GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Caging Procedure

Caution: Do not attempt to cage the compression (power) spring when the rear air brake chamber shows structural damage. Caging the compression spring or disassembly of the spring brake chamber may result in the forceful release of the compression (power) spring and the chamber contents which may cause severe personal injury. Remove the entire rear air brake chamber if it has structural damage and replace with a new rear air brake chamber.

Caution: Do not drive the vehicle with the rear air brake chambers caged. Caging the rear air brake chambers disables the emergency and parking brakes. If a malfunction occurs with the service brakes, serious personal injury could result from not having any emergency brakes.

  1. Block the wheels.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Charge the system to the air compressor governor valve cut-out point.
  4. Stop the engine.

  5. Object Number: 201893  Size: SH

    Important: Do not set the parking brake.

  6. Inspect the rear air brake chamber for any structural damage. Do not try to cage the compression spring if there is any damage to the rear air brake chamber. Refer to Rear Air Brake Chamber Overhaul .

  7. Object Number: 201895  Size: SH

    Caution: If air pressure is used to compress the compression spring, do not tighten the release nut more than finger tight. Torquing the release nut too tight may cause pressure plate damage resulting in the sudden release of the compression spring causing severe personal injury.

  8. Remove the release tool assembly from the side pocket of the adapter.
  9. Cage the rear air brake chambers in the following order:
  10. 7.1. Insert the release stud through the keyhole in the rear air brake chamber (the spring brake chamber section) into the pressure plate.
    7.2. Turn the release stud 90 degrees (¼ turn) clockwise.
    7.3. Pull on the release stud to ensure the release stud crosspin is properly seated in the pressure plate.

            Notice: Tighten the release stud nut no more than finger tight if air pressure is used to compress the compression (power) spring.

    7.4. Assemble the release stud washer and the nut on the release stud finger tight.

    Object Number: 201898  Size: SH
  11. Measure the release the stud length beyond the release stud nut.
  12. Replace the rear air brake chamber if the length is less than 69.08 mm (2.72 in). Refer to Rear Air Brake Chamber Overhaul .
  13. Caution: Do not torque the release stud more than the torque specified when caging the compression spring. If the specified release stud length cannot be obtained at the maximum allowed torque, there may be a broken compression spring. Do not attempt to disassemble any part of the spring brake chamber if the spring is broken. Replace the rear air brake chamber. Failure to observe this caution may result in sever personal injury.

    Notice: Do not use an impact wrench to tighten the release nut. Damage to the pressure plate and release stud can occur.

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

    Important: Tighten the release stud nut only if the rear air brake chamber (spring brake chamber section) is not pressurized.

  14. Tighten the release stud nut.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the release stud nut to a maximum of 47 N·m (35 lb ft). Use a hand wrench with the air pressure exhausted from the rear air brake chamber (spring brake chamber section). Ensure that the pushrod is retracting. Ensure that the compression spring is completely caged.

  16. Measure the release stud length beyond the release stud nut.
  17. Replace the rear air brake chamber if the length is less than 69.08 mm (2.72 in). Refer to Rear Air Brake Chamber Overhaul .

Uncaging Procedure


    Object Number: 201905  Size: SH
  1. Unscrew the release stud nut and the washer from the release stud until the compression (power) spring pressure is completely relieved.
  2. Turn the release stud one quarter turn counterclockwise.
  3. Remove the release stud from the keyhole in the spring brake chamber.

  4. Object Number: 201901  Size: SH
  5. Install the dust plug into the keyhole in the spring brake chamber.
  6. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  7. Return the release stud, the release stud nut, and the washer into the adapter storage pocket.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the release stud nut to 7 N·m (62 lb in).

  9. Start the engine.
  10. Charge the system to the air compressor governor valve cut-out point.
  11. Stop the engine.
  12. Check for proper brake operation.
  13. Set the parking brake.
  14. Remove the wheel blocks.