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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: belfert on May 11, 2013, 05:14:19 PM

Title: Converting from rotochambers to standard chambers - Need sizing help
Post by: belfert on May 11, 2013, 05:14:19 PM
My bus uses type 24 rotochambers on the front axle.  I would like to convert both sides to standard brake chambers as a single rotochamber is $500 and hard to find.  My problem is the type 24 rotochamber is 6 13/32 inches diameter per Bendix (matches my measurement) and a type 24 standard brake chamber is 7 7/32" per Bendix.  (I already had the tag axle converted to standard brake chambers.)

It does not appear I have an extra inch of clearance so any suggestions other than just buying another rotochamber?  I assume I'll lose too much braking performance going to a type 20 or tpye 16 brake chamber.
Title: Re: Converting from rotochambers to standard chambers - Need sizing help
Post by: bevans6 on May 11, 2013, 05:49:33 PM
Does your slack adjuster have a second hole closer to the S-cam, that would give you more leverage?  Do you have a half inch of clearance (you need a little less than an inch of diameter, so under a half inch on radius).

Brian
Title: Re: Converting from rotochambers to standard chambers - Need sizing help
Post by: luvrbus on May 11, 2013, 05:56:48 PM
One of the c models from MGM should work fine,you will never notice any difference in stopping going from a 24 to a 20 on the front axle the H-45 Prevost a lot larger bus than your Dina has 16 service chambers for the ABS system I Installed 20's on the Casinos bus it hasn't killed anybody yet
 

Title: Re: Converting from rotochambers to standard chambers - Need sizing help
Post by: belfert on May 11, 2013, 06:07:09 PM
I need to look a little closer to see if there is enough clearance.  When I was out there today I just measured the rotochamber.  I had a brake issue last fall and the bus garage I went to pulled out a type 24 chamber and said it wouldn't fit due to diameter.  They thought the chamber was bad, but it turns out clevis pin was seized.  I want to replace chambers to prevent future issues.

It is fairly common on the Dina buses to convert from rotochambers to standard chambers due to cost.  I had asked BK about his Dina some time back, but the conversion hadn't been done by him.  It sounds like a type 16 will work if something larger won't work.  I'll also look at the MGM product.

Thanks for the help everyone.