Unit - #6 Air Brake System Understanding the design of the Air Brake System and an overview of the Engine Retarder System

Brake Systems Braking System Service Brake Parking Brake Emergency Brake Air Storage Tank's Air Compressor Compressor Governor

Brake Pedal Brake pedal application is critical to a reliable air brake system response

Air Brake Components AIR TANK Manual Draining Valve

Gauge Display Supply Pressure Gauges Rear Front

Parking Brake Control NEVER push the brake pedal down when the spring brakes are on. Don’t use the brakes if they are very hot In freezing temperatures they can freeze

Parking Brake Control Use wheel chocks to hold the vehicle. Let hot brakes cool before using the parking brake. If the brakes are wet, use light braking while driving in a low gear to heat and dry them.

Spring Brakes Knob “pushed in” fills the air storage tank(s) – compresses the brake springs – releases pads from rotor or drums and the vehicle moves. Pulling the knob releases air from the air storage tank(s) - brake springs decompress or expand – brake pads play pressure on the rotors / drums and we slow down and / or stop.

Air Brake Test External – Chock your wheels Internal – Vehicle in NEUTRAL Release you AIR BRAKE Pump your Service Brake Note Air Gauge indicators Determine lower pressure reading that activates the brake automatically.

Refill Brakes Air System Refilling

Dual Parking Control Valve When you push the brake control “in”, air from a separate tank releases the spring brakes so you can move the vehicle in an emergency.

Front Brake Limiting Switch NORMAL SLIPPERY Limiting valves are used to reduce the chance of front wheel skidding on slippery surfaces Braking is good under all conditions

Front Brake Limiting Switch NORMAL SLIPPERY Limiting valves are used to reduce the chance of front wheel skidding on slippery surfaces Braking is good under all conditions

Anti-Lock Brakes Purpose is to: Prevent the tires from locking under any conditions When making an emergency stop using an ABS the driver should maintain pressure on the brake pedal even if the pedal starts to pulsate

Engine Retarders Several different types: Engine Exhaust Transmission Slows the rear axle with some type of braking mechanism, that does not involve use of the regular service brake.

Engine Retarders If the roads are clean and dry the retarder can be used at any of the available settings. Do not use on a slippery road If the vehicle drive wheels begin to lock or the rear end begins to fishtail, immediately turn off the retarder system.

Unit - #6 Air Brake System