fbpx

Cart

The cart is empty

The brakes on your car are the same as air brakes, only the power source is different

 All air brake systems have the same basic components.

From a mechanical standpoint, modern air brake systems are unlikely to fail.

Learn how to how to find the specific numbers for the CDL In-Cab Air Brake Inspection.

The drum or

There are 4 types of foundation brakes you must know for your CDL test.

For an air brake exam; you must know how to test the compressor.

Like a thermostat on a furnace, the governor controls the compressor.

Learn how to adjust a manual slack adjuster for your CDL Air Brake Test.

The size of the brake chamber determines maximum allowable push-rod travel. See chart!

This infograph provides the exact steps and terminology for the in-car air brake pre trip inspection checks for a single unit (truck, bus, RV unit).

  1. CDL Combination Air Brake Pre-Trip—Infograph

CDL Air Brake Valves

blog image

Brake Fade | Air Brakes

Author: Rick
Although air brakes are more-or-less buletproof these, like all braking systems, have one failing: BRAKE FADE.
Default Image

Trailer Hand Control (Spike)

Author: Rick
OBSOLETE Independently applies and releases the trailer service brakes. Knowledge Test Question: This air brake control is not to be used for parking. Although most tractors are still equipped with hand valves, beyond a trailer service tug test, these air…
Default Image

Stop Light Switch

Author: Rick
Activates the brake lights when a service brake application is made by the driver.
Default Image

Spring Parking Brake (Emergency)

Author: Rick
Applies the parking brakes of the air brake equipped vehicle indefinitely – if needed of course. The parking brakes are held in the “ON” position by the mechanical force of the springs; these spring parking brakes are held in the “OFF” position by system air…
Default Image

Slack Adjuster

Author: Rick
Slack adjusters have three purposes: 1) To convert the forward linear motion of the push rod into rotary motion of the camshaft. The slack adjuster works on exactly the same principle as a box end wrench on a nut. 2) To act as a lever, thus generating greater…
Default Image

Air Tanks (Reservoirs)

Author: Rick
Stores compressed air for braking and for other air operated accessories. The air tanks are the first fail-safe in the air brake system. In the unlikely event that the air compressor fell of the side of the engine, the air tanks (reservoirs) store enough air…
Default Image

Compounding Air Brakes

Author: Rick
OBSOLETE Making a heavy service brake application while the parking brakes are applied. This is often an error of truck driving school students.
A caging bolt is used to release the emergency brakes in the event of an emergency (life or death situation).

Caging Bolt

Author: Rick
Allows the spring brakes to be manually released in an emergency - a dire emergency.
Default Image

Brake Linings & Drums

Author: Rick
To stop the vehicle, brake linings rub against the brake drum. This action creates friction, converting the vehicle's forward energy of motion into heat energy, which stops the vehicle’s tires. If the tires have traction, the vehicle will come to a stop. The…
Brake fade is the only reason that a modern air brake system will fail.

Brake Fade

Author: Rick
Brake faide is the only reason that a modern air brake system will fail.
Default Image

Air Gauge(s)

Author: Rick
The gauges are in either pounds per square inch (psi) or Kilopascals (kPa). These measure the amount of air pressure in the primary and secondary air tanks.
Default Image

Air Brake Chambers

Author: Rick
Convert air pressure into a strong mechanical force to apply the foundation brakes.
air brake adjustment

Air Brake Manual Adjustment – Pry Bar Method

Author: Rick
Using the pry bar method, confirm that the brake is in fact out of adjustment. After confirming that the brake is out-of-adjustment and it is equipped with a manual slack adjuster, complete the following steps to bring the brake back into adjustment. If one…
Default Image

Compressor or Build-up Test (Air Brakes)

Author: Rick
Depending on which province you're in, the air buildup time or compressor test has somewhat different paramenters. Still, all require that the diesel motor be at a fast idle. A fast idle on a diesel engine is between 900 &1200 rpm.
Default Image

Pry Bar - Check Air Brake Adjustment

Author: Rick
The National Safety Code madates that every driver of a commercial vehicle equipped with air brakes must check push rod travel every day. In many jurisdications, drivers are allowed to use the pry bar method; in others , they must use the applied stroke…
Default Image

Applied Stroke - Check Air Brake Adjustment

Author: Rick
The National Safety Code madates that every driver of a commercial vehicle equipped with air brakes must check push rod travel every day as part of his/her pre-trip inspection. In some jurisdications, drivers must use the applied stroke method; in others, they…

© Smart Drive Test Inc. 2022. Hosted by Cybersalt