ANSWERS: 3
  • Air brakes are dual-chamber piston actuated. The rear chamber (farthest from the brake shoes) requires air pressure to pull the shoes off the drums. This is the considered the emergency system, since it is active and loss of air pressure causes braking. This system can't work when air pressure is preent. The second ('working') chamber applies shoe pressure when air pressure is present and the brake is applied manually. This system can't work when air pressure is gone. The answer to your question is that you must build up enough constant air pressure to release the rear passive cylinders. If proper air pressure is present, something else is wrong with the system.
  • Mounted to the side of your brake can is a bolt. On one end is a T on the other are threads with a nut. It's about 6 inches long, and it's called a "caging bolt". There should be at least one in one of the spring brakes on the trailer or tractor, if one isn't available on the truck, you can pick one up at most heavy duty parts places. On the end of the can is a "keyhole" with a rubber plug in it that the caging bolt fits into. Remove the plug and stick the bolt into the hole. Turn it 90 degrees to lock it into place, and then turn the nut to compress the spring inside the brake can. With the spring compressed the brakes will unlock and you will be able to move the truck to the side of the road, or have it towed. Do not drive with the brakes caged.
  • Please if you dont know how to release brakes DO NOT attempt it CALL SOMEONE ... in an emergency put out your reflectors and turn on your four ways and hope for the best ... catch up on your logbook ... and make up a good story to explain why your breakes failed ...the cops are gonna want to know ... Good Luck

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