SD-02-1336

Rotochambers

DIAPHRAGM PUSH ROD

DIAPHRAGM SPRING ASSY.
INNER GUIDE
DIAPHRAGM
CLAMP
YOKE ASSY.
BOOT
OUTER
DIAPHRAGM
CLAMP

LOCK NUT

MOUNTING STUD

COVER
BODY

DESCRIPTION motion. The forward motion of the diaphragm guide and

diaphragm forces the push plate and push rod forward.
The rotochamber is an actuator which converts the energy
of air pressure into mechanical force. The type number of When the rotochamber is used to actuate cam type foundation
the rotochamber indicates the actuators diaphragm effective brake assemblies, the yoke is connected to a slack adjuster
area (Type 30 - 30 sq. in. of diaphragm) and the various which in turn is connected to the brake cam shaft. This
sizes available give a wide range of output force and length forward motion of the push rod rotates the slack adjuster,
of stroke. The rolling type diaphragm provides long life and cam shaft and cam applying the vehicle brakes.
gives a constant output force throughout the entire stroke.
The rotochamber is also used in industrial applications and
One end of the diaphragm is clamped to the inside wall of in such cases may be used in clamping or holding
the body by the outer clamp. The other end of the diaphragm operations.
is clamped between the diaphragm guide and inner
The greater air pressure admitted to the rotochamber, the
diaphragm clamp. The cover is fastened to the outer body
greater the force applied by the push rod and, conversely,
by cap screws. Mounting studs are used to mount the
the less air pressure applied to the rotochamber, the less
chambers. A boot retained by a boot retainer is used to
force applied by the push rod. Push rod force is determined
prevent entrance of moisture through the hole in the cover.
by multiplying the air pressure delivered by the effective
A lock nut and yoke with pin are screwed on the threaded
diaphragm area. For example, if 60 psi is admitted to the
push rod. Most rotochambers now have 3/8 in. NPTF inlet
Type 30 rotochamber the lineal force on the end of the push
ports. The long stroke Type 50 employ a 1/2 in. NPTF inlet
rod is approximately 1800 lbs.
port.
When air pressure is released from the rotochamber the
OPERATION rotochamber spring returns the slack adjuster (if applicable),
Controlled air pressure enters the rotochamber through the push rod, diaphragm guide and diaphragm to the released
inlet port and acts upon the diaphragm, moving the diaphragm position.
guide and diaphragm forward. The diaphragm moves along
the inside wall of the cylinder body with a smooth rolling
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PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE INSTALLING
A. Every month, 8,000 miles, or after 300 operating hours, 1. Before installing chamber, check bracket for distortion,
depending on type of operation: cracks or any condition which might cause chamber
1. Check push rod travel and adjust travel at the slack misalignment or malfunction.
adjuster if needed. Push rod travel should be as short 2. Re-install the chamber on the bracket. Tighten the
as possible without brakes dragging. Excessive push mounting nuts securely and evenly.
rod travel reduces braking efficiency, shortens 3. Connect the air lines to the rotochamber and check for
diaphragm life, gives slow braking response and leakage.
wastes air.
4. Insert the push rod yoke pin through the hole in the yoke
2. Check push rod to slack adjuster alignment from and slack adjuster. Make sure the same hole location in
release to full stroke position to be sure push rod the slack adjuster on each side of the axle is used.
moves out and returns properly without binding at
5. The yoke should be adjusted on the push rod so that
the cover hole or with other structures. Also check
with brakes released the angle formed by the push rod
the angle formed by the slack adjuster arm and push
and slack adjuster will be greater than 90 and all slack
rod. It should be 90 or greater when the chamber is
adjusters should be at the same angle. With properly
in the applied or released positions.
adjusted brakes applied, the angle should still be greater
3. Check tightness of mounting nuts. Check cotter pins than 90.
to make sure they are in place.
4. Check all hoses and lines. They should be secure DISASSEMBLY
and in good condition. For ease in disassembly, if the rotochamber has been in
B. Every year or after each 100,000 miles or 3,600 operating service and shows signs of rust accumulation, it is
hours, depending on type of operation. recommended that the chamber be immersed and soaked
in the cleaning or rust dissolving solvent for 24 hours.
1. Disassemble and clean all parts.
2. Install new diaphragm or any other parts if they are 1. Remove yoke and lock nut from push rod.
worn or deteriorated. 2. Remove rubber boot.
When the diaphragm, spring, or both are replaced they should 3. Remove cap screws from cover.
be replaced in the corresponding chamber on the same axle. 4. Remove cover, springs and spring guides (if so
equipped).
OPERATING AND LEAKAGE TESTS
5. Remove nuts from body. These nuts secure the outer
A. Operating Test clamp to the body and are located at the air inlet end of
1. Apply brakes and observe that the push rods move the rotochamber.
out promptly and without binding. 6. Grasp the push rod and by pulling and wiggling the
2. Release brakes and observe that the push rods return entire assembly consisting of push rod and plate,
to the released position promptly and without binding. diaphragm guide, diaphragm, inner and outer clamps
3. Check push rod travel. Push rod travel should be as should ease out of the body.
short as possible without brakes dragging. Adjust 7. Straighten the rolled diaphragm.
travel of push rod at slack adjuster if necessary. 8. Remove outer diaphragm clamp.
B. Leakage Test 9. Remove nuts from inside of diaphragm guide.
1. Loosen rubber boot from around push rod hole in 10. Disassemble inner diaphragm clamp, diaphragm and
cover. Make and hold a full brake application. push plate rod assembly from the diaphragm guide.
Coat area with soap suds and check for leakage. No leakage
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
is permissible. If leakage is detected, the diaphragm must
be replaced. 1. Clean all metal parts in a good cleaning solvent.
2. Carefully inspect all metal parts for cracks, distortion or
REMOVING damage. Replace any parts not considered serviceable.
1. Block vehicle wheels. 3. Replace diaphragm and rubber boot.
2. Disconnect line to rotochamber.
3. Remove the yoke pin.
4. Remove the rotochamber.

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ASSEMBLY 2. Stop the engine and remove ignition key when
working under or around the vehicle. When
1. Position the diaphragm on end in the inner diaphragm
working in the engine compartment, the engine
clamp. The smaller diameter end of the diaphragm should
should be shut off and the ignition key should be
be against the diaphragm clamp. removed. Where circumstances require that the
2. Place and install the diaphragm guide within the engine be in operation, EXTREME CAUTION should
diaphragm and over the inner diaphragm clamp studs. be used to prevent personal injury resulting from
3. Install the push plate push rod assembly within the contact with moving, rotating, leaking, heated or
electrically charged components.
diaphragm guide and over the inner diaphragm clamp
3. Do not attempt to install, remove, disassemble or
studs.
assemble a component until you have read and
4. Install nuts on the inner diaphragm clamp studs and thoroughly understand the recommended
tighten securely. procedures. Use only the proper tools and observe
5. Place the assembly consisting of the push rod, push all precautions pertaining to use of those tools.
plate, diaphragm guide, diaphragm and inner clamp 4. If the work is being performed on the vehicles air
brake system, or any auxiliary pressurized air
inside of the outer clamp.
systems, make certain to drain the air pressure from
6. Roll the free end of the diaphragm back and over the all reservoirs before beginning ANY work on the
end of the outer diaphragm clamp. vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with an AD-IS
7. Lubricate the inside wall of the body and the rolled air dryer system or a dryer reservoir module, be
surface of the diaphragm with Murphys oil soap. sure to drain the purge reservoir.
5. Following the vehicle manufacturers
8. Slide the above assembly into the body. The end of the recommended procedures, deactivate the electrical
diaphragm should fit snugly against the shoulder in the system in a manner that safely removes all
body. Position the outer diaphragm clamp studs through electrical power from the vehicle.
the holes at the end of the body, install nuts and tighten 6. Never exceed manufacturers recommended
securely. pressures.
9. Install spring guide (if so equipped) and install spring 7. Never connect or disconnect a hose or line
containing pressure; it may whip. Never remove a
over push rod, and install spring guide on spring (if so
component or plug unless you are certain all
equipped).
system pressure has been depleted.
10. Install cover over push rod and into body. Attach cover to 8. Use only genuine Bendix replacement parts,
body with cap screws, tightening securely. components and kits. Replacement hardware,
11. Install boot over push rod attaching to cover. tubing, hose, fittings, etc. must be of equivalent
size, type and strength as original equipment and
12. Install lock nut and yoke on push rod. be designed specifically for such applications and
systems.
TESTING OF REBUILT ROTOCHAMBER
9. Components with stripped threads or damaged
Perform Operating and Leakage checks. parts should be replaced rather than repaired. Do
WARNING! PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW not attempt repairs requiring machining or welding
unless specifically stated and approved by the
THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO AVOID vehicle and component manufacturer.
PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH: 10. Prior to returning the vehicle to service, make
When working on or around a vehicle, the following certain all components and systems are restored
general precautions should be observed at all times. to their proper operating condition.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the
parking brakes, and always block the wheels.
Always wear safety glasses.

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4 BW1561 2004 Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC. All rights reserved. 3/2004 Printed in U.S.A.