Posted by SUPRDUD on Tuesday, May 01, 2007 at 02:13:43 :
Update on my screwup trying to release the brake pod on my bus. I spoke with a couple more mechanics and they were helpfull as to I was up the creek, needed to make my own paddle.
So with the freedom of already being disabled.....I put on my full face motorcycle helmet and took the 4" grinder to the spring-loaded brake pod. I cut a .75" by 1" window near the rear of the pod, on the side of it. I then took a magnet and fished the lost bolt up to the hole and as it had a screwdriver slot in the end, got it started back in the nuthole. I put the nut and rollpin back on, screwed it counterclockwise and released the brake. Sha-zam.
I was pretty proud that I did not even kill or maim myself! My second option was going to be heating or cutting the spring with a grinder or torch. Glad the magnet worked. Less fire that way. One other option was to unscrew the whole pod from the brake housing, but nobody knew of the potential spring danger there either.
Funny, the mechanic that knew the most said "That is one of those blankety-blank Ferds, right?" Gee, he has seen one before.
Anyone need an Allison 545 for a 6BT cummins?