The Full Stop Strategy: MGM Brakes’ Chambers Provide Heavy-Duty Stopping Power and Safety for Transit and Beyond

Safety and reliability are paramount in transit, heavy-duty vehicles, and long-haul transportation. A robust, heavy-duty brake system is essential for ensuring the safety of drivers, passengers, and cargo. These vehicles face rigorous demands of heavy-duty vehicle operations with frequent stops, heavy loads, and long hours on the road. 

A reliable and safe heavy-duty brake system prevents accidents, minimizes vehicle downtime for fleet managers, and reduces maintenance costs. With these needs in mind, MGM Brakes leads the industry with advanced brake chamber technology, providing performance, safety, and longevity solutions.

Seven Decades of Leadership in Brake Chamber Design with MGM Brakes 

MGM Brakes, the inventor of the spring brake chamber in 1956, has been a pioneer in brake chamber technology, consistently leading the market with cutting-edge brake chamber solutions for transit and long-haul trucks. MGM Brakes is the only U.S. manufacturer using a high percentage of North American components, ensuring unmatched quality and reliability validated by rigorous testing. 

MGM builds its brake chambers with high-quality materials like heavy gauge steel for mounting bases which are epoxy coated to make them highly corrosion resistant, ensuring durability and longevity. MGM Brakes meets and exceeds industry standards, providing superior OEM quality for their aftermarket replacement components that fleet managers and technicians can trust.

How Brake Chambers Power Safe Stops in Heavy-Duty Vehicle Systems

  • Durable brake actuators are crucial to a vehicle’s braking system. They convert air pressure into the mechanical force needed to apply the brakes. They are circular containers divided by a flexible diaphragm that moves when air pressure is applied.
  • There are two types: service chambers and spring brake chambers (also known as double diaphragm chambers). The service chamber is used during normal braking operations, while the spring brake chamber contains a powerful spring that applies the brakes when there is no air pressure (such as during parking or in the event of air pressure loss). The spring brake chamber combines both the service brake function and the emergency/parking brake function. 
  • When air pressure pushes the diaphragm, it moves the push-rod outward, which then engages the slack adjuster. The force of this action depends on the air pressure and the size of the diaphragm. 

Why Choosing the Right Brake Chamber Produces Long-Term Savings

Balancing initial costs with long-term benefits is essential when considering brake chamber replacements. While high-quality brake chambers like those from MGM Brakes may have a higher upfront cost, their durability and reliability lead to lower maintenance costs and fewer replacements over time. This short versus longer-term investment trade-off decision ultimately results in significant savings and improved vehicle uptime.

Unpacking the Advantages That Make MGM Brake Chambers Stand Out

This discussion outlines the key features and benefits of MGM’s Model TR brake chambers, available upgrades, and the newer LTS Long-Life brake chamber. Their focus on durability, safety, and long-term performance advantages makes them the preferred choice for many heavy-duty vehicles.

TR Series Brake Chambers: (available in both standard and long stroke models)

  • Tamper-Resistant Design: Increases technician safety by preventing access.
  • Long-Life Epoxy-Coated Power Spring: Provides durability and extends the lifespan of the chamber.
  • Heavy-Duty Nylon-Reinforced Diaphragms: Provides robust performance and longer service life. Neoprene diaphragms are also available.
  • Corrosion Fighter Technology: A no coil contact spring design.
  • Heavy Duty NPC: Heavy-duty steel houses the spring in the non-pressure chamber for durability and structural integrity under significant vibration over rough roads.

Figure 1 – Cutaway of the MGM TR Model Brake Chamber

MGM offers several upgrades that provide the following additional features beyond the base-level TR model brake chamber:

Enhanced Model TR Chambers: (available in both standard and long stroke models)

  • Model TR-T: Adds a breather tube to resist contaminants, venting air from the protected non-pressure chamber to prevent moisture and foreign particles from entering.
  • Model TR-TS: Epoxy coating inside and outside of the center case and upper piston for extra protection, making it ideal for harsh environments.
  • Model TR-HD: Adds a heavy-duty power spring, providing additional parking brake force.
  • Model TRB: Designed to provide the air disc braking power needed for the punishing stop-and-go environment.
  • Corrosion Fighter Technology: Available in all TR30 and TR36 chambers.

Figure 2 – MGM Brakes Upgrades and Features

Model LTS Long-Life Brake Chamber Includes Even More:

In addition to all of the features provided in its MGM Brakes TR chambers, the newer LTS exclusively offers the following improvements:

  • Corrosion-Resistant Aluminum Body: Combined with a heavy-duty steel mounting base, it provides superior protection in harsh environments.
  • Integral Caging Bolt: This unique patented design simplifies maintenance and enhances safety. The dual-threaded bolt spins faster, reducing the time needed for caging and uncaging.
  • Lower Total Cost of Ownership: Durable brake actuators designed for superior performance and longevity reduce cost over the long term despite higher initial investment.
Figure 3 – Cutaway of the MGM LTS Model Long-Life Brake Chamber

Causes of Brake Chamber Failure and MGM’s Solutions

Brake chamber failures can lead to significant downtime and safety risks. Common causes include power spring breakage and oil contamination of rubber diaphragms:

Power Spring Breakage: Breaks occur due to corrosion and metal fatigue. MGM’s Corrosion Fighter Technology addresses this issue by eliminating the coil clash that leads to rust and spring failure.

Oil Contamination of Rubber Diaphragms: Oil can degrade rubber diaphragms, leading to leaks and failures. MGM’s optional Hybrid Neoprene Diaphragm technology sheds oil, preventing absorption and prolonging diaphragm life.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Brake Chamber Failure 

  • Air leaks, typified by a loud hissing sound when braking.
  • Uneven application of brakes to both sides of the vehicle., pulling to one side.
  • Push-rod stroke length is not within regulatory limits.
  • A feeling of significantly reduced braking power or effectiveness.
  • Noticeable delay between brake pedal application and the engagement of brakes.

Tips for Selecting Brake Chamber Replacements to Ensure Proper Fit 

Choosing the correct brake chamber size and type involves assessing the vehicle’s operational environment and specific needs. Here are some valuable tips:

  • Understand the Vehicle Requirements: Ensure the brake chamber type and size match the specifications. Different vehicles have different braking needs. Heavy-duty trucks may require more robust chambers compared to smaller transit buses.
  • Match the Chamber Type and Size: Determine the brake chamber size by locating the size markings on the outside of the chamber, measuring the diameter of the clamp used to hold it together, or referring to the owner’s manual. While the most common size is 30, vehicles use smaller and larger sizes. 
  • Consult with Experts: Seek advice from experienced professionals, including KIRKS’ customer service, on selecting the appropriate chamber for your heavy-duty brake system.

MGM Brakes’ TR, LTS, and Piston brake chambers offer unmatched reliability, safety, and performance for heavy-duty, long-haul, and other commercial vehicles. By choosing high-quality brake chambers, fleet managers can keep their trucks running safely and efficiently, which means less downtime and lower costs. 

Brake Confidently with KIRKS Expert Solutions

Contact KIRKS for expert guidance on selecting the right brake solutions and replacement parts. As your trusted partner, we offer a comprehensive range of MGM Brake Chambers, providing cutting-edge technology and quality products for all heavy-duty vehicles. Whether you need new parts or Approved Equal Replacements, your dedicated KIRKS Account Manager can help you find the perfect fit. Email us at sales@kirks.com or call (313) 933-7030 for seamless upgrades or advice.