A piston tube assembly (17) for a spring brake actuator (1) includes a first tubular body (35) having a contoured inside surface profile (55) for non-rotationally guiding a running nut (21) of a mechanical release mechanism (19, 21), and an internal breather valve (41) mounted to the piston tube assembly (17) for allowing fluid transport into and out of the piston tube assembly and any volume in fluid communication therewith. The piston tube assembly (17) includes a second tubular body (37) that is of a different material than the first tubular body (35), which encloses the first tubular body (35) and mechanically supports the first tubular body (35), and the internal breather valve (41) is mounted to the first tubular body (35).