MaxBrake Brake Controller Questions

[gemini5362]

WKPOOR - Thanks for the advice...I had no real basis to evaluate or contradict what the installer is telling me so this definitely helps. If you had asked me before speaking to him if I thought it would be a problem I would have said no but after speaking with him I was no so sure of my original opinion.

DiamondPilot - I searched and found your original post and you were clear in that post you never installed a MaxBrake. I understand the point about the Ford OEM system and the logic. I have no doubt about the technnology or the premise behind how it works. I was only concerned about the durability of the taped NPT connections and the potentail safety issues realted to the potential for brake failure.

Kevin

I used to work on m61a1 vulcan machine guns that were mounted on the close in weapon system on naval ships. If my memory serves me correctly the hydraulics that run the gun are ran at 3000 psi. The system is the last line of defense against ship killing missiles. I would imagine that would rate right up there with safety and hydraulic pressure systems. We used teflon tapes on our connections with no problems.

 

[tractordriver]

He pointed out that all of the connections that "T" into the brake line are NPT fittings

you sure it did not use compression fittings those would be illegal here in pa on inspections. nothing wrong with npt fitting's there are many threaded brake line parts on vehicles npt is just a threaded connection the tape would make a more secure connection although Ive never seen it used on brake lines.

 

[MFRED]

If you're unsure and your trusted mechanic is unsure, I think you've answered you're own question. Have you had an incedent where you lose you're brakes? You'll think a little more about them after that.
Different fluids act different. Hydraulic fluid won't peel your paint either. Apples to oranges. Not saying it wouldn't be fine. I've driven a few hundred thousand miles with my Prodigy, it's way better than the low tech ones. I'll suffer through the 5 seconds it takes to set up the Prodigy as I pull up to the road.

 

[KHNewman]

MFred - Sage advice...this is exactly what my mechanic said when I spoke to him today. I appreciate everyone's opinions on this subject.

I called Brakecontroller.com and they referred me to MaxBrake directly. I spoke with MaxBrake and they said that they have not had any problems with leaking or brake failure and they were not aware of any state DOT issues regarding NPT fittings on brake lines.

One note that did give me pause was the person from MaxBrake told me that they were planning to switch to compression fitting in the near future and the reason they used NPT fittings was becasue there was not tooling for the compression fitting on the parts they needed to control the max brake. I thought that was telling becasue if there really was no potential issue then why bother switching in the future? I think I might wait until they come out with the compression fitting kits and then order the unit in the meantime I will order another Prodigy.

I love the concept but couldn't live with mysel if my wife and kids were in the car and the brakes failed or I killed some poor innocent person while towing a 10K load.

 

[KHNewman]

Tractordriver...yes they are NPT fittings, the manufacturer confirmed that to me during our conversation.

 

[aczlan]

One note that did give me pause was the person from MaxBrake told me that they were planning to switch to compression fitting in the near future and the reason they used NPT fittings was becasue there was not tooling for the compression fitting on the parts they needed to control the max brake. I thought that was telling becasue if there really was no potential issue then why bother switching in the future? I think I might wait until they come out with the compression fitting kits and then order the unit in the meantime I will order another Prodigy.

compression fittings? I wouldn't use compression fittings in a brake system unless it was an emergency repair to get me home, and even then I would think twice about it. compression fittings are NOT made to withstand the pressures of a brake system. for brakes (going from hard line into something), flared or double flared fittings ONLY.
Auto Clinic Expert Q & A - June 2005 - Popular Mechanics

Aaron Z

 

[KHNewman]

Aczlan - I'm an idiot...during all my posts what I called compression fittings I meant to call flare fittings.

 

[aczlan]

Aczlan - I'm an idiot...during all my posts what I called compression fittings I meant to call flare fittings.

not a problem, I would just hate to hear of someone who was in a accident that could have been prevented by someone using a flare tool and 15 mins more than a compression fitting would take.

Aaron Z

 

[KHNewman]

Aczlan - I agree which is why I think my mechanic iscorrect that you shouldn't used taped NPT fitting and I will wait until MaxBrake comes out with a version using Flare fittings.

 

[aczlan]

Aczlan - I agree which is why I think my mechanic iscorrect that you shouldn't used taped NPT fitting and I will wait until MaxBrake comes out with a version using Flare fittings.

from what I have read here on TBN that is correct, NPT fittings are known to work loose and leak.

Aaron Z