Air brake chamber

Air brake chambers are round metal containers, located at each wheel, where compressed air is converted into mechanical force to apply the brakes and stop the vehicle. There are two kinds of air brake chambers - service and spring brake chambers. A service brake chamber contains a flexible rubber disc called a diaphragm, a metal rod called a pushrod and a return spring. When you press the brake pedal, compressed air fills the service brake chamber, causing the diaphragm to move and push out the pushrod to apply the brakes (A). When air pressure is released, the pushrod is returned to its original position by the spring inside the chamber (B).

The pushrod and a lever - called a slack adjuster - link the brake chamber to the brake assembly (which contains the brake drum or disc). When you press the brake pedal, the pushrod extends farther from the brake chamber, moving the slack adjuster forward. The motion of the slack adjuster transfers to the brake assembly, causing the brake shoes or pads to make contact with the brake drum or disc.

This action of the pushrod extending from the brake chamber is called pushrod stroke, and stroke length is the distance that the pushrod travels out of the chamber. In the most common brake designs, some of the brake linkage - the components linking the brake chamber to the brake assembly - is exposed. As a result, the length of pushrod stroke can be measured and compared to the prescribed adjustment limits for that size, type and style of brake chamber.

The pushrod stroke is dependent on the pressure of the compressed air that enters the brake chamber. For example, when application pressure increases from 69 kPa (10 psi) to 552 kPa (80 psi), the stroke increases noticeably.

Due to the design of brake chambers, each has a limited pushrod stroke-length capacity, beyond which no brake force is produced. The brake linkage includes a device to adjust the position of the brake chamber in relation to the position of the brake shoes. As brakes wear, the linkage must be re-adjusted to ensure the pushrod stroke is always within its normal operating range. This type of brake re-adjustment is required at regular intervals.

Since the drop in brake force can be significant when stroke exceeds the adjustment limits of a brake chamber, it is critical that brakes are correctly adjusted to ensure function is retained. The Ontario Highway Traffic Act and regulations strictly regulate brake-chamber pushrod stroke. Any brake exceeding the adjustment limit is a defect that requires prompt attention..

Brake chambers are made in a variety of styles, types and sizes, so it is important to correctly identify the brake type and the chamber size to determine the corresponding brake adjustment limit.

Almost all commercial vehicles use a type of brake chamber that is held together by a clamp assembly. These are called clamp-type brake chambers. There is an adjustment chart for these types of chambers on page 85. However, some vehicles may use other types of brake chambers. For adjustment limits for other types of chambers, refer to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and regulations.