Sunday, June 28, 2009

Spring Brakes - New Long Stroke Models

Spring Brakes are the safest (since the new design) and most powerful parking brake mechanism available for highway & industrial trucks and equipment. The spring itself could knock a hole in the wall if unleashed from the spring brake chamber.

Years ago there used to be a removable clamp on the spring brake section so the diaphragm could be replaced. This was soon changed to a permanent solid clamp because of the numerous accidents and deaths that occurred from inexperienced people unclamping the spring assembly. without spring brake tool for caging the spring.

The spring brake tool or Caging Bolt as it's called comes with every spring brake chamber and must be left on in case the time arises for spring brake caging. This tool hooks on to the spring inside the brake chamber. The tool is inserted and turned too the right in a "T" shaped orifice then screwed tight on the outside of the pot with a 3/4 inch wrench.
Today spring brakes come in a Long Stroke version that allows more travel and less chance of going over the slack adjuster travel limits. The Long Stroke has 1/2 inch more travel at 2.5 inches maximum. The total stroke is 3.0 inches which is strictly to allow extra movement if the 2.5 inch stroke is reached.
Every Long Stroke spring brake chamber comes with square threaded fitting ports and a stamping and/or tag attached to the brake chamber body. The body itself is much longer than the original 30 Series brake chambers. Every Mechanic and operator should know the limits of these and other spring brake models.
Spring Brakes are the most important part of any highway vehicle operating on the road today.

4 comments :

Anonymous said...

Hi! I can't find your contact button, I need your help terribly. We have a 89 Bluebird, and it is giving us a hell of a time. Please, Please I beg you to contact me, asap!
tarabove@gmail.com
www.followthatbus.net

John said...

I will send you an email asap.

Anonymous said...

Hello,
I drive a 1988 school bus. The engine was on building up air pressure. The bus rolled backwards. I did not at any time push the service brake in. I don't trust this 1988 bus now because I can't figure out what happened. The brakes had been pumped down previously & knob popped out. What do you think could have happened. The bus has not been inspected yet.
Thank you, Jan T janrowt@bellsouth.net

Unknown said...

I would check both spring brake chambers for a broken spring. Pull the plug from the rear of the chamber to check spring.