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Main brake chambers
Brake chamber photos
This time I’ve really made an expensive screw-up. Over a year ago, I ordered eight brake chambers from various sources (6 wheels and 2 tag lifts). I installed all but the mains before running out of time. Now, when I’m ready to finish the job after a lengthy delay, I find I’ve got the wrong main chambers. The right photo (oops, upside down) is the left main chamber on my disk brake equipped H3. Note the wedge-shaped outboard end. The left photo is the replacement a local truck center sold me. Both are 24/24 chambers, but the new one not only has a flat end, but appears to have more travel as well (I assumed all 24/24’s had the same travel). I’m guessing that means I can’t even swap ends on the new ones and use them. Because of the time involved and the fact that that chamber is not a regularly stocked item, they will not exchange them or take them back. A truck center where I am now tells me that because Prevost calls for a left and a right chamber, they are unique to my coach and he wouldn’t even be able to order them from his supplier. The cost difference, $321 from Prevost versus $110 from the truck center seemed like a bargain at the time. Now it appears I’m out $220 and am faced with paying Prevost $642 for the correct ones. Any chance of an encouraging word or cheaper solution from you folks out there who are wiser than I?
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3 Replies
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The “main” chamber I assume means drive axle. If so, the spec on my vintage is 30/36. The larger the number the larger the diameter of the diaphragm and volume and braking force. For these I paid $129.35 three months ago on line at Ryder Fleet Products dot com. Be sure to verify YOUR spec. You can call them to at 770-277-9629. Haldex is the manufacturer of the chambers I got from them.
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Ron,
You have no choice but to use what was original equipment. That does not mean you have to pay an excessive price. You likely can shop for better pricing.
Prevost has installed at least two versions of disc brakes, the original ones used the common brake chambers readily available (if not in stock) at almost any truck parts store. Other versions used a type of brake chamber specific to the calipers.
It is pretty important to have the correct replacement, not only because of fit up issues, but because stroke and size all affect braking force and our brakes are sized per axle based on the axle weight, and other factors that balance the braking forces.
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In the interest of effective communication, we should all use the proper nomenclature when referring to the drive axle of our coaches. Only airplanes have “main gear.” ‘Sorry ’bout that. 🙂
In another lifetime as a certified aircraft inspector, the importance of ensuring replacement parts exactly matched the originals was drilled into me repeatedly. Since only Prevost Parts can guarantee their replacement drive axle brake chambers are the correct ones for Prevost coaches, I bit the bullet and ordered new ones from them. Fortunately, by taking the time to confuse everyone here with my lengthy posts, I managed to hit a price reduction that dropped the price from $321.15 each to $2511 each. While my wallet may still whine a bit about what truckers pay, I am thankful for small reprieves.
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