TRUCK AIR BRAKE REPAIR IN LITCHFIELD, OH & EVANS CITY, PA

AIR BRAKES EXPLAINED

Unlike passenger cars and light-duty trucks, heavy-duty trucks use compressed air to activate their brake assemblies rather than brake fluid. Compressed air is far less likely to leak and provides significantly more braking power than fluid-based setups. The assemblies activated by compressed air are generally drum brake setups and are comprised of a series of moving components. Starting with the service chamber on each wheel, the compressed air sets your pushrod and Q-cam in motion, which in turn causes your brake shoes to expand outwards. This allows your brake pads to make contact with your drum, which in turn brings your truck to a stop.

BRAKE ADJUSTERS EXPLAINED

Your brake adjusters take up slack as your brake pads wear down. This task is of the utmost importance, for without brake adjusters your pushrod would have to travel significantly farther to activate your brakes. This puts more stress on your air compression system and makes your braking system less effective. Brake adjusters are automatic, but over time they may need to be calibrated by a trained and certified professional.

BRAKE PAD SERVICE INTERVAL

Most manufacturers recommend changing heavy-duty brake pads once every 40 to 60 thousand miles. However, this service interval may change depending on the distance you travel and the cargo you carry. Bring your truck to Hook-N-Haul today to get your brake life measured or your brake assembly maintained.