Air Brake Manual

· there are no air leaks;
· the glad hands and the lines are secure;
· the drums, bearings and tires are not overheating;
· the trailer supply valve is operating properly.
This should be used as an in-service check only and
not mistaken as a daily pre-trip air brake inspection.
The driver must be aware of the condition of the
vehicle’s braking system at all times. This can be
done by:
· watching the pressure gauges;
· hearing the warning signals; and
· feeling the braking response of the vehicle.
By these methods of observation, the driver should
be able to notice any defects developing in the
braking system and be aware that service or
adjustment is required.
Maintenance and Servicing of the
Air Brake System
Ensuring that the vehicle is in proper condition to
drive is the responsibility of everyone involved.
Preventive maintenance checks are designed to
prevent mechanical failures that could result from
neglect. These checks cut repair costs by detecting
minor mechanical defects which would otherwise
develop into major breakdowns.
Preventive maintenance may be assigned to a
maintenance crew or to the driver. However the
driver must ensure that the braking system is in
operating condition before the vehicle moves.
Section Summary Questions
1. Should all drivers be able to adjust S-cam
brake systems
2. What tests must be made at a “truck stop here”
sign posted before a steep or long downgrade
3. Do the brake adjustment specifications differ
between the S-cam and the disc brakes
system
4. After an adjustment has been made when
should the brakes be checked
5. What is brake fade
6. What is the main cause of brake failure
7. What are three ways to check the condition of a
vehicle’s braking system
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