FAW Zhongqiao Brake: A Critical Analysis of 28 Self-Adjusting Components

Welcome to this critical technical analysis of the FAW Zhongqiao Brake (Assembly 548). This is the complete, S-Cam, “self-adjusting” drum brake assembly for the “Zhongqiao” or *centre* (forward) drive axle of the FAW Jiefang CA4251P66K24T1A3E5 6×4 diesel semi-trailer tractor. This assembly is a primary “service brake” responsible for providing a large portion of the vehicle’s stopping power.

The FAW Zhongqiao Brake is a heavy-duty pneumatic “logic” system. Its function is to convert high-pressure air from the ‘Spring brake chamber’ (3530010DA6T-C00) into immense mechanical stopping force. This is achieved through the rotational logic of the ‘S-Cam’ and the ‘Rear slack adjuster assembly’ (3502205CA2T-C00). This system is designed for maximum power, reliability, and ease of maintenance.

This in-depth guide is an essential resource for professional brake technicians and fleet managers. We will deconstruct the entire FAW Zhongqiao Brake system into its 28 serviceable components, including the S-cams, slack adjusters, brake shoes, support brackets, and the critical springs and rollers that ensure fail-safe operation. Understanding this FAW Zhongqiao Brake is paramount for vehicle safety.

Core “Logic” 1: The S-Cam Actuation System

The heart of the FAW Zhongqiao Brake‘s actuation “logic” is the “S-Cam.” This assembly includes the ‘Centre left cam’ (3503015-90R) and ‘Centre right cam’ (3503020-90R). This is a simple, robust, and incredibly powerful mechanism.

This component is a solid, S-shaped, forged steel “cam” that is part of a shaft. This shaft passes through the ‘Centre left/right axle head bracket’ (3503125-A6T / 3503130-A6T) and is supported by ‘Bushing-cam shaft’ (3501028-A0S). On the outside of the FAW Zhongqiao Brake, this shaft is splined to the ‘Slack adjuster assembly’ (3502205CA2T-C00).

Here is the “logic” of the FAW Zhongqiao Brake in action:

1. The driver presses the brake pedal, sending air to the ‘Spring brake chamber’ (3530010DA6T-C00).
2. The air chamber pushes a rod, which rotates the ‘Slack adjuster’.
3. The ‘Slack adjuster’ rotates the S-cam shaft.
4. The “S” profile of the cam rotates between the two ‘Brake shoe rollers’ (3502394BA2T).
5. As the “high spot” of the “S” rotates, it acts as a wedge, forcing the two ‘Rear brake shoe friction plate assembly’ (3502375BA2T) units apart with immense mechanical advantage.
6. This forces the ‘Brake lining’ (3502407BA2T) into the ‘Rear brake drum’ (see Assembly 524/525), creating the friction that stops the truck.

When the driver releases the pedal, air is vented, and the ‘Return springs’ (3502392BA2T) snap the shoes back together, forcing the S-cam to rotate back to its “home” position. This simple, powerful logic is the standard for heavy-duty air brakes. The FAW Zhongqiao Brake relies on this S-cam design for its stopping power.

Core “Logic” 2: The Self-Adjusting System (3502205CA2T-C00)

The most important safety “logic” of the FAW Zhongqiao Brake is its “self-adjusting” capability, as noted in the diagram title. This is the function of the ‘Rear slack adjuster assembly’ (3502205CA2T-C00).

As the ‘Brake lining’ (friction material) wears down, the “gap” between the shoe and the drum increases. This means the S-cam must rotate further and further to make contact. This “slack” results in a long, “spongy” pedal travel and dangerously slow brake application.

This ‘Slack adjuster’ assembly is the solution. It is an “intelligent” lever. It contains an internal one-way clutch mechanism. During normal braking, it acts as a solid lever. However, if the travel (the “slack”) becomes too great, the internal mechanism “clicks” one notch on its return stroke. This “click” slightly rotates the resting position of the S-cam shaft, permanently “adjusting” the “home” position of the brake shoes to be closer to the drum.

This “self-adjusting” logic is a critical safety feature that ensures the FAW Zhongqiao Brake is always in perfect adjustment, providing a firm pedal and immediate stopping power. A failed slack adjuster (one that is seized or has a broken spring) is a critical fault that will cause the brakes on that wheel to either drag (if stuck “on”) or not apply (if stuck “off”). This component is a key part of the FAW Zhongqiao Brake system. The ‘Gasket-slack adjuster’ (3501251-A0S) and ‘Brake adjustment washer’ (3501156A392) are used to shim and seal this component.

The Foundation: Brackets, Shoes, and Springs

The entire FAW Zhongqiao Brake assembly must be mounted to the non-rotating centre axle housing (see Assembly 400). This “foundation” is provided by the ‘Brake support’ (3502026-A6T), and the ‘Centre left/right axle head bracket’ (3503125-A6T, 3503130-A6T). These heavy-duty steel brackets are the “anchor” for the entire system, secured to the axle flange.

The ‘Rear left (up/down) brake shoe friction plate assembly’ (3502375BA2T) and ‘Rear right (up/down) brake shoe friction plate assembly’ (3502380BA2T) are the main friction components. These are the steel “shoes” that hold the ‘Brake lining II’ (3502407BA2T). These linings are attached with ‘Brake lining plate rivets’ (3502408BA2T). The shoes themselves pivot on the ‘Rear brake shoe shaft’ (3502086-A6T).

The “fail-safe” logic of the FAW Zhongqiao Brake is provided by the springs. The ‘Return spring’ (3502392BA2T) is a high-tension spring that is constantly *pulling* the brake shoes *away* from the drum. The ‘Return spring hook pin’ (3502396BA2T) and ‘Cotter pins’ (Q43122) hold it in place. The instant the driver releases the brake pedal, this spring snaps the shoes back, immediately releasing the brake. A broken or weak return spring is a dangerous fault that will cause the FAW Zhongqiao Brake to “drag,” leading to overheating, brake fade, and potential fire.

The “Muscle”: ‘Spring Brake Chamber’ (3530010DA6T-C00)

The “muscle” of the FAW Zhongqiao Brake is the ‘Spring brake chamber quick connector assembly’ (3530010DA6T-C00). This is a “spring brake” or “maxi-brake” chamber, which is a key “logic” and safety component.

This chamber is actually *two* chambers in one:

1. **Service Brake:** The “front” half is a standard air chamber. When the driver presses the pedal, air enters this chamber, pushing a rod to apply the FAW Zhongqiao Brake (as described with the S-Cam).
2. **Parking/Emergency Brake:** The “back” half contains a massive, powerful spring that is *always* trying to push the rod and apply the brake. The *only* thing that releases it is high-pressure air (80+ PSI).

This is the “fail-safe” logic. To drive the truck, the driver must “charge” the system, sending air to this rear chamber to “cage” or compress the powerful spring, *releasing* the parking brake. If the truck ever loses all air pressure (e.g., from a burst FAW Brake Line or compressor failure), this spring is automatically released, mechanically applying the FAW Zhongqiao Brake and stopping the truck. The ‘Support’ (3501033-242) and ‘Dust cover-brake shoe’ (3502031-A6T) help protect these vital components.

FAW Zhongqiao Brake Parts List (1/2)

The following table provides the first part of the detailed breakdown for the FAW Zhongqiao Brake (548) diagram for the FAW CA4251P66K24T1A3E5 tractor.

FAW Zhongqiao Brake Parts List (2/2)

This table details the remaining components for the FAW Zhongqiao Brake (548) diagram.

Technical Specifications and Assembly Context

The specifications for the FAW Zhongqiao Brake are defined by its function as a heavy-duty, S-Cam, self-adjusting air brake. The FAW Zhongqiao Brake is a primary safety system for the centre drive axle.