Brake chambers..

We used maxibolts in my time a number of times. But I do not expect today's school students to be taught that little tidbit.

 

Yes. The original McGurdy Bros. Manufacturing Co. MGM. Who Invented the spring brake had a built in cageing bolt. When new they had a rubber cap over the end. They eventually got away from that because they would lock up from corrosion and be useless.

 

A lot of them still have the bolt in a bracket mounted on the chamber. Useless when it’s rusted up. I take them off, Keep one brand new bolt in the glovebox. Always have. Only had to use one once, to change a pancake. Otherwise, it’s pinch it off with vice grips, back off brake and get rolling. Beats waiting to be rescued. By the T/A Lol. That’s funny in itself. Roadsquad!! Lol.Road thieves is more appropriate. Lol

 

Early 2000s also. At least the trucks I bought new came with them.

 

I've caged off probably over a hundred different cans to move trucks or trailers that won't hold air at the shop or farm. Only twice on the side of the road. a box end wrench works fine, can sideways put another wrench in the end for leverage if needed. And i always carry 2 spare cage T bolts in my truck.

 

If the brake will release it's a lot easier to cage it..But be very careful about using wood scotch blocks..I have seen them go flying out when the tire moved and put pressure on it ..

 

My 1997 Freightliner only has it on one side....go figure..

 

I've run the rest of the week on pinched off maxi line. Always use a plastic wire zip tie to hold vice grips closed so you don't loose them. Caging doesn't stop the air leaking. No harm no foul it's just the parking brake. .

Mind sharing name brand of maxi can that you can take apart that doesn't require a grinder or torches.

 

Whatever house brand total truck parts in Ft Myers carries. Truckpro's house brand used to be serviceable but can't swear they still are. I switched to total a couple years back for anything that isn't an engine part.

 

I bought some of freightliners Alliance brand 2 years ago. Tamperfree Sealed bands on parking spring side but removable serviceable bolt on clamps on the service brake side.
They look like they are possibly made by Bendix because they are setup very close to be lookalikes.
I personally have not seen a can serviceable on the maxi side in at least 10 years.