Discussion:
Komatsu FG40Z-6 air in left wheel cylinder

SN 493113A, TB42 LP
Help!
About a year ago I took on a new customer that owns this machine. The prior forklift service had quoted but never fixed an existing low brake pedal problem.
I am a little hazy on all the details at the beginning but I remember that after bleeding the left wheel cylinder (never the right one!) the pedal would be great. This would usually last about a week and then a low pedal again. I discovered the hydraulic tank oil was foaming (machine has a hydraulic brake valve, not a master cylinder). The source was a worn hydraulic pump, cavitating the oil. Replaced the pump, oil was milky from a leaking wiper ring on one lift cylinder, resealed this, new filter and oil, inspected and cleaned the pump suction screen. Worked great about 2 months.
Problem returned. Bled once a month or so a couple of times until a shop repair where I replaced the wheel cylinder. Just trying something. Worked great a couple of months the problem returned. I bled it again today- air only on left side, great pedal again.
These guys are a great customer and I suppose I can swing by once a month and crack the bleeder but I would REALLY like to solve this problem. Any ideas??
  • Posted 1 Dec 2010 12:13
  • By Forkliftt
  • joined 13 Jul'09 - 321 messages
  • Louisiana, United States
Showing items 1 - 7 of 7 results.
I recall a problem like this several years back on a Komatsu with the Hydraulic supplied brakes. Truck was sent to the shop. They rigged up something where they pressurized the hydrualic system with air and found a leak in the suction side of the hydraulic system somewhere.
  • Posted 17 Dec 2010 10:33
  • By Liftdoctor
  • joined 22 Jan'05 - 115 messages
  • Indiana, United States
Whenever I find one bad wheel cylinder I do both (unless it's replacing a faulty new part). When you replace the first, the second is sure to follow shortly.
  • Posted 11 Dec 2010 14:35
  • By justinm
  • joined 13 Apr'06 - 604 messages
  • New York, United States
New York, New York its a heluva town..you know that The Bronx is up..and I'm Brooklyn down
Update
It is the RIGHT wheel cylinder that has air now- I had to go by again today. I had thought it was the left I was bleeding lately- and I checked our records and it was the LEFT cylinder that I replaced around February. So I ordered a new right wheel cylinder and will follow up with a new brake line if needed. Thanks for thr replys.
  • Posted 11 Dec 2010 11:18
  • By Forkliftt
  • joined 13 Jul'09 - 321 messages
  • Louisiana, United States
Try replacing the brake line on that side, maybe it's rubbed through somewhere or the flare is damaged. Just a guess.
  • Posted 7 Dec 2010 13:35
  • By justinm
  • joined 13 Apr'06 - 604 messages
  • New York, United States
New York, New York its a heluva town..you know that The Bronx is up..and I'm Brooklyn down
Thanks for the response. You are correct, as soon as I crack that wheel cylinder the air comes out. Problem is that I changed the wheel cylinder and it seemed to help for a long time- then the air returned. You wouldn't think you could get air inside without getting fluid outside- but it MUST be happening.
  • Posted 5 Dec 2010 22:42
  • By Forkliftt
  • joined 13 Jul'09 - 321 messages
  • Louisiana, United States
I had a problem like this with a Nissan that used conventional brake fluid in it. The petal would fade lower after about a week. There was air in the left side. Bleed it and it would do the same thing a week later. A new master cylinder didn't help. I noticed that when I bled it the air was right there in the left wheel cylinder and came out as soon as the bleeded was cracked open. A new wheel cylinder fixed it. That's when I learned air can get in through a wheel cylinder.
Do you notice the air come out as soon as the wheel cylinder is cracked open? If so, I would think that is where it's getting in and not up top through the valve and hoses.
  • Posted 5 Dec 2010 20:27
  • By mrfixit
  • joined 11 Dec'08 - 1,434 messages
  • New York, United States
Hey guys- just wanted to throw this back on top for another look.
  • Posted 5 Dec 2010 12:28
  • By Forkliftt
  • joined 13 Jul'09 - 321 messages
  • Louisiana, United States

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