A Detailed Guide on Truck’s Air Brake System and its Parts

A truck’s prime role is to transport thousands of tons of weight from one part to another. When it comes to trucking, one component that carries utmost importance is the brake system. The braking system incorporates air brakes for heavy-duty vehicles like trucks, tractors, buses, and trailers.

The Air brake system uses compressed air instead of hydraulic fluid. These brakes are either drum brake or disc brake or have a combination of both. The heavy commercial vehicle is largely dependent upon air-powered brakes to keep drivers and everyone else safe on the road.

Key Air Brakes Components and its Function

Below are the main parts of an air brake system of a Truck

Air Compressor

It is used to create and maintain air pressure to operate the other important air brake compressor parts and accessories safely and consistently. It is designed to pump air into the reservoir that later generates pressurized air. The air brake compressor is in constant drive with the vehicle engine, and the device loads and unloads air pumped by reservoirs and the other two cylindrical.

Reservoir

An Air reservoir is usually used to hold compressed air. However, the number and size of air reservoirs differ based on vehicle type. The reservoir can hold enough air so that the driver can make several brake applications even if the engine and compressor stop functioning. However, the amount of air is not under the driver’s control, and it usually depends upon how much air is circulated by the compressor.

Brake Pedal

Brakes are operated by pushing down the brake pedal or foot valve. The brake pedal determines the volume of air pressure used in a situation. Pushing it harder means more air pressure will require. However, pushing and releasing the pedal unnecessarily can let air out, which the compressor can’t immediately cover. Also, when the pressure gets too low, the brakes stop functioning.

Brake Chambers

The brake chambers or brake pots are often used for turning compressed air into mechanical force. Because of this mechanism, brakes get triggered, and heavy commercial vehicles can drive and halt safely on complex roads.

Foundation brakes

The foundation brakes are typically used at each truck wheel. Although there are a few but the most common is the s-cam drum brake. The s-cam or air brake camshafts are responsible for spreading the brake chamber and making brake shoes apart from one another. It causes friction between the brake lining and the brake drum. This friction makes the vehicle slow down.

Conclusion

The Air brakes are one of the effective brake systems compared to others, and it offers a heavy braking effect for heavy vehicles and trucks. It is best to understand the key parts of the air brakes system so as to properly maintain them and avoid any possible mishaps.

Partner with Surya Truck Parts to get the best spare parts at affordable costs. It also provides a range of truck parts and accessories, including Air brake camshafts, air brake compressors, wheel bearings, clutch parts, and much more, all in one place. Contact today to get the parts at the best rate.

I'm a business consultant and write on various topics like automobiles, travel, food, technology etc.