INSTALLATION AND

SERVICE GUIDE

COMBINATION SERVICE AND SPRING 4. If your brake doesn’t have a correct precut Push rod, see
BRAKE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS instructions on “DETERMINE CORRECT PUSH ROD LENGTH” in
the Chamber Customization Guide.
1. Prior to spring brake installation, insure the spring brake is
caged. If the spring brake is NOT caged, see instructions on 5. Install the clevis and jam nut onto the service push rod if not already
“MECHANICAL RELEASE OF SPRING BRAKE (CAGING) ALL installed. The service push rod should protrude no more than two
TYPES” in the Chamber Customization Guide. threads into the clevis throat or no less than one thread into the
clevis body. Torque the jam nut to 45-50 ft-lbs (61-68 Nm).
6. Before installing the spring brake, move the slack adjuster arm in the
!
! Warning!! ! T bracket by turning the
opposite direction to the brake mounting
Failure in not caging the spring brake for installation may hex nut (use a hand wrench) until there is enough space for the push
cause the main spring to not fully engage the foundation rod to fit in.
brake components, which could cause insufficient NOTE: There may be multiple mounting holes on the brake
braking force resulting in death, severe personal injury mounting bracket. Consult your axle manufacture for the correct
and/or property damage. location. Failure to do so may result in premature diaphragm wear
or service push rod buckling.
7. Install the mounting nuts and washers. Torque nuts to 133-155 ft-
lbs (180-210! Nm). T
! ! !
Important
8. Remove cotter pin from clevis pin. Do not discard. These parts are
IMPORTANT: Always block wheels when working on reused.
brake actuators to prevent vehicle rollaway.
9. Readjust the slack adjuster arm and move it toward the spring brake
by turning the adjusting hex nut. Check to make sure the brake pads
2. Inspect the brake mounting bracket on the axle. The bracket are not in contact with the drum. Align the slack adjuster arm with
must be free from excessive paint (less than .010” (.25mm) the center of the push rod clevis.
thick), debris, burrs, and cracks.
NOTE: Consult your axle or vehicle manufacture for the correct
The bracket must also be flat to .02” (0.5mm). See Figure 1. slack adjuster length, and correct slack adjuster hole location on
the slack adjuster. Failure to be do so may result in premature
Figure 1 BE CERTAIN THAT THE diaphragm wear or service push rod buckling.
MOUNTING BRACKET
SURFACE IS FREE OF 10. Align slack adjuster arm with the center of the push rod clevis.
DEBRIS, BURRS CRACKS
AND IS FLAT WITHIN .02 Install clevis pin and cotter pin.
INCHES (0.5mm)
11. Check to be sure the angle formed by the slack adjuster and the
brake chamber push rod is greater than 90° (when the brake is in
the caged position). See figure 3.

Figure 3 PUSH ROD ANGLE

GREATER THAN 90º

CORRECT
WHEN BRAKE IS
3. Always mount the brake chamber directly to the bracket. DO NOT APPLIED
AND CAGED
NOT add or insert shims, spacers, washers, or reinforcing plates
between the brake service base and the bracket. See Figure 2.
Figure 2
12. Install the slack adjuster retaining mechanism on the end of the
“Scam” spline shaft, being sure to shim inboard or outboard if
necessary for the slack adjuster to maintain ±2° lateral alignment
with the push rod. Shim the slack adjuster to maintain less than
.060” (1.52mm) lateral end play, or consult your axle manufacture
ALWAYS MOUNT THE for the correct lateral end play requirement.
BRAKE CHAMBER
DIRECTLY TO THE
BRACKET
BRACKET
 INSTALLATION AND SERVICE GUIDE
(Continued)

Special Note: For additional information, consult the slack adjuster If the set up results as shown in Figure 5:
manufacturer, or TMC Recommended Practice, RP 609A, VMRS 013001,
013002 for automatic and manual slack adjuster installations. CL. OF SLACK
Figure 5 ADJUSTER
13. Connect the service and emergency air lines to the proper air ports, NOT
torque the service and emergency air lines to 26-33 ft-lbs (35-45 Nm). PARALLEL TO
MOUNTING
It is recommended that a commercial grade thread sealing compound be SURFACE
used on air line adapters before installation into the air ports. Deform the
cotter pin on the clevis assembly, and uncage the brake. (Uncage the brake INCORRECT 90º
by adding air pressure to the parking side and turning the release bolt WHEN BRAKE IS
nut counterclockwise with finger or a hand wrench; do not use an impact APPLIED CL.
(PARKING OR 60 OF
wrench. Turn the release bolt counterclockwise 1/2 turn and pull it out.) PSI SERVICE) PUSH
ROD
14. Apply vehicle or shop air pressure, 120 psi (8.3 bar) or 90 psi (6.2 bar)
minimum, to the emergency side of the brake three times. Maintain vehicle
or shop air pressure. Check for leaks. The pushrod may be too long. Check that the pushrod length is correct
according to the slack adjuster manufacturer’s instruction. Shorten as
15. Check the brake chamber for vertical alignment. The brake is adjusted needed.
correctly if the service push rod is as shown in Figure 4.
Always measure twice and cut once.
CL.
Figure 4 If the set up results as shown in Figure 6:

CL. OF SLACK
Figure 6 ADJUSTER
85º to 110° NOT
PARALLEL TO
90º MOUNTING
CORRECT SURFACE
WHEN BRAKE IS CL. 90º
APPLIED OF INCORRECT
(PARKING OR 60 PUSH WHEN BRAKE IS
PSI SERVICE) ROD APPLIED CL.
(PARKING OR 60 OF
PSI SERVICE) PUSH
ROD
If setup results in the condition shown in Figure 5 or 6, the brake chamber is
misaligned and must be corrected. Failure to do so will result in premature
diaphragm wear or bent push rod. The pushrod may be too short. Check that the pushrod length is
Check that the clevis pin is connected to the correct hole in the slack correct according to the slack adjuster manufacturer’s instruction. If is
adjuster arm (if more than one is present). Re-connect as needed. Also too short then a new spring brake will need to be installed.
check that the slack adjuster arm length is correct for the application Install the release tool in the tool pocket and tighten the washer and
according to the vehicle or axle manufacturer’s instructions. nut to 5-11 ft-lbs (7-15 Nm). Install the dust plug into the release tool
Check that the spring brake is installed in the correct holes in the axle access hole in the center of the spring housing.
bracket. The mounting hole position is determined by the length of the
slack adjuster arm. Re-install as needed.

USA Patents: TSE Brakes, Inc.

5,285,716 5,758,564 2310 Industrial Drive S.W.
5,791,232 5,829,339 Cullman, Alabama 35055
6,129,004 6,131,501
256-736-6275
Other patents pending
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