Air Brake Systems Overview and Maintenance
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Questions and Answers

During normal driving, spring brakes are usually held back by?

air pressure

The brake pedal in an air brake system controls what?

the air pressure applied to put on the brakes

The brake system that applies and releases the brakes when the driver uses the brake pedal is what system?

service system

All air braked equipped vehicles must have what?

<p>A supply pressure gauge</p> Signup and view all the answers

If your truck or bus has dual parking control valves, you can use pressure from a separate tank to do what?

<p>release the spring brakes to move the vehicle in an emergency</p> Signup and view all the answers

The most common type of foundation brake found on heavy vehicles is the?

<p>s-cam drum brake</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parking or emergency brakes of trucks and buses can be legally held on by?

<p>spring pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

If your vehicle has an alcohol evaporator, it is there to do what?

<p>reduce the risk of ice in valves and other parts in cold weather</p> Signup and view all the answers

What may happen if you don't keep the alcohol evaporator filled with alcohol?

<p>ice may form in the tanks and cause the brakes to fail</p> Signup and view all the answers

The most important thing to do when the low air pressure warning comes on is?

<p>stop and park safely as soon as possible</p> Signup and view all the answers

The driver must be able to see a low air pressure warning that must come on before pressure in the tanks fall below what?

<p>60 psi</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under normal conditions, in order to engage the parking brake the driver must?

<p>let the air out of the system</p> Signup and view all the answers

To check the free play of manual slack adjustors on s-cam brakes, you should park on?

<p>level ground, clock the wheels, and release the parking brakes</p> Signup and view all the answers

If your vehicle has an alcohol evaporator, every day during cold weather you should?

<p>check and fill the alcohol level</p> Signup and view all the answers

For air brake systems in good condition, the air compressor should start pumping at?

<p>100 psi</p> Signup and view all the answers

A straight truck or bus system should not leak at a rate of more than?

<p>2 psi per minute with the engine off and brakes released</p> Signup and view all the answers

A slack adjustor probably needs adjustment if it moves more than?

<p>1 inch when you pull on it</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you are driving down a steep downgrade and you have reached your safe speed of 40 mph, you should apply the service brakes until your speed reaches what?

<p>35 mph</p> Signup and view all the answers

The use of brakes on a long and/or steep downgrade is only a supplement to what?

<p>the braking effect of the engine</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under ideal conditions, a truck with air brakes going 55 mph would require a stopping distance of what?

<p>more than 300 feet</p> Signup and view all the answers

Emergency stab braking is when you?

<p>brake as hard as you can, release the brakes when the wheels lock, put on the brakes again when the wheels start rolling</p> Signup and view all the answers

The braking power of the spring brakes depends on what?

<p>the service brakes being in adjustment</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you must make an emergency stop, brake so you?

<p>can steer and your vehicle stays in a straight line and turn if it becomes necessary</p> Signup and view all the answers

The proper method of braking when going down hills is?

<p>to reduce your speed by 5 mph below your safe speed before releasing the brakes</p> Signup and view all the answers

ABS changes what?

<p>the way you brake in an emergency</p> Signup and view all the answers

If your ABS is not working, you should?

<p>drive normally, but get the system serviced soon</p> Signup and view all the answers

The stop light switch does what?

<p>turns on the brake lights to warn drivers behind you</p> Signup and view all the answers

If air pressure does NOT build up to normal within the correct amount of time, what may happen?

<p>your air pressure may drop too low while driving, requiring an emergency stop</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the spring brakes are on, when should you push the brake pedal?

<p>never</p> Signup and view all the answers

If your truck's air compressor has its own oil supply, when should you first check the oil level?

<p>before driving</p> Signup and view all the answers

The safety valve is set automatically to reduce pressure in the tanks at what psi?

<p>150 psi</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Air Brake Systems Overview

  • Spring brakes are typically held back by air pressure during normal driving.
  • The brake pedal in an air brake system controls the air pressure to activate the brakes.
  • The service braking system applies and releases brakes using the brake pedal.

Mandatory Equipment and Safety

  • All vehicles equipped with air brakes must have a supply pressure gauge.
  • Parking control valves allow emergency use of pressure from a different tank to release spring brakes.
  • Trucks and buses can legally maintain parking or emergency brakes using spring pressure.
  • Vehicles should feature an alcohol evaporator to minimize ice formation in cold weather.

Maintenance Concerns

  • Failure to keep the alcohol evaporator filled can lead to ice in tanks and brake failure.
  • Daily checks of the alcohol level in the evaporator are advised during cold conditions.
  • Slack adjustors should not move more than one inch when manually pulled to indicate proper adjustment.

Operational Guidelines

  • Low air pressure warnings must activate before tank pressure falls below 60 psi.
  • To engage the parking brake under normal conditions, the driver must release air from the system.
  • A properly functioning air brake system should initiate compressor activity at 100 psi.

Performance Metrics

  • A straight truck or bus should not exhibit an air leak greater than 2 psi per minute when idle.
  • A truck at 55 mph may need over 300 feet to achieve a complete stop under ideal conditions.
  • Effective control is crucial when driving downhill; service brakes should reduce speed safely without solely relying on them.

Emergency Procedures

  • In emergencies, perform stab braking by fully engaging brakes and releasing to regain wheel rotation.
  • If an emergency stop is essential, brake in a manner that keeps the vehicle steerable and aligned.
  • Under ABS conditions, adjust braking approach during emergencies to enhance control; if ABS malfunctions, drive normally but seek service.

Brake System Operations

  • The safety valve is automatically set to relieve pressure in the tanks at 150 psi.
  • Do not push the brake pedal while spring brakes are engaged to avoid damage.
  • Check the oil level of the air compressor with its own supply before driving to ensure proper function.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential components and safety measures of air brake systems, including the function of spring brakes and the importance of maintenance practices. Test your knowledge on mandatory equipment and maintenance tips to ensure optimal performance in cold weather. Perfect for truck and bus operators!

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