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The reliability of a commercial truck’s braking system depends on the flawless performance of both its primary and secondary components. As a leading provider of critical Foton truck parts, we present the vital Retracting Spring, designated by the official OEM part number 880440032. This specific spring is engineered for particular FOTON truck models to perform the crucial task of actively pulling the brake shoes away from the drum after each braking application. The consistent function of spring 880440032 is fundamental to preventing residual brake drag, minimizing unnecessary wear on friction components, and ensuring optimal fuel efficiency and vehicle safety.
Retracting Spring (English)
Возвратная пружина (Russian)
Muelle de Retorno (Spanish)
The Retracting Spring, part number 880440032, is a critical element within the drum brake assembly. Its sole purpose is to provide a positive and immediate return force the moment hydraulic pressure is released from the wheel cylinder.
This action retracts the brake shoes from the inner surface of the rotating drum, re-establishing a precise running clearance. This clearance is essential for free wheel rotation when the brakes are not applied. The spring, 880440032, must overcome any residual friction, slight adhesion, or mechanical stickiness to ensure the shoes fully disengage.
Without this spring’s calibrated tension, the shoes could remain in partial contact, a condition known as brake drag. This leads to constant friction, excessive heat generation, accelerated wear, and a significant drop in fuel economy. Therefore, the performance of this small component has a major impact on operating costs and safety.
The 880440032 Retracting Spring component is a helical tension spring, meticulously designed with specific parameters. The wire diameter, coil diameter, pitch, and number of active coils are all calculated to produce the exact force required for the brake shoe mass and leverage in its application.
The material is typically a high-carbon or chrome-silicon alloy steel, chosen for its high yield strength and excellent elastic memory. This ensures the spring returns to its original length after deflection without taking a permanent set.
The end hooks are formed to precise angles to engage securely with the brake shoe and the fixed anchor pin on the backing plate. The entire spring is often treated with a protective zinc or phosphate coating to resist corrosion from brake dust, moisture, and road salts.
A compromised retracting spring, such as part 880440032, manifests through several identifiable symptoms. The most direct is brake drag, where the vehicle feels sluggish and fuel consumption increases noticeably.
The wheel hub or drum on the affected axle will become excessively hot to the touch after even a short drive, often accompanied by a distinct burning smell. In advanced cases, the brake may smoke. Visually, a failed spring may appear stretched, corroded, or have a broken coil or hook.
Ignoring these signs leads to rapid and uneven lining wear, glazing of the friction material, scoring and potential heat-cracking of the expensive brake drum, and increased bearing wear. The cost of replacing spring 880440032 is minimal compared to these potential damages.
The table below provides the detailed technical data for the genuine FOTON Retracting Spring. Use this information for accurate parts identification and technical reference.
| Parameter | Specification | Description / Standard |
|---|---|---|
| OEM Part Number | 880440032 | Official FOTON Identification |
| Product Name | Retracting Spring | Brake Shoe Return Spring |
| Brand | FOTON | Original Equipment Manufacturer |
| Spring Type | Helical Tension Spring | With formed end hooks |
| Core Material | High-Carbon Spring Steel | SAE 1065-1095 range |
| Surface Treatment | Zinc Plated or Phosphated | For corrosion resistance |
| Application | Drum Brake System | Specific FOTON truck models |
| Function | Active Brake Shoe Retraction | Prevents drag, ensures clearance |
Installing the retracting spring 880440032 requires proper technique and tools for safety and effectiveness. The vehicle must be securely lifted and supported, with the wheel and brake drum removed.
The use of dedicated brake spring tools is highly recommended. These tools allow for safe removal of the old spring and controlled installation of the new one, preventing injury from a spring slipping under tension. The hooks of the new spring, part 880440032, must be fully seated in the designated holes on the brake shoe web and the anchor pin.
Before installation, clean the anchor pin and contact points on the shoe. Apply a small amount of high-temperature brake lubricant to these points to ensure smooth movement and prevent premature spring fatigue from binding. Always replace springs in axle sets (both sides) to maintain balanced braking.
Incorporate spring inspection into your regular brake maintenance schedule to avoid unexpected failures of part 880440032.
Visual Inspection Criteria: During brake service, look for rust scaling, corrosion pitting, reduced coil diameter, or any deformation of the hooks. Compare the free length and coil spacing with a new spring.
Functional Test: With the brake drum removed, manually actuate the brake mechanism and observe the return of the shoes. A slow or uneven return indicates a weak spring or binding components. The spring 880440032 should snap the shoes back crisply.
Systematic Diagnosis: Use a non-contact infrared thermometer after a short drive to check for abnormal heat in wheel hubs. A significantly hotter hub on one side is a strong indicator of brake drag, potentially caused by a failing retracting spring.
Preventive Replacement Policy: Consider replacing all retracting springs as a set every second major brake service (e.g., every other lining change). This inexpensive preventive measure protects against unforeseen downtime and more costly repairs.
The 880440032 spring is not a universal component. It is designed for specific FOTON truck models, brake shoe configurations, and axle types. Using the correct OEM part number is essential to ensure the spring has the proper tension and physical dimensions.
A spring with too little tension will not retract the shoes fully, causing drag. One with too much tension can over-stress the brake shoe or anchor pin, potentially causing damage or altering the shoe’s engagement angle with the drum.
Always verify compatibility using your vehicle’s VIN or a reliable parts catalog. The genuine part 880440032 guarantees the spring is calibrated for the weight and leverage of your specific FOTON brake shoes.
The material quality and manufacturing precision of the 880440032 spring are critical to its performance. Genuine FOTON parts use spring steel with consistent metallurgy and precise heat treatment to ensure reliable elasticity and fatigue life.
Aftermarket springs may use inferior materials or have inconsistent tension, leading to premature failure or unpredictable performance. The cost difference is minimal, but the risk of causing expensive secondary damage is significant.
Investing in the genuine spring ensures your brakes function as designed, providing safety, reliability, and optimal operating economy. The part number 880440032 is your assurance of this quality.
The Retracting Spring, OEM part 880440032, is a classic example of a small, low-cost component that performs a vital function. Its role in ensuring complete brake release protects your investment from the hidden and costly effects of drag.
Choosing the genuine FOTON part guarantees the correct tension, fit, and durability. This ensures reliable brake operation, maximizes the lifespan of expensive friction components and drums, and contributes directly to vehicle safety and fuel efficiency.
Never overlook this critical component during brake maintenance. Insist on the authentic 880440032 retracting spring for all your FOTON brake servicing needs. Rely on our comprehensive inventory of genuine and quality-assured parts to maintain your fleet’s performance, safety, and reliability at the highest possible standard.
If you have any questions about our products, services, or anything related to what we offer, please don’t hesitate to leave us a message—our dedicated team is always ready to provide prompt and helpful responses to address your concerns. What’s more, when you become our valued customer, we’re delighted to offer you complimentary catalog services, giving you access to detailed, up-to-date information on our full range of products, specifications, and offerings to help you make informed decisions.