Air Brakes

Air Brakes

Air brakes are one of the most crucial safety components in your truck, and failure to maintain them properly could endanger yourself and others on the highway.

How to Prevent Expensive Repairs

You should perform these tests before every trip:

• Check the low air warning system: With your engine off, repeatedly pump the brakes until the pressure drops below 60 psi. If your warning system is working, the light should come on with a beeping sound or buzzer.
• Air leakage test: With your engine off and a fully-charged air system, release your parking brake and time depressurization. Air loss should not be over 2 psi per minute.
• Check service brakes: Press and hold the brake. Then time depressurization. Air loss should not be over 3 psi per minute. You should also be wary of delays in braking while moving.
• Check pressure build-up: With your engine on at 1500 RPMs, the pressure should build up between 85 psi to 100 psi within 45 seconds.
• Spring Brake Check: With the engine off, pump the brakes continually. When air pressure reaches 20-40 psi, the parking brake knob will pop out.
• Governor Cut-in and Cut-out: The governor is critical for proper compression rates. It should cut out at around 125 psi and cut in around 100 psi.
• Walk around test: Walk around the truck and listen for any hissing noises that indicate air leaks.

Signs your Brakes Need Repairs

• Scraping or squeaking noises
• Excessive air leaks
• The air dryer is purging excessively
• Oil or water in the air reservoir 
• Excessive noise from the air compressor
• Restricted air brake lines
• Slow pressure build-up

How we can Help

• Parts replacement
• Check compressor, brake hoses, s-cams, and slack adjusters
• Brake adjustment

Have questions? Give us a call!