wow, i just spent $189 on a new chamber from the dealer. I’m gonna have to do this trick to change that diaphragm (chamber pancake). You made it easy, thanks 😎
If it’s leaking on the service side (with pedal depressed or your trolly valve pulled) then clamp off the brake chamber rod like I did with the parking brake applied. Then when you unbolt the clamshell on the service side (DO NOT TOUCH the emergency/park brake side) you won’t have to fight the small spring on the service side going back together.
He just "air caged" it. Thats why did didn't release the trailer spring brakes. Pretty common practice, but that air line ever came loose, or something cause the system to lose air suddenly, that push rod would come shooting forward like a gun shot. Very unlikely, but I wouldn't risk it.
You should try to keep it in, it’s to give you access to install the caging bolt to cage the brake chamber and it also helps keep the dust/debris/water, etc out.
Not the safest way no, I admit I should’ve caged it for an informational style video like this. But, I endured the air was built all the way up prior and verified I had no major leaks as somewhat of a “safe guard” against the brakes applying..still not the best way I agree.
You can only replace them on the service side (end that the rod exits), the other side are made non-removable due to the extreme pressure the spring is under. If you remove those it can kill you.