Cat Brakesaver

I have two 3406B's, each with brakesavers. The only issue that I have had is one diaphragm had to be replaced. I run mine at about 55 p.s.i. max, I had one adjusted to go up to 65 p.s.i. but the diaphragm did not last, although it may have been ready to go anyway.
Did you end up getting the brakesaver @superhauler?

 

Hi, Oz
I recently purchased a 1985 KW K100E with a 3406b with brake saver. Brake saver was leaking oil. My mechanic currently has removed the transmission to gain access to the brake saver. Problem is he has not been able to figure out how to remove the spacer section between the transmission and the flywheel to reach the brake saver in order to replace the seals. He's a great mechanic, with many years of experience. Problem is he has never seen or worked on one of these. Any type of advice would be greatly appreciated. If you could find a service manual with more precise instructions and detailed diagrams, that would be a great help. Thanks.

 

There should be a series of holes around the back side of spacer that have recessed bolts in them. The bolts are pretty long. The holes may have dirt built up in them. Covering the bolt heads.

 

I appreciate it super hauler. I will be back at the shop tomorrow, I will mention it to the mechanic. Can't wait to get it done, so I can get back on the road again. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. I'll keep you guys updated.

 

I have a 99 3406E trying to find a shop manual for brake saver.

 

thanks in advance

 

No. It’s a stalled fluid device, like a torque converter. When the the load comes off it so does the braking effect. A Brakesaver won’t lock up wheels like a Jake does. When a wheel slips the load comes off the retarder and the wheel starts turning again. You have to modulate it with the control valve, but you can keep a lot more brake effort on it without locking wheels up than you can with a compression brake. You can drive with them on, or even idle it with a few psi application on it. You’ll end up with volcanic oil temp in no time, but you can do it.