Routine maintenance checks can also point to a chamber in need of replacement – like signs of a dragging brake, including continuous marking on an air disc rotor or hot spots on a drum brake.

“A loose caging bolt that rattles around during travel can damage the housing, potentially creating holes that can also lead to corrosion and leaks.” Missing dust plugs or loose band clamps can allow contaminants such as water and dirt to get inside the chamber, increasing the chances of corrosion on the power spring or pressure plate, and affecting the brake diaphragm as well,” said Kevin Pfost, technical service coordinator, Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake. “Look for visual damage to the chamber, such as dents, corrosion, and bent pushrods. How do you know it’s time for a new chamber? Many problems can be easily noticed during pre-trip air system tests and visual inspections: Audible air leaks around the chamber missing parts such as dust plugs, caging bolts, and clamp bands or obvious damage to the chamber. ELYRIA, OH… While every part of a commercial vehicle air braking system is important to safe and effective operation, air chambers have a uniquely vital job: At each wheel-end, it’s the air chamber – sometimes called the actuator – that transfers air pressure into a mechanical force, which is then translated into the brake application of an S-cam drum or air disc brake.Īs part of its Tech Tips series, Bendix offers tips on air chamber maintenance, including replacement and clocking a new chamber.

Bendix red band