FAQ

Pressure springs are factory set and should not be adjusted in Stearns Brakes with the exception of the 56,000 series brakes. Per their instructions brakes from 3 - 25 lb-ft pressure torque can be reduced by up to 50% of rated torque. See instructions for adjusting torque in the installation and service instructions.

View Installation & Service Instructions for 56,000 Series

Yes, we can provide a line filter. Just call Stearns product support and advise the part number for the brake coil, or the model number for the brake.

Each pressure spring for Stearns SABs is color-coded to indicate the torque rating of the brake for example: 

56,000 series - green spring is for 1.5 and 3 lb-ft brakes, clear coated (silver) spring is for 6 and 10 lb-ft brakes and the gold spring is for 15, 20 and 25 lb-ft brakes. 

87,000 series - Black spring is for 6 and 10 lb-ft brakes, white spring is for 15 lb-ft brakes orange is for 25 and 50 lb-ft brakes and purple is for 35, 75 and 105 lb-ft brakes. 

82,000 series brakes green spring is for 125 lb-ft brakes, yellow springs are for 175 and 230 lb-ft brakes and the red spring is for 330 and 440 lb-ft brakes. 

All 86,000 series brakes have red springs (500 lb-ft, 750 lb-ft and 1000 lb-ft).

Most likely the caution warning on the support plate that instructs to secure the solenoid plunger to the solenoid frame prior to loosening the support plate mounting screws was not follow, and the self-adjust mechanism allowed the lever arm to spring out from the support plate. In this case, the lever arm may need to be reset. See reference pdf.

Re-setting Air Gap for 81 or 82 Series

Most likely the caution warning on the support plate that instructs to secure the solenoid plunger to the solenoid frame prior to loosening the support plate mounting screws was not follow, and the self-adjust mechanism allowed the lever arm to spring out from the support plate. In this case, the lever arm may need to be reset. See reference pdf.

Re-setting Air Gap for 87,000 Series

VIDEO TUTORIAL: How to Reset the Lever Arm on Stearns 87,000 Series Brake

The cotter pin in the 87,000 series brake is there as a gentle keeper to keep the solenoid link from sliding off of the solenoid lever. It sees no impact or side load. When the pin is installed at the Stearns factory, it is slightly spread open just enough to keep it from slipping through the cotter pin hole. If the cotter pin has broken, it can only be the result of weakening the cotter pin, by either bending it too far, removing and reinstalling it and thus stressing the metal.

The most common cause is the hub placement on the shaft.  If the hub is not set in the correct position, the friction discs can float, thus causing a chattering noise to occur. 

See installation instructions for correct hub placement on the shaft.

For 56,000 series brakes, anti-rattle clips can also be assembled to the friction disc(s). See installation instructions for the proper placement of anti-rattle clips.

There are several reasons a brake could overheat. Please use this troubleshooting guide to help identify your next steps. 

Trouble Shooting Guide for Overheating