Just noticed this was not tight. Didn't want to tighten up until I new what it was. Haven't tried yet but I hope it wasn't left like that because it's cross threaded.
Caging bolt. (Tool) Should be tight. To use chock tire, release parking brake and install caging bolt in spring can. You can wrench it down but a pain.
The rear brake chambers have a strong spring which applies the brakes when air pressure is lost or drops too low. That bolt is inserted into the chamber and is turned until the brake shoe is pulled off the disk or drum to allow the vehicle to be moved without air pressure (carefully). The location you are looking at is where the bolt is stored until needed. It should be tight to prevent loss.
Scott,
So to be clear, it just needs to be tightened up? You mention install caging bolt in spring can...its installed just needs to be tightened correct?
Ahh, got it...it's not needed for normal operation, just a tool for an emergency situation.
What both Scotts said.
Yes, just tighten so it doesn't fall out! Think of it as "in storage-- in case you need it to cage the parking/emergency brake in the future".
Reason to leave in place is if your coach is being towed and has lost brake pressure the brakes can be released by the tow driver. Ive used during brake maintenance to remove caliper on the rear brakes with the spring cans. Much easier to install with parking brake released, just spin the nut down by hand. Set brake and air is released. The primary brake diaphragms are field replaceable but if you can disassemble a spring brake STOP. Spring brakes are not to be serviced. Buy new, they are cheap.
I once got off the road shoulder into soft dirt. The right rear spun but had no traction. I was able to cage the brake on the wheel with good traction with that tool, left the parking brake applied which kept the slipping wheel from turning and applied all the power to the wheel with traction and drove right out. Just have to remember to uncage the brake to restore full parking brake function.
Haven't tried yet with tools, but it won't budge just using my hands... So like I mentioned before hopefully it's not cross-readed but if it is at least I know it won't come off right?
And these are the reasons I enjoy the forum. What an outstanding simple traction control fix. Just yesterday when we were returning home we were talking about traction control and what would be needed to make it work. In typing this you could also just do a solenoid to close the brake line and vent the spring brake. 👍👍 wouldnt be automatic but manual would be fine as much as I would need. Also the spring brake does not generate as much force so driving engaged is not going to damage anything for short distances down side is im spending more money. Great idea
Scott
Very clever, sir. Impressive deductive reasoning!
jk