What is used to generate the air used to operate an air brake system?
Air Compressor. The air compressor is the main part of any air brake system that is driven by the engine using a belt drive. It compresses atmospheric air to the desired pressure and transfers it to the storage tank.
How do air brakes work on a trailer?
Air brakes work using compressed air instead of hydraulic fluid. Air brakes can be either drum brakes or disc brakes, or a combination of both. Air is pressurized by an engine-mounted compressor. The air compressor then pumps the air into the air storage tanks, which store the compressed air until it’s needed.
Are air brakes better than hydraulic?
Although air brakes are considered the superior braking system for heavy vehicles (gross weight ~26,000 to 33,000 pounds or more) which would overload hydraulic brakes, they also have the following disadvantages when compared to hydraulic braking systems: Air brakes generally cost more.
How does a trailer air brake system work?
The service brakes will operate with apply and release air in the service (control) line by the tractor hand control or foot control valve. HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR SYSTEM All types of trailer air brake systems can be identified for troubleshooting purposes by starting from the brake chamber or spring brake assembly.
How are trailer brakes compounded by a tractor?
24. Trailer brakes which have a spring brake control valve can be compounded by the tractor air brake system. The compounding occurs when service air pressure is trapped in the trailer service line by the tractor protection valve when the supply line is released to atmosphere.
What happens if there is an air leak in the trailer?
But if there is an air leak in the trailer, the tractor protection valve will make the trailer brakes set to protect the tractor’s air supply so you can still stop. The other system is the service brake system.
What should I know about my air brake system?
-Brakes need adjusting, lubricating or relining. -Low air pressure in the brake system (below 60 psi). -Brake valve delivery pressure below normal. -Wrong size actuators and/or slack adjusters. -Failure of part of a dual air system. -If remote mounted brake valve, check linkage.