Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: What's this bolt on brake pod? (Read 520 times) previous topic - next topic

What's this bolt on brake pod?

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.
Dylan and Aimee
2001 U320 4013
Unit# 5896
450 HP/IFS
 

Re: What's this bolt on brake pod?

Reply #1 –
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.

Re: What's this bolt on brake pod?

Reply #2 –
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.
1999 U270 36, no slide

Re: What's this bolt on brake pod?

Reply #3 –
Quote from: dsd –
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.
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?
Dylan and Aimee
2001 U320 4013
Unit# 5896
450 HP/IFS
 

Re: What's this bolt on brake pod?

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Ed &Jo –
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.
Ahh, got it...it's not needed for normal operation, just a tool for an emergency situation.
Dylan and Aimee
2001 U320 4013
Unit# 5896
450 HP/IFS
 

Re: What's this bolt on brake pod?

Reply #5 –
What both Scotts said.
1999 U270 36, no slide

Re: What's this bolt on brake pod?

Reply #6 –
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".
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: What's this bolt on brake pod?

Reply #7 –
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.

Re: What's this bolt on brake pod?

Reply #8 –
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.
1999 U270 36, no slide

Re: What's this bolt on brake pod?

Reply #9 –
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?
Dylan and Aimee
2001 U320 4013
Unit# 5896
450 HP/IFS
 

Re: What's this bolt on brake pod?

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Ed &Jo –
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.
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

Re: What's this bolt on brake pod?

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Ed &Jo –
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.


Very clever, sir.  Impressive deductive reasoning!

jk
Jack and Cathy
1992 U280 Unihome 36' Build #4034
Cummins 8.3 /  Allison MT647/ PacBrake
Apopka, FL / Barre Center, NY