How I cage a brake chamber and get home

Рет қаралды 1,187,085

Жыл бұрын

It is illegal to drive with a caged brake chamber. I am not advising anyone to drive with a caged brake chamber. Drive and make repairs at your own discretion.
Under no circumstances will AfterSolo be responsible or liable in any way for any content, including but not limited to, any errors or omissions in the content, or for any loss of damage of any kind incurred as a result of any content communicated in this video, whether by AfterSolo or a third party. In no event shall AfterSolo be liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever resulting from loss of use, data or profits arising out of or in connection with the availability, use or performance of any information communicated in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of AfterSolo, it cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. AfterSolo assumes no liability for property damage or injury occurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. AfterSolo recommends safe practices when performing any do-it-yourself repairs and/or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of AfterSolo, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not AfterSolo.

Пікірлер: 813

@spencerc9284 Жыл бұрын

Nice fix but please remind people how dangerous brake chambers can be if someone doesn't know what they're doing. That spring can shoot through a concrete block wall and will turn someone's guts to soup if they're not careful or don't know what they're doing

@aftersolo Жыл бұрын

Good advice. I'll highlight your reply so its at the top of the comments.

@wethobgoblin2740 10 ай бұрын

You also need to put the parking brake on when work with a brake chamber as well for the slack adjuster to release so you can safely work on them.

@aftersolo 10 ай бұрын

@wethobgoblin2740 that's how I did it. A lot of people have suggested to cage the chamber with brakes released bc it's easier but I just applied them and did it. Took longer but felt safer.

@tractorboy31 9 ай бұрын

Both times I had blown chambers the spring had broke and ruptured diaphragm. Company driver and funny I just had 1 blown on trl this morning. Waited a few hrs at delivery store while waiting for mechanic

@ItalianStallion1415 9 ай бұрын

Usually, the spring is broken by the time it leaks like this. You can tell if you smack the chamber and hear a rattling piece of metal

@mwoodall13 Жыл бұрын

I’ve heard cajun bolts are spicy 🌶️

@aftersolo Жыл бұрын

Lol. Even the auto-captions thought i was saying cajun.

@nam6128 9 ай бұрын

I heard that part and immediately started craving some Cajun bread 🤤

@tommytom5650 9 ай бұрын

I was coming to make this comment and you beat me to it

@darralpphillips 9 ай бұрын

I hate coming to the comments only to see someone has already commented my comment 😂

@garyw9108 9 ай бұрын

Now I want Blackened Cajun Chicken

@Kh1m3ra 9 ай бұрын

Little piece of advice from a diesel tech, just to make things a bit easier: If you release the brakes, then insert the caging bolt and tighten it down, you'll do a lot less turning to ensure that it's properly caged. Even if it's leaking like that, it should still push the internal piston back a decent bit, just a little trick I've learned from changing them out so many times

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

I appreciate the tip. Yeah, that would of saved a lot of headache.

@dmac6955 9 ай бұрын

Underrated comment

@scottbulach 9 ай бұрын

I think for safety reasons to show people the safest way is to do it the way he did it but yes the easiest way and the way I do it is to release the brakes. Way faster.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Agreed

@gopnikolai7483 9 ай бұрын

@@Brad_GoldenArmeven if you let the brakes off in the cab, when you dump all the air out and knock the engine off, the brakes will be on. Air brake systems are fail-safe designed with the default state of the brakes being on and applied. Chamber service brake is a diaphragm pushed by air, park brake is a big fuck-off sweaty spring that can hold up a building. The spring is always trying to push the brakes on, and air releases the brakes. No air = parking brake stuck on, the same as if the engine is running, with the parking brake pulled on in the cab. I think the fail-safe exception is trains. I don't know why but I think they're the opposite way, with the default brake states. Like by default, the brakes are off, air applies the brakes. I work on wagons and trailers so I don't know anything about trains.

@dbblues.9168 4 ай бұрын

I was a class 8 truck mechanic for 6 years before I became a driver. Basic mechanical skills and an understanding of how semis work will save a driver a lot of time and money. Any driver willing to get on the ground to stay productive is gold these days fays.

@aftersolo 4 ай бұрын

For sure. I was at it today putting on some new brake chambers on my trailer. Tomorrow, looks like I'll be replacing the ecu for the trailer. Brakes have been skipping. I unplugged it and problems gone. But yeah, I save a ton of money doing everything myself. Only person I can be mad at is myself if something goes wrong.

@ooVEXXXoo 9 күн бұрын

I was a driver that has switched to being a mechanic at the same company. When they ask me to drive to help them I now bring a bag of tools and it has helped me more often than count from corroded wires that stop a sensor from working to hydraulic hoses that needed to be snugged up

@Zookeeper101 9 ай бұрын

I always pull my cage bolts and put them in my tool box. I've had way too many times i couldn't get them out of the holder on the brake can due to dirt/ salt/ road grime.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

I'll have to do that, especially with winter coming. Appreciate the tip!

@Scorkula 9 ай бұрын

@@aftersoloalways keep a spare or 2 in the truck with you

@rickcross7888 9 ай бұрын

Looking at the dirt on that chamber and how easy he got the cage bolt out he doesn't drive anywhere near the rust belt 😮

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

@@rickcross7888 definitely not.

@joshriles84 Жыл бұрын

3 weeks later, i guess I'll replace that chamber now lol

@anything.with.motors 9 ай бұрын

Thats what I was thinking. Ok now that iv done 15000 miles i should probably fix that issue with the brakes

@garyw9108 9 ай бұрын

I don't always forget to fix a broken brake chamber, but when I do it's usually when I'm about to hit a 10+ downgrade during a miniature hurricane, with a muti trailer load.

@michaellugo6506 9 ай бұрын

Just put few zip ties on that vise grip you should be good till next PM 😂😂😂

@sandasturner9529 8 ай бұрын

Lol

@HustleVenture 5 ай бұрын

That would be nice but this will be replaced immediately as dot would have a field day and both drivers and dispatchers know this.

@ThePeopleVerse 9 ай бұрын

Dude, when I was learning to drive trucks .... mmm, 1982-3 ... everybody learned first thing was how to adjust your brakes pre-trip or start of the day and to get yourself home with an air leak of any kind. That is exactly how you let that brake roll.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

They don't teach that stuff anymore. I am 100% self-taught

@DAndyLord 9 ай бұрын

@@aftersolo I learned to drive a bus recently. We have a whole team of mechanics and will never ever have to to a brake adjustment. It was the first thing we were tested on.

@trickyricky12147 9 ай бұрын

@@aftersolo Don't worry, many people wouldn't know what to do to limp home a regular car or truck anymore. Tow truck bills are expensive, so I always find a way. lol 🤷

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

@DAndyLord yes. Too much liability. Makes sense. I'm just a one man show.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

@trickyricky12147 You have to. When I was a company driver, I got stuck. Called breakdown. They sent a wrecker. Wrecker company was 2 miles away. They charged $500. This was in 09. It would be $1000 now. They only had to pull me 5 feet. Their trucks are super expensive so I get it, but if I was stuck now, I'm finding a way out. I'll walk and flag down people if I have to. Maybe a farmer with a tractor could help. I'll use my landing gear and raise the entire truck and put rocks and boards under the tires. Done that and it worked. I'll uber to lowes and get a shovel and salt. I'd rather spend 100 dollars at the most than a thousand anyday. I'm getting out no matter what without calling a wrecker.

@mattr8772 3 ай бұрын

You’re a dying breed my friend, mostly all new drivers don’t know what a brake chamber is.

@Alex462047 23 күн бұрын

I squashed a brake booster between the axle and the trailer frame the other day (don't ask how it got there). Lucky for me, that big spring was a goneburger, but the bottom half still shot out from under with a bit of force, landed right at my feet.

@stuffandthings8767 9 ай бұрын

When I was young I was directed by a manager to take a brake chamber apart. Never mentioned anything about a caging bolt. Half of my face is titanium now. Cage your shit haha

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Jesus. Sorry dude. Dangerous stuff

@sumo-ninja 2 ай бұрын

I really hope you got money out of it

@cargofun200 2 ай бұрын

CHP commercial Enforcement. The first things they showed us was that the damn springs would ruin your day and the facility if messed with! Luckily we just showed the driver and they took care of the problem outside 😢

@toxictrpgaming3612 9 ай бұрын

its allways a good idea to wrap some tape around your vice grip pliers , by putting some tape around the head prevents them from puncturing the air line . then secure pliers as well . the vibration with pressure and the sharp teeth on those pliers it will wear that line down .

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Good idea. Thanks for the advice. I guess you could wrap the line too before crimping it. I had a bigger hose I tried to put around it and crimp it but it just wasn't happening

@Zookeeper101 9 ай бұрын

Or just put a dime in the fitting at the can, no risk of damage to the rubber line.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

@@Zookeeper101 I'll have to remember to keep some change with me in the truck in my washers and nuts bottle.

@JohnR2022 9 ай бұрын

Smile good.

@Mark_317 9 ай бұрын

I like to put a piece of hose on each jaw of the vice grips, give her some cushion to not bite the line.

@Rainhill1829 9 ай бұрын

Fun trick i was taught by an old timer: if the brake pot has an internal leak you can block the airline off by inserting a dime into the air fitting connecting the supply line to the pot. Turns out dimes fit perfectly into the fitting.

@noahtownshend4540 9 ай бұрын

Vice grips on the brake rod before you cage it then release the air then use the cage bolt

@Jonah.the.moist.noodle 9 ай бұрын

As a guy who used to replace brakepots/brake chambers, man for a moment I was so stressed thinking you planned on rebuilding that bomb lmao. But great video showing how to get back to the shop. And for the idiots that might try rebuilding one... DO NOT try rebuilding the brake chamber! Just replace the whole thing, much safer, and easier. Those springs+ the rod in it turn into a rocket that WILL kill you if you ever so slightly mess up. Re adjusting the brakes is easy too, so don't use that as an excuse

@500mgs-of-fukitol. 9 ай бұрын

You can back the brake off the drum by turning the slack adjuster and then punching the libe off too. I dont ever leave a cage bolt in my new chambers. They fall out and ya run them over and screw up a tire.

@B0RN2RACE100 9 ай бұрын

Also, it is 100% legal to be down 1/10 or 10% of brakes. Just make sure you fix it quick. If another brake goes down or out of specs, the dot will put you out of service and ticket you.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Ok. Appreciate the info.

@backroadtrucking 8 ай бұрын

Your service brakes still work with the chamber caged, so you've still got 100% of your brakes functioning while driving down the road. You just have to use caution when parking, as most road tractors only have spring brakes on 1 drive axle. If your truck is spec'd heavier, it'll have them on both drive axles. If that's the case, even with a chamber caged you still have more parking brakes than most road tractors. And the OOS is 20%. 2 defective brakes on a 5 axle truck gets you shut down. 1 defective brake is just a citation.

@aftersolo 8 ай бұрын

@backroadtrucking Yes. That was how I interpreted the 20% rule as well. I had an empty trailer so that was another 4. The brakes still worked just fine. I really didn't even notice it. I just don't want to argue with people on here. It's exhausting. Some people got extremely upset about the video. Reminded me of my brother getting upset for me not using a torque wrench for freaking spark plugs.

@butternmayo 9 ай бұрын

I watched thousands of tutorials and had a cdl for 22 years and never knew about the cajun bolt, awesome thank you

@timcook6566 9 ай бұрын

I was the backup driver for our overnight guy. Driving a semi pulling doubles. I usually drove a straight truck within the city. I was 3 hours out of town when the air warning alarm started screaming at me. I pulled over just in time for the brakes to lock up as I was coming to a stop. I had to walk a mile or so to a gas station and use the pay phone (before cell phones were a thing) and call my boss. Took four hours for a tow truck to show up. After telling him what happened he chuckled, and looked in the driver’s side door pouch and pulled out a rubber gasket. I felt like the world’s biggest dumbass because it was just a rotted gasket on the glad hand. You can bet that I checked that every time I drove that truck from then on 😂

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

We've all done things like that. Got to love those doubles. I pulled triples for 7 years. It sucked when the rear trailer was the heaviest. That thing was like a wrecking ball. People were afraid to pass. 😆 🤣

@haroldjackman2010 9 ай бұрын

Great info. Hopefully someone who loves you will buy you a ratcheting box wrench.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

I hope so too

@davidturk6170 11 ай бұрын

I’d tape the vice grip to hose; less chance of loosing it over the road.

@BillyBob-im7og 9 ай бұрын

My dads friend had a vice grip on the brake line driving home on I-75 it came off went through someone’s window and made them blind and he went to jail good idea to tape it

@chrisrageNJ 9 ай бұрын

I was going to say the same thing

@magicalphones 9 ай бұрын

@@BillyBob-im7oghow did they know if they went blind.

@cooper8318 9 ай бұрын

@@magicalphones lawsuit

@goosenotmaverick1156 9 ай бұрын

I'd be more concerned about the possible damage to the hose? Are these not wire woven air hoses that will crush and break the steel braided portion of it and cause it to weaken? Edit to add, I've seen low pressure fuel hoses be damaged from technique like this. So I assume more rigid air lines would suffer similar damage? I Understand the point of getting yourself home without a tow, but I assume that line needs to be replaced now? It's basically been crushed, isn't it's integrity compromised?

@JonathanCF0 9 ай бұрын

Honestly, it's very clever to have a temporary solution to a known problem attached to the part. Why isn't this more common in, well, everything.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Bc of money

@daniellepage2923 9 ай бұрын

If you go to a heavy truck parts store you can pick up a spare chamber and leave it in your truck somewhere. All you need is a 15/16th wrench and socket. A pair of needle nose pliers. And and adjustable wrench. And best to have a 7/16 wrench for the slack adjuster

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Yeah, I definitely need to carry one with me.

@daniellepage2923 9 ай бұрын

@@aftersolo get a few sizes of air line couplers and some spare glad hands and runners. Also a spare trailer power cord and some bungee cords couldn’t hurt. Wouldn’t believe the service calls I get or road side rescues I do in 10 min for $400 just patching an airline or a pigtail.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

@daniellepage2923 I got everything in the world with me, just not the brake chamber. I'm running out of room bc I have so many tools and parts. I have to with an older freightshaker running up and down oil lease roads. It always seems like its that one thing I don't have that I need. I got a buddy that only has a socket set that looks like it came from Walmart and that's it. No way I could do that

@philsmith2444 Ай бұрын

You may have to clock it so the hoses reach the fittings and are away from the driveshaft, *make sure* it’s still caged before you do that because it involves loosening the clamps (9/16”/14mm) on the spring brake side. Unless it’s one of the new style cans like mentioned above. Cut the pushrod ahead of time if yours aren’t welded.

@rb2287 9 ай бұрын

Wow! I had no idea you could do that! Great tip! ALWAYS have a few tools in your cab, especially for stuff like this.

@declansills1614 10 ай бұрын

I've driven trucks a long time, but never knew how to do that.

@muhammadtayyabshahzad484 Ай бұрын

Every truck has different brake system, it's also informative

@wellfudgethis 9 ай бұрын

I usually remove the supply line,then get a penny, trim it to size with a file or on concrete basically anything as its soft metal,then put in in the fitting and tighten back up,basically you are capping that air line, its done as it looks better,its secure and if dot man wants to do an inspection there wont be anything to grab his attention,this is faster tho so kudos 👍😊

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

I appreciate the tip. I'll have to carry some changes with me. They would never know.

@Thomas-qh3vj 9 ай бұрын

A dime will work on the trailer air lines done it a time or two

@josephdobias2813 9 ай бұрын

I was told a dime will do the same thing without having to trim it

@Frank-re6bc 4 күн бұрын

I'm glad to know some drivers out there still know how to do it

@aftersolo 3 күн бұрын

I try

@briebel2684 9 ай бұрын

Looks like a Midland style brake actuator with the roll form clamp band. Fun story about why the bolt less clamp band came about, and how a dumb mechanic put 400 some people out of a job: Mechanic ignored the warnings all over the housing and thought he was strong enough to hold that spring and take it apart. He was wrong, and it ended him. His wife sued. Midland settled despite it being his fault. Midland comes up with a new design so that doesn't happen again. Midland forgets to patent the new design, and a competitor submits a patent even though they themselves aren't making them. Competitor then sues. Midland ends up having to pay royalties to the patent holder despite being the only company that made those at the time. Business is struggling due to the patent royalties. Owner conglomerate sells Midland to the competitor. Competitor then shuts down the plant and moves it to Mexico. The plant still sits mostly empty to this day, only occasionally being used as a warehouse by the company that shut it down.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Wow. That's a hell of a story. Made me depressed. What a horrible way to go out of business. Thanks for sharing.

@Dot-bs4yv 8 ай бұрын

Ruthless 💀

@Amen.22 7 ай бұрын

@@Dot-bs4yvThat reminds me of a girlfriend I had years ago. Her name was Ruth. I had a motorcycle at the time. One day I was going to take Ruth for a ride. I started it up and Ruth got on behind me. I took off too fast and Ruth fell off the back. I drove on Ruthlessly.

@shawnxd7338 9 ай бұрын

Yeah your vice grips are in my passenger seat headrest 😂

@enoch7132 9 ай бұрын

10 cents always works for me drop it in the hose and tighten it back up it contours to the fitting and you don’t have to worry about the dot seeing those vice grips

@Lettucepray2 9 ай бұрын

Yeahhh brother. Thanks for sharing for others.we also do that in our country.i live in Suriname.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

I had to look that up. What a beautiful country. Yeah. We do what we got to do out here.

@rickcross7888 9 ай бұрын

In the rust belt we carry Cage bolts in our toolbox. Because if you leave them on the chamber you will never get them off 😊

@donziperk 9 ай бұрын

Instead of pinching the hose with vice grips and possibly damaging it I take the fitting apart and put a copper or brass round head rivet in the hole and put the fitting back together. It seals perfectly on the taper. Carry them in my tool box.

@NTATchannelNickTaylor 24 күн бұрын

My 9900i crapped a chamber. I change mine in pairs. There's a socket made that's extra deep and made for this. Sunex Tools part# 224XD and Lisle 49000. Being in the HD towing business I have one in every wrecker. Pro Tip, when tightening the nut and the brake shoes clear the drums (keep an eye on the slack adjusters too, if it stops moving stop turning 👍🏽) Every truck I have I removed the bolts from the chamber and they're sprayed with my homebrew lube and they're in a sandwich bag with the trucks tools in the toolbox. So if and when they need to be used (for MY trucks) they're clean and lubed and ready to go. I've came across so many that are so corroded and crudded up I have to use some I keep in the wrecker just in case. But you got her done and that's what counts! Yessir...

@aftersolo 24 күн бұрын

I got that socket and it's awesome. I actually used it the other day. I had to change out all 4 of my torque arms on the trailer and the brake chambers were in the way. On one of them, I caged it. Once I was finished putting the new torque arm on, I reinstalled the brake chamber. I went to loosen up the caging bolt and it was very difficult for my impact. I ended up breaking the bolt and that spring made a super loud noise when it popped back. I guess the nut was cross-threaded or something or maybe I put it on too tight. I wish I could of just engaged the brakes but the spot where the caging bolt goes doesn't line up with the hole where you stick it in. I had guys telling me it's easier to cage the brakes with the brakes released and I tried that but it just doesn't line up. I can kind of get the bolt in there, but I can't turn it. I wish I could do that bc it does seem like it would be a lot easier and a lot less stress on the caging bolt and nut.

@NTATchannelNickTaylor 24 күн бұрын

@@aftersolo Yeah we run across that a lot when towing disabled trucks. We have little tricks that work but it's hit or miss. A lot of times the cage key inside the chamber will get cockeyed and sometimes a small prybar can be used to manipulate it enough to get it to where you can get the cage bolt in it.

@oregonfordguy9812 9 ай бұрын

just did 2 on mine. i keep my bolts in the tool boz since they tend to seize innthe chamber holder

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Good advice. Think I'll do the same

@HutchesonMobileMechanics 9 ай бұрын

As a gas mechanic whos bot used to these sort of heavy duty braking systems this is actually an interesting fix. Ill be sure to use this when i pick up my diesel chevy in a few months. Thanks man.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

No problem. Glad I could help

@benblackburn6774 8 ай бұрын

You sir have balls of steel. People need to know that brake chambers can be very dangerous

@michaelprue9024 9 ай бұрын

The rubber diaphragm inside is most likely cracked and failed. They have a tendency to do that and leak air. You can replace the diaphragm to fix it, as long as the spring isn’t broken, but you’re probably better off just replacing the entire chamber. Whenever I get a customer in the shop with a failing brake chamber I suggest replacing both on the same axle at the same time. You don’t have to, but if they’re old you’re better off, at least you’ll know what you have instead of being nickel and dimed 1 at a time until they’re all replaced eventually.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Yeah, I just replaced both of them.

@rsxbase9291 9 ай бұрын

As a heavy wrecker driver I #respected you

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

No problem. Comments like yours make my day in a sea of people who probably can't leave the house without their driving gloves and try to memorize car manuals to sound smart online. It's been rough last couple days with these armchair quarterbacks.

@johnfroelich2066 9 ай бұрын

As a wrecker driver I'm always shocked at how many drivers don't know how to cage brakes or what it does. Even more shocking when it is an owner operator.

@stevenliberadzki9160 9 ай бұрын

Release brake. Place vice grips on rod that goes to slack. Set brake. Now cage chamber. Both springs in chamber now caged and no need to pinch off air line.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

I would still have the leak though, right? The truck was struggling to keep the air pressure up. Thats the main reason I did it. Correct me if I'm wrong.

@stevenliberadzki9160 9 ай бұрын

@aftersolo with the brake set no air leak. If you did you got a bad valve or a different brake chamber back feeding. And what's an air leak gonna hurt when you're repairing the chamber?

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

I mean to get home. I don't want a huge air leak on the way home and my brakes going off. I believe it was a bad diaphragm. I'll remember you're trick though next time. I've also heard of taking off the line, putting a dime in it to block it off, turn putting it back on.

@stevenliberadzki9160 9 ай бұрын

@aftersolo yes it was a bad diaphragm but in an unservicablĺe area of the chamber. So the job to fix it is what's called a piggy back. Parts needed.. New diaphragm, piggy back, and 2 piece clamp to secure parts together because the clamp is one time use. All parts should come in one box. Weather it is LS or SS t20 or t30

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Ok. See. I didn't know you could do all that. I just replaced the whole thing. Makes me nervous taking apart stuff like that. I'm assuming it would be much cheaper. There was another guy on here saying you can't replace the diaphragm. You sound like you know what youre talking about though. Thanks for the info.

@brettrhea9179 9 ай бұрын

you probably should also incorporate two washers on the vise grips for the hose

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Yeah. I got some smooth jaw vice grips for next time

@GraceEngineering 9 ай бұрын

Note to everyone, take the time to pull all your cage bolts out of their holders in the can and clean and antisieze them then restow them into their tubes. The mismatched metals, steel bolt to aluminum body, will fill the holder and bolt threads with corrosion and rust to the point that they are stuck so bad you can't get them out without breaking the housing. Ask me how I know.

@Wild_Bill57 9 ай бұрын

I was today years old when I learned how to do that. Thanks!

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Glad I could help!

@bikelifesoldier5412 9 ай бұрын

Finally, a useful informative video that kept my interest 👍

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@ireneanderson859 9 ай бұрын

Head shop guy did this on my truck when an air can started leaking while i was parked for night, an hour away from the yard (dang elog) only he also had to use 2 quarters to help vice grip pinch better. He brought out a new can but forgot the trailer i had used the kind with a longer rod.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

I just got some smooth jaw vice grips for next time. Will be a little easier on the air line

@elamonty 9 ай бұрын

Holy crap, all this time. I never knew there was a bolt right there for that!

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Yeah. I never knew for the longest when I was a company driver...

@jasonstclair6293 9 ай бұрын

No guarantees on that though. It all depends on if the last person took it out and left it out for whatever reason.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

@jasonstclair6293 good point. Guess you would have to borrow one from another in that case

@squatchpnw2331 6 ай бұрын

I'm so glad I just watched this video because I had a brake chamber go bad and I wish I knew how to do this before

@aftersolo 6 ай бұрын

Glad I could help. 👍

@stevep7713 9 ай бұрын

Snap on makes a nice extra deep 3/4 npact socket that works great for that bolt

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

I need that in my life. Thankyou

@desislayer8790 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the straight to the point video. YOU SAVED ME A TOW

@aftersolo Жыл бұрын

Glad I could help.

@jsmith5443 9 ай бұрын

Wow, what an awesome design. That is cool having something to fix the problem it might have.

@horseman1968 10 ай бұрын

That has happened to me so many times in the 2.5 decades I’ve been driving

@RG-wy1ol 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for making this video very helpful and informative

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@markiefufu 8 ай бұрын

I didn't have my chambers go bad, but I let mine sit for four years without driving. The shoes were stuck to the drums. Had to cage them and pound away on the drums till the pads released. I did this in subzero temps last December in Minnesota. It was a lot of fun! 😉

@aftersolo 8 ай бұрын

I guess you could always back the pads off the drum with the slack adjuster if it's going to be sitting a while. I probably wouldn't even think to do it. If I know it's going to get super cold, I'll just leave the brakes released and chock the wheels overnight if I'm idling. Now, if the truck is off, that's a different story.

@OneBitGaming 9 ай бұрын

If you push in the air to your parking brake chamber. It makes caging a lot easier as the air is caging it for you. Just twist the bolt on and release the parking brake. Do this on a flat surface with the wheels chalked

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

I'll do that next time. I appreciate it.

@djd34d14 9 ай бұрын

They call it a cajun bolt cuz them bois can fix anything.

@arvedludwig3584 8 ай бұрын

Thank you Mercedes for having that bolt already installed and the nut fixed to the end. Meant I could use the ratched all the way.

@aftersolo 8 ай бұрын

Thats convenient

@huntereakright8988 9 ай бұрын

cajun bolt sounds splendid

@simsneon2 9 ай бұрын

Damn brother, you were halfway there. All you had to do was replace the diaphragm with one bolt away.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Maybe next time...

@MacGyver2154 2 ай бұрын

Ahhhhhh, so that's why I keep seeing vice grip pliers on the road. 😂😂😂

@TARGETBrakes 2 ай бұрын

Very good instructional video👍

@aftersolo 2 ай бұрын

Thanks 👍

@dangeary2134 9 ай бұрын

First off, I would have (and have) backed off brakes enough to get them to a repair shop. What you are doing is NOT illegal, by any stretch. Anything over five axles can have one disabled brake to finish the day if a “local” truck, or enough to get the truck to a repair shop if it’s an OTR truck. That is LAW!!!

@sandasturner9529 8 ай бұрын

Good to know

@revoldrofnugoblarevoldrofn9278 9 ай бұрын

Did a similar thing to my old f350. I had break fluid leaking from rear lines (hit snow/ice Bank and clipped the brake line). I ended up using a vice grip to clamp the main supply to the splitter to the rear wheels as a temporary until I got home to repair the broken line. Fun days

@mikeadams2252 9 ай бұрын

Good fix man, I always carried a small pair of needle nose vise grips for the exact same thing. Always better to get it back to the shop👍

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Thankyou. Finally, someone who gets it. Got a lot of armchair quarterback, dot inspector wannabes on here critiquing the ever loving crap out of everything they don't understand and never will.

@paulodwyer5599 9 ай бұрын

That is some really useful information mate . Thankyou

@CBelske 8 ай бұрын

Brings memories of caging brakes on the side of asr Long Island in Iraq.

@dakotahmoose1192 9 ай бұрын

When I worked at a semi junkyard (we took them apart to keep others going) I actually bought the socket for that when we had a bulk rear end purchase, it's like a 5" long socket...I used it maybe 10 times, now it sits in my impact box, shiny as ever, no longer used 😂

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

I need that socket...

@yarddog6237 9 ай бұрын

Smart man, believe it or not, not. Many men know how to do that good job.

@lavetteford9348 9 ай бұрын

One of the girls told me about this so I could have at least made it home without calling my company.

@joshurban5197 9 ай бұрын

Vicegrips the one tool every one needs in there tool box.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Most definitely.

@Medic-6.934 9 ай бұрын

Easier way to to that is you chock your wheels and release the brakes so the plunger comes up then place your cage bolt into olace and tighten it up... Then set the brakes again and your brake chamber is caged without having to fight that spring all the way down..... You only have to turn the cage bolt maybe 3 to 4 times versus 15 minutes of cussing and fighting with it.

@paulfournier3561 11 ай бұрын

You can just release the brakes and put the bolt in and then set the brakes no tools required

@joshuapreston5333 10 ай бұрын

I would not do that it will rip the aluminum flange on the inside and then u need a whole new can not a piggy back can

@fandango_buttlicks 9 ай бұрын

@@joshuapreston5333wrong

@Kh1m3ra 9 ай бұрын

@@joshuapreston5333 Something tells me you don't completely grasp how caging works Caging a chamber *only* affects the piggyback side which in turn, prevents the push rod from moving The housing on the piggyback side is meant to withstand and contain the spring pressure inside the chamber and it doesn't matter how you cage it, it will hold up

@pheonixreborn8362 9 ай бұрын

Ngl, that air leak through the chamber gave me flashbacks of changing the diaphragms man. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

@rodneypattonsr3179 9 ай бұрын

Been there and have done that a time or two. If you don't have a pair of vice grips, you can take the supply line off and put a dine in it and put it back on, it'll block the air going to the break pod.

@mrgetrekt1012 9 ай бұрын

Respect for working on it yourself but on behalf of any mechanic down the road that may work on this truck, please get a box end wrench set

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Lol. I got them all at home. Guess I need to buy a set for the truck. I got sockets and smaller wrenches in the truck. Of course when I need them, they wont have the one that fits. They like to skip sizes now like going from 7/8 to 1". What about 15/16"? Or 1" to 1 1/8" and I always need that 1 1/16.

@JesseLeBourgeois 9 ай бұрын

excellent piece of knowledge, thank you

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

You're very welcome

@ohiopipper3956 9 ай бұрын

Use a pair of vise grips on the back of you brake chamber so the slack adjuster don’t move forward and you cage the brake chamber. After putting the caging bolt in the slot chalk your wheels and supply air to the system this help with caging it a lot easier. You not having to turn the nut under pressure cause supplying air takes the pressure off. Then give it a turn or two then set your brakes again then take your chamber off

@fustratedfisher 9 ай бұрын

99% of drivers have no idea how to cage their brakes. So when there is no air they are fked

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Yes. Most companies won't even let them mess with the truck or trailer. I was with an OTR company in 09. Was picking up a trailer at a lowes DC in Wyoming. Trailer lights were out. Wiring was cut. I told them I can fix it. They said to not touch it and they'll have a service truck out there. Whstever.

@Thomas-qh3vj 9 ай бұрын

The newer drivers don't know how to change the fuel filters or change a tire on the side of the road and use starting fluid to set the bead hell most of them can't seem to crank the landing gear all the way up

@e.b.6766 9 ай бұрын

Great tutorial!!!

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@warhammers 9 ай бұрын

Got a recommendation for a tool. Racheting combination wrenches would've been a good tool to have on hand.

@dennisschofield6548 9 ай бұрын

I just cage the bolt far enough to take the pressure off. Then back the slack adjuster off. Clamp the air line.

@gotsteem 9 ай бұрын

I learned something new today..

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

👍

@dannyorsello8668 9 ай бұрын

I’ve done that many times but never knew it was called caging 😂

@DayandNightFleetRepair 8 ай бұрын

Good idea if you re stuck on the side of the road but get it fix asap!

@aftersolo 8 ай бұрын

For sure

@WillaHerrera 4 ай бұрын

This are some spicy parts. Cajun is my favorite

@howardullom2683 9 ай бұрын

Its called a 30/30 spring break in case anyone was wondering , they have them on the shelf at any genuine parts store in America! By genuine i mean not fake parts stores like auto zone or advanced auto or o' Rileys

@terrycapehart6303 9 ай бұрын

KZfaq worth watching, thank you sir, have a blessed day América

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

You're welcome 😊

@dakotahmoose1192 4 ай бұрын

I got the specific tool for that brake release, used it like 5 times and than quit working at that junkyard, but at least i have it lol

@AntonFeklushin 7 күн бұрын

you can use a automatic slack to bring the brake pads together and plug the hose with a coin, or cut a plug for the fitting out of a soda can..

@aftersolo 6 күн бұрын

Thanks for the tio!

@firstname6208 8 ай бұрын

Back when i was still wet behind the ears a supposed master truck mechanic went under to replace a leaking chamber. When he touched that rusty can the spring came right thru the can and knocked him out cold. True story.

@whatsupchris 9 ай бұрын

“The Cajun bolt” ??? Is it spicy ??? 😂

@cincyjohn69 Ай бұрын

Awesome video great little trick

@aftersolo Ай бұрын

Thanks! 👍

@byronhoda7564 8 ай бұрын

And prey DOT doesn't randomly stop you for inspection 😬 My dad did this on a trailer he bought and got massive fine

@aftersolo 8 ай бұрын

Yeah. Surprisingly, it's not an oos violation bc of the 20% rule. Definitely a violation though. Hard times out here.

@lilyody3086 9 ай бұрын

Man I wish my drivers were experienced and willing to patch stuff to get back to the shop

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Lol. Most company guys don't want to do all that. I'm an owner op, so it's different.

@joellosoya7098 9 ай бұрын

Carrying a extra brake chamber, is required in some states. It’s considered a safety hazard, not having extra airlines and glad hand inserts, and yes, spare light 💡 bulbs, and headlights bulbs.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Doesn't do most drivers any good to have all that. Company policies don't allow drivers to work on basically anything on the truck. Its too much of a liability. Company I started with in 09 wouldn't even let me repair some wiring on a trailer. I did LTL for 8 years. Nobody had tools or supplies with them. Just a fire extinguisher, triangles, paperwork and fuses. Nothing more. I would of got in trouble if I touched anything on the truck or trailer. Every minute of everyday was kept track of so even of I did repair something, they would of been calling me every minute to see what I was up to. I'm a shop on wheels now. Got hoses, air lines, fittings, bulbs, wiring, spare tire already mounted, jack, socket set, 1" breakover, pry bars, sledgehammer, grinder, drill, bolts, nuts, and on and on and on. I can only carry so much though. I could see me replacing a starter on the side of the road and people saying I should be carrying a freaking spare starter. 😆 🤣 I can't have everything

@joellosoya7098 9 ай бұрын

@@aftersolo agreed, I’ve been a company driver and owner operator, for 25 plus years, and yeah, company policy was you report to dispatch that , I’ve been red tag 🏷️ at the scale station, for repairs from the local mechanic shop or wait for the roadside assistance program the truck is under, Penske, or Bright, or Goodyear , Ryder etc … you get what I’m referring. As a independent contractor, my contract allows me to choose and service, and billing department policy is to have a PO # and tax number , unless it required getting a rental truck, because fixing my truck wasn’t cost effective, everything else was on my account.

@davidtaylor8002 9 ай бұрын

In 23 years of semi work, I never saw caging bolts come of that easy. 99.99% of time they were rusted solid in the holder.

@aftersolo 9 ай бұрын

Guess I got lucky

@mikebetts3573 4 ай бұрын

Oh I love that video I love it I love it I love it it's awesome thank you

@aftersolo 4 ай бұрын

Thankyou

@jjuggernaut3218 9 ай бұрын

Cajun bolts are spicy!!!

@larryc6384 2 ай бұрын

Back in the 70's when I was learning to work on trucks, an older mechanic taught me how to do it the correct way. On newer brake cans, you can not change the maxi brake diaphragm. Too many people were getting hurt. Now days, release the parking brake, then have another person apply the foot brake, put a pair of vice grips on the rod coming out of the can against the mounting bracket, NOW the can clamps bolts can be removed safely.

@aftersolo 2 ай бұрын

The vice grips police will get onto you for that. 😆 🤣 That's a cool trick though.

@larryc6384 2 ай бұрын

You only use the vice grips to change the diaphragm, then remove them. The other thing to do is, adjust the brakes the other direction so it pulls the rod out of the can. Back when you could change the maxi diaphragm, the can was bad, so I safely got it apart and completely released the maxi spring. In this situation, the spring is about 12" long. Compressed, it puts 900 lbs. of pressure on the brake rod.

@aftersolo 2 ай бұрын

Dang, you know way more than me about brakes. A lot guys on here just told me to carry around a few pancakes that way I don't have to replace the entire thing. That spring scares me though. I've heard too many horror stories.

@ruxoneto6560 Ай бұрын

No you are confusing the brake chamber spring with the parking spring , there are two springs in the maxi pot you are correct in vice gripping the pusd rod in the applied position then you must cage the parking chamber, i would caution if you are not sure what you are doing (DON'T loosen any clamp bolts ) . & block the tires from rolling , i have seen seasoned mechanic get killed & injured with brakes rusted to drum with brakes released & under truck trying to release stuck shoe & when shoe releases get run over by truck , very innocent mistake but deadly .

@larryc6384 Ай бұрын

I am not confusing anything. On 1970s Era brake cans, you could change the maxi diaphragm by caging the maxi spring. Now days, it isn't possible to change the maxi diaphragm. The spring in the brake chamber is only strong enough to return the slack adjuster to the brake released position.