Do you need a caging bolt for a spring brake chamber?

Every new spring brake chamber includes a new caging bolt and any damaged or worn caging bolts should be immediately discarded and replaced. A caging bolt is crucial to safely working on spring brake chambers. Service chambers and spring brakes will come in a standard stroke and a long stroke variant.

What are the components of a brake chamber?

The components of a brake chamber are housed in a round canister sealed by a clamp. Brake chambers come in two main types, service chambers and spring brakes. Service chambers apply the brakes when air is applied to the chamber and return via an internal spring to a released position when the air is removed.

What is a parking brake chamber?

The parking brake chamber is also known as a piggy-back, this portion of the spring brake is not serviceable, and it is replaced as a pre-built unit. The piggy-back features a sealed clamp that is not meant for removal. When replacing a piggy-back a caging bolt or t-bolt is used to mechanically restrain the large coil spring.

What are caging bolts & T-bolts?

The caging bolts or t-bolts are very important for when a chamber needs to be serviced or a vehicle with parking brakes needs to be towed. The caging bolt is inserted into a hole in the parking chamber and a ¼ - ½ turn locks them into place. A washer and nut are threaded onto the bolt and tightened.

What are the different types of brake chambers?

Brake chambers are known by many terms including air brake chambers, maxi chambers, brake cans, and spring brakes. The components of a brake chamber are housed in a round canister sealed by a clamp. Brake chambers come in two main types, service chambers and spring brakes.