Abstract: An improved tamper resistant brake actuator for sealing the pressurized parking brake section and inhibiting the unauthorized disassembly thereof. The spring housing has a first annular flange and the adapter base has a second annular flange that are cooperatively configured to define an annular channel when they are joined together. The periphery of the parking chamber diaphragm is provided with an expanded portion, preferably an integral o-ring, that sealably fits within the annular channel when the two annular flanges are engaged so as to provide radial sealing for the parking brake section. A ring-shaped annular retaining member or clamp is circumferentially disposed about the interface of the flanges and diaphragm periphery and is secured with a connecting mechanism that inhibits disassembly of the adapter base. The ends of the retaining member can be crimped, welded or bolted/riveted together. The retaining member is not required to axially clamp the diaphragm periphery.

Abstract: An improved bushing assembly for the center seal used with an adapter base separating pressure chambers in a spring brake actuator to allow a push rod to pass through an aperture therein without loss of pressurized fluid between the pressure chambers. The improved bushing assembly has a flexing component that allows for non-linear or flexing motion of the push rod, a sealing component for sealably engaging the push rod and a locking component for securing the bushing assembly inside the aperture. The improved bushing prevents damage to the sealing member and aperture from the non-linear push rod motion. The flexing component comprises a bushing member having an inner wall and outer wall that form a channel therebetween. The outer wall has engagement tabs to lockingly engage a groove in the aperture to secure the bushing assembly therein. A spring brake adapter is provided that utilizes the improved bushing assembly.

Abstract: A hubcap breather assembly is provided for a hubcap housing lubricated wheel bearings in an automotive vehicle. The breather assembly includes a resilient, annular collar that fits into an access opening in a hubcap end wall, a filter cartridge cup, and a filter cartridge lid which fit together to hold a filter therebetween in a filter cartridge chamber. The filter is a hydrophobic, gas-permeable, particular matter filter that is disposed within and extends entirely across the filter cartridge chamber. Ambient air entering the hubcap through the hubcap breather assembly is filtered to exclude both particulate matter and water before entering the wheel bearing chamber. The filter is preferably formed of three layers, including an outboard porous layer of sintered polypropylene plastic, an intermediate hydrophobic layer of polytetrafluoroethylene, and an inboard porous layer of sintered polypropylene plastic. The filter can be replaced by separating the filter cartridge lid from the filter cartridge cup.