Search results
Air brakes use compressed air to make the brakes work. Air brakes are a good and safe way of stopping large and heavy vehicles, but the brakes must be well maintained and used properly. Air brakes are really three different braking systems: service brake, parking brake, and emergency brake. •= The service brake system applies and releases the ...
Most large commercial vehicles are equipped with an air brake system. You must have an air brake endorsement on your driver’s licence to drive these vehicles. The purpose of this handbook is to introduce you to the knowledge and skills you need to drive a vehicle with air brakes in a safe and lawful manner.
Usually driven by the vehicle engine, the air compr essor builds the air pressure for the air brake system. The air compressor is typically cooled by the engine coolant system and lubricated by the engine oil sup ply. (Certain models have self-lubricated and/or air-coo led versions available.)
The actual air brake system pressure range must never be lower than 100 psi (690 kPa) or higher than 145 psi (1000 kPa). Air compressors are generally powered directly by the vehicle’s engine or by using belts and pulleys and can be mounted either directly on the engine or by brackets and fasteners.
Force & Torque Generated Using Compressed Air. Air compressor stores energy in reservoirs as compressed air. Air pressure is directed to brake chambers through valves and air lines. Pressure builds in brake chambers and applies foundation brakes.
placed in the correct operating environment, air disc brakes can be used successfully on today’s modern commercial vehicle. Sizing the brake to meet the specifi c load carrying requirements of the trailer can improve the vehicle’s average stopping distances.
Brake size (diameter), brake block or pad characteristics and the foundation brake design (S-Cam, air disc, etc.) influence brake torque. In the case of S-Cam brakes, the torque is carefully evaluated in relation to drum capacity, drum area, and lining area and in the case of air disc brakes, rotor/pad specifications.
