Your Great Dane Trailer Air Brakes Are Essential

Is your air brake system on your Great Dane trailer up to the task? You're used to the hiss of your air brakes. Compared to the hydraulic braking systems on smaller cars, air brakes are reliable, powerful, and easier to maintain. These are just a few of the many reasons they're relied upon by the trucking industry to large, heavy vehicles.

 Air Brake Performance Blows Hydraulic Systems Out of the Water

Unlike hydraulic braking systems, which require manual maintenance and specialized fluids, the air used in the braking system of your Great Dane trailer is readily available. Your compressor collects it, filling it into your storage tank to the set pressure of your governor. Valves maintain one-way pressure, ensuring in the event of a leak your tank is protected. As you put pressure on your brakes, air pressure is fed through the lines, moving the necessary system components to apply the amount of braking force you require.

In contrast to hydraulic brake systems, your air brake system will not experience a full system failure in the event of a leak. Such an event would pose extreme danger in a heavy, loaded down semi. Your air brakes are instead designed to engage automatically in the event of a pressure drop. This emergency system on your Great Dane trailer is activated by a simple dashboard switch, offering strong, reliable braking power that can be applied to all trailers at once.

There are Few Downsides to Properly Maintained Air Brake Systems

When a hydraulic system line opens and leaks, the line must be replaced, and the entire system flushed out and bled to remove air bubbles. Fortunately, the air brake system on your Great Dane trailer isn't anywhere near this high maintenance. Air brake system repairs are fast and easy, only requiring the replacement of the leaking/faulty line. Brake system problems are easily avoided with proper fleet trailer maintenance, including:

●       Checking the function of your air dryer.
Check your air dryer annually, verifying the proper function of desiccant, purge, and check valves.

●       Routinely changing your compressor filter.
A clean filter keeps moisture, dirt, and oil out, safeguarding your air brake system.

●       Regularly releasing moisture from the air tank drain valve.
Drain this valve regularly as part of your pre and post-inspection maintenance duties.

●       Employing the use of gladhand clamps.
Clean the rubber seals on gladhand clamps regularly, replacing them when they get brittle. Always use “dummy” gladhands when your truck and trailer are disconnected. These components are essential to keeping dirt and debris out of your air brake system.

Are your air brakes ready to spring into action? Give the air brake system on your Great Dane trailer the attention it deserves. Contact Ainsworth Trailer Repair to schedule a contaminant test and professional inspection with our trailer brake repair experts today.

This article was originally published at: http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/trailer-break-repair/great-dane-trailer-air-brakes-essential/

 

Bad Trailer Breaks: What are the signs?

Tow vehicle and trailer brakes are essential to safety on the road. Because you’re hauling much more weight than passenger vehicles, brakes can wear far faster. What are the warning signs of bad trailer brakes? 

Watch Out for These Signs Your Brakes Are On Their Way Out

• High-pitched grounding sound
  This noise occurs when the steel part of your worn brakes come in contact with the rotor. If you hear a squeal when your vehicle is in motion, and it stops when the brakes are applied, this is likely your brake wear indicators notifying you of the need for new brakes.
  
  
• Grinding sound when brakes are applied

If you tap the brakes and hear a grinding noise, your brake pads are likely worn-through.

• Indicator light

The computer system in some tow vehicles and tractor-trailers may alert you when a brake issue arises. The absence of this light, however, does not necessarily mean your system is in good working order.

• Vibration in the steering wheel
  If your steering wheel vibrates when brakes are applied, you likely have uneven rotors. Warped or worn rotors can be turned and smoothed or replaced to correct this issue. This is more than just an annoyance, as smooth rotors ensure even brake pressure and adequate stopping power.
  
  
• Fluid leak
  If you notice fluid leaking from your master cylinder, you should have your brake system needs addressed quickly. This fluid ensures hydraulic pressure in your brake system. If it leaks, you may not have enough pressure to stop your truck effectively.
  
  
• Burning smell
  The sudden onset of a sharp, chemical smell could indicate overheated brakes, a stuck caliper, or a worn-out clutch. If you notice a burning odor, pull over immediately and call for roadside assistance. It is better to be safe than sorry in this case. If you don’t, your brake fluid could boil leading your brakes to feel completely. 

Don’t wait for hair-raising situations. If you’re unsure about the condition of your brakes, or in need of brake system repairs, schedule a brake system inspection with Ainsworth Trailer Repair today.

This article was previously published at:

http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/bad-trailer-breaks-signs/

Air Brake Maintenance Guide

Successfully maintaining your air brake system relies on more than routine inspection. When you discover issues, adjustments and timely repairs ensure your tractor-trailer will remain roadworthy. To help you keep your rig on the road, the fleet trailer maintenance pros at Ainsworth have assembled this basic guide to air brake system care.

Ainsworth Air Brake System Maintenance Checklist

• Reservoir Tank
  Clean air and adequate pressure are integral to proper air brake system function. Verify pressure is 80psi at a minimum. Be sure to regularly drain all moisture (and sludge) from air brake reservoirs. Open drain cock and remove all condensation. Close the drain and inspect the reservoir for damage or wobble. Connections should be tight and brake lines securely supported. Neglecting this chore in cold weather can result in freezing and obstruction in lines and valves.
• Gladhands
  Verify proper operation without obstruction. Spray gladhands and mounting with soapy water, checking for leakage with tractor/trailer connected and air in the system. Glad hands should be clean and free of grease and oil. Replace seals annually or when the condition is poor.  
• Brake Lines & Hoses
  Check brake lines and hoses for cracks, breaks, and chafing, replacing deteriorated components immediately. Ensure connections are tight. CAUTION: Never weld near nylon tubing. Remove/reinstall when possible to prevent heat damage, or carefully shield. 
• Service & Spring Brake Chambers
  Inspect air chamber clamp bands and mounting nuts for tightness, and brake chambers for physical damage and leaks. CAUTION: Never attempt to maintain this system yourself. Special tools and techniques are necessary to avoid serious injury. 
• Air Valves
  Check air valves for leaks and the need for air system repairs . Replace when necessary with new or rebuilt valves. 
• Brake Lining
  Check brake lining thickness, replacing when worn or coated with oil, grease, or debris.
• Brake Drums
  Inspect brake drums for mud or rust accumulations, cleaning when necessary. Replace cracked/broken drums immediately. 
• Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
  ABS systems vary. Contact your ABS manufacturer for complete ABS maintenance instructions. 
• Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
  Be on the lookout for both your dashboard ABS indicator lamp and the ABS indicator lamp on the side of your trailer. These indicate ECU malfunction affecting your ABS. 
• ABS Indicator Lamp
  Check your ABS lamp for proper function. You’ll find it on the driver’s side by the rear marker lamp, denoted by the letters “ABS.” This lamp should not be ON when your tractor-trailer is moving over four mph, or come on and stay on if you apply brakes when the vehicle is in motion. These situations indicate a malfunction and the need for service ASAP to safeguard braking performance and proper ABS function. Some indicator lamps provide blink codes, blinking on and off to identify problem areas.
• Slack Adjuster (Self-Adjusting)
  Refer to your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations for complete details on inspecting and maintaining your slack adjuster. 

Are air brake maintenance needs putting pressure on your schedule? Get back on track with the help of Ainsworth Trailer Repair today.

This article was previously published at:

http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/air-brake-maintenance-guide/