Getting To Know Your Air System

How Air Brake Systems Stop Your Truck Safely

If you drive a semi-truck or commercial vehicle, then it's likely you've come across some that are made using air brake systems. The air brakes in your heavy-duty truck are one of the most important systems to make sure you know inside and out. To help you learn a little more about the air system in your semi-truck our team of experts has put together the following article for you to review. Read on to learn more about air brakes.

What is a Semi-Truck Air Brake System?

The air brake system on a commercial motor vehicle uses compressed air to push the brake shoe lining onto the brake drum. This creates the friction that clows the wheel down. Since there is no shortage of air and hydraulic fluid can get lost in a leak, semi-truck drivers rely on air brakes to help stop their vehicles.

How Does an Air Brake System Work?

When you press down on the brake pedal, the air compressor pumps air into air reservoirs, located under the truck. That air is then pushed through the air brake lines until it reaches the air brake. With "S-Cam" brake systems, air pressure pushes a rod out that activates the slack adjuster. The slack adjuster calibrates the brake system to make sure that the internal spring mechanism is functioning properly.

Air then flows through the nozzle to the air brake chamber where the spring to moves the s-cam. The cam moves the brake shoe's lining away from one another, pressing them in the brake drum. Friction and pressure are created which slows the wheel down. When you release your foot from the pedal, the cam rotates back, causing the spring to pull the brake shoes away from the drum.

What are the Components of an Air Brake System?

There are several components that make up your truck's air brake system. Each of these items plays an important role in making sure you can safely operate and stop your vehicle at all times. These components include:

1. Compressor: Compressors are designed to build up and maintain pressure in the system.

2. Reservoirs: Reservoirs store the compressed air that is used in braking.

3. Foot Valves: Foot valves are made to draw in air from the reservoirs when the brakes are applied.

4. Brake Chambers: Brake chambers force the compressed air into the mechanical linkages in the system.

5. Brake Shoes and Drums or Rotors and Pads: These elements of the braking system create the friction necessary to slow down the wheel rotation of your truck.

Signs You May Have a Failing Brake System

It is incredibly important to make sure that your brake system is working properly at all times. That being said, there are several ways to determine whether your brake system may have components that need to be replaced. A few signs your brakes may need to be looked at include:

1. Soft Brakes: If you don't experience any resistance when your press on the brake, this can indicate air or moisture in the system.

2. Brake Light: If the brake light indicator is activated it can mean that one of a few possible issues have occurred with your brake system.

3. High Pitched Noises: High pitched squealing or squeaking noises are not always a sing that one of the components is bad. However, it can mean that your brake pad wear indicators have worn down.

4. Burning Smell: A burning smell, or sharp chemical odor, can definitely be a sign that your brakes have overheated.

5. Vibration When Braking: If your steering wheel or vehicle vibrates when you press the brake pedal, it is possible that your rotor's thickness is uneven. If the brake pad's material transfers unevenly, you will experience vibration. If it remains uneven, the material will build on the uneven spots, which will make the problem worse over time.

6. Fluid Leaks: Brake fluid is used to create hydraulic pressure against the brake caliper. If you semi-truck no longer has any fluid in the system you will not be able to stop it safely.

7. Vehicle Pulls to the Side: This can be a bad brake hose or a caliper issue. If this occurs on the front brakes, it can mean that one brake may be working and the another isn't. This will create force in the direction of the brake that is working.

8. Grinding: whether you have disc or drum brakes, grinding noises could mean that your brakes need servicing immediately. The brake pad or shoe scraping on metal contact points will cause a loud grinding noise that will be noticeable when you are applying the brake.

If you are experiencing any of the above issues with your braking system, you will want to make sure you bring your truck into a qualified mechanic that can properly diagnose and fix the problem.

Read More About Air Systems

If you are interested in learning more about the air system in your semi-truck, then you've come to the right place. To help you learn as much as possible, our expert team of trucking industry specialists have put together the list of articles below. Click on any of the links below to read more about air systems and the role they play in your semi-truck's overall health.

· Getting to Know Your Air System: Air Compressors

· Getting to Know Your Air System: Air Tanks

· Getting to Know Your Air System: Air Dryers

· Getting To Know Your Air System: Gladhands

Shop Air Systems Today!

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