or activating echo sounders to probe water depth.
      • Manage your camp by building research structures and hiring experts to unlock new skills and possibilities during your expeditions.
    • Singleplayer and Co-op modes
    • Three different regions – Arizona, Colorado and Carpathian Mountains – with 4 maps each, each region is set in a unique biome.
    • 16 vehicles total, each varying from each other
    • The game will have 80 expeditions at launch
    • When customizing vehicles, the player decides where and what resources to put on various racks. Depending on the installed racks, the players has a set of available slots they can allocate fuel, repair parts or wheels.
    • Sand is a new terrain substance
    • Returning vehicles from SnowRunner had been reworked with entirely new textures and add-on customization, like bumpers, fenders or roof racks.
    • Instead of open-world structure, players will prepare vehicles and select the mission before they start.
    • User interface has been expanded with Devices and Inventory, player can also trade – presumably the inventory content – at the camp base.
    • Vehicles can now unwind the winch, allowing players to lower their vehicles down difficult terrain
    • Scout vehicles can now equip roof-mounted Metal Detector.
    • Vehicles are equipped with Echo Sounder that shows the depth of the water and can detect mineral deposits.
    • Player can deploy a Reconnaissance Drone that allows to preview the area in fly mode and scan objects depending on the mission, the drone is also equipped with compass.
    • Binoculars, separate from the drone, can be used to mark landmarks.
    • Player can now deploy placeable Anchors as an artificial winch point within a limited circular area around the vehicle.
    • Player can use a Jack device to help unflip the vehicles.
    • Player will be able build and manage their camp base by building research structures and hiring experts, this unlocks new skills the player can use.[
    • Vehicles can now adjust the tire pressure, leaving a low tire pressure for a longer period damages the tires, low pressure also increases fuel consumption.
    • Modding will be supported in similar manner to SnowRunner.

Main Topic powered by WARN  

B – Today, we’re diving into the intricate world of automotive braking systems, exploring the key components that ensure your vehicle comes to a safe stop

  • 1. Brake Pedal and Its Role: 
  • Discuss the brake pedal as the driver’s interface with the braking system.
  • Highlight its pivotal role in initiating the braking process.
  • 2. Master Cylinder:
  • Explain how the master cylinder converts pedal force into hydraulic pressure.
  • Emphasize its significance in transmitting brake fluid to other components.
  • 3. Brake Lines:
  • Explore the network of brake lines and their role in transporting pressurized brake fluid.
  • Discuss the importance of maintaining the integrity of brake lines for optimal performance.
    • Rubber
    • Braided
    • Hardline
    • Need a flaring tool to make your own lines
  • 4. Brake Fluid:
  • Shed light on the hydraulic fluid responsible for transmitting force within the braking system.
  • Stress the importance of proper brake fluid levels and quality.
  • Types of brake fluid
    • DOT 3
      •  hygroscopic(absorbs moisture from the air)
      •  glycol ether based
      • Lowest Wet and dry boiling points
    • DOT 4
      • is more hygroscopic than dot 3 but higher wet or dry boiling point.
      • Glycol  based
    • DOT 5
      • silicone based 
      • More resistant to rust and corrosion
      • Does not absorb water
      • Not compatible with other fluids
      • Not compatible with anti lock brakes
      • Absorbs air and can foam
    • Dot 5.1
      • Hygroscopic 
      • Glycol based
      • Higher wet dry boiling point than dot4
  • 5. Brake Calipers:
  • Discuss the role of brake calipers in housing brake pads and applying pressure to the brake rotor.
  • Highlight their significance in the disc brake system.
  • 6. Brake Pads and Rotors:
  • 4 types of brake pads:
  • Semi metallic: lowest cost, aggressive, noisy, adverse reaction to low temps
  • Organic: low percentage of metal, more expensive, suited to lighter vehicles
  • Ceramics: made of old coffee mugs, j/k. It’s just a pad with a small percentage of ceramic particles.
  • NAO (non asbestos organic) ceramic: enhanced quieter and less dusty
  • Explore how brake pads create friction against the brake rotor to slow down the vehicle.
  • Discuss the importance of quality brake pads and rotors for effective braking.
  • Disc Brakes:
  • Easier to cool down
  • More stopping surface
  • Easier to work on
  • Need to replace parts more often
  • More complicated system with parts that can break
    • Warped Rotors
    • Seized calipers/cylinders
  • 7. Drum Brakes:
  • Introduce drum brakes as an alternative, especially on rear wheels.
  • Discuss the components of drum brakes and their operation
    • Longer life
    • Prone to overheating 
    • Specialty tools
    • Usually longer lasting than disc brakes
    • Generates less heat. But does not dissipate heat as well. expands with heat.
    • More braking force than disc in equal diameter
    • Takes less hydraulic pressure
    • Can fill with water and mud
  • 8. ABS: Advanced Safety Measures:
  • Explain the Anti-lock Braking System and how it prevents wheel lockup.
  • Discuss its role in enhancing control and stability during emergency braking.
  • 9. Brake Booster:
  • Explore how the brake booster amplifies pedal force using vacuum pressure.
  • Discuss its contribution to efficient braking with less physical effort.
  • 10. Parking Brake:
  • Highlight the parking brake’s dual role for parking and emergencies.
  • Discuss variations in parking brake systems, including cable-operated mechanisms.
  • Bleeding brakes
    • Some newer systems require computers to assist with this
    • Consult manual to know what order to bleed in
    • Don’t get it in your eye
    • Specialty tools help

Off road brake uses / tips

  • Turning brakes / Steering Brakes
    • Uses ABS system
    • Aftermarket cable systems
  • Downhill assist
    • Uses ABS system
  • Engine Braking
    • Takes stress off the brake system and heat build up
  • Parking Brake
    • Don’t forget to use incase of roll-over!
    • Try and use it!

Next Week:  Prepper talk with Phil and Andrew from the Matter of Facts Podcast

Merry Christmas!!

Closing Statements

Thanks everyone who listens to us weekly and also to those who watch us live on YouTube.  We really appreciate you.  Please share us with your friends and help us grow.  God bless America!
Don’t forget to visit Patriot Patch and join the Patch of the Month club. Check out our Gaia affiliate link for up to 40% off. Also, don’t forget to head over to Warn, Colby Valve, and 4Patriots to see all of their great products. We are a proud part of the Firearms Radio Network. Got a question or comment?  Send it to us through our Linktree account or by searching for Off Road Podcast.  Also, you can listen to us live at overlandradio.com Mondays at 7 pm Pacific.  When off-road please remember to have fun, tread lightly, and be safe and courteous. Thanks for listening.