Auto Repairs in South San Francisco, San Francisco Auto Repair ...

Last updated 22 hours ago

Have you ever heard the loud hissing noise that trucks and buses make just before they hit the road? That?s the sound of the air brake releasing. Big rigs, buses, and other large vehicles need well-maintained air brakes because of their massive weight. It?s vital to the safety of the vehicle and any other cars or people on the road. Air brakes provide the extra pressure needed to slow down such huge vehicles. Here is a look at how these powerful braking systems work:

Tanks and Air Storage

Air brakes apply air to the vehicle?s braking system when called upon. An air compressor pumps air into tanks for storage and the tanks release the appropriate amount of stored air depending on how hard the driver presses the brake pedal. The tanks must store enough air to support several braking patterns but it is possible to brake enough that air can?t be replenished fast enough. An air pressure gauge on the dash tells drivers their current air brake levels and a buzzer warns them before air brake pressure falls below 60 psi.

Brake Application

When the brake pedal is pushed down, a push rod is forced against the slack adjuster and S-cam, which then pushes the brake shoes against the linings of the brake drums. Together, the push rod, slack adjusters, and S-cam make it possible to apply different levels of force to the braking process. When brake shoes push against the brake drums, friction slows down the vehicle.

Emergency Air brakes

Most vehicles with an air brake system also have an emergency air brake that serves the same purpose as the typical emergency brake on a car. But instead of being activated by a short pedal near the brake, emergency air brakes are often a large, brightly colored button on the dash. Pulling up on the button applies the brake, while pushing down on it releases.

Air brakes need preventative maintenance to avoid dangerous leaks and to retain safe amounts of air pressure. Four Star Automotive, Inc. is your source for air brake service and auto repairs in South San Francisco. We also offer a full range of other commercial truck services and repairs. Talk to a team member at (650) 351-9871 to set up a service appointment.

Source: http://www.autorepairsouthsanfrancisco.net/518509/2012/08/09/how-do-airbrakes-work.html

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