PacBrake Rotation

[Greg from Pittsburgh]

I found and old thread from 2008 where Engineer Mike recommended rotating the PacBrake from vertical to a 45 degree, does this help with the operation of the PacBrake?

[Algoma]

The idea was that it would stop the bottom bearing from seizing up as it would no longer be sitting in a pool of condensation. Mine is still vertical and have never had a problem. As long as you use the brake frequently I don't think it matters.

[EngineerMike]

IIRC I got that idea off a Yahoo group thread; there was a lot of chatter on the subject for a time. Apparently that got back to PacBrake, as they issued a statement that the brake should be left w/a vertical butterfly axle (i.e. don't rotate it), and they came out w/their own lube product with instructions for annual lubrication. I don't think rotating it will adversely affect operation as it was becoming common practice w/good reports form users. However there isn't any better practice than good lubrication for stuff that rusts.