What are the causes of braking deviation in automotive air pressure braking systems?
2 Answers
Below are the detailed reasons for the phenomenon of braking deviation in automotive air pressure braking systems: 1. Inconsistent tire pressure between the left and right wheels. 2. Inconsistent braking clearance between the left and right wheels. 3. Inconsistent contact area between the brake shoes and brake drums of the left and right wheels. 4. Water or oil contamination in the brake system of one front wheel. 5. Severe deformation or grooving of the brake drum on one front wheel. Braking deviation mainly manifests in the following two forms: 1. The vehicle deviates from its intended direction during braking while driving. 2. During emergency braking, the direction suddenly changes or the vehicle fishtails.
Brake deviation in air brake systems is usually caused by an imbalance in braking force between the left and right sides. From my research on trucks, the main reasons include uneven wear of brake drums or brake linings on both sides, leading to uneven force distribution when air pressure is too high or too low; improper adjustment of the air chamber push rod, such as rust or sticking, causing one side to brake more aggressively; air leaks or blockages in the air lines, resulting in uneven air distribution; suspension issues like loose shock absorbers or deformed linkages affecting wheel alignment; and brake chamber failures, such as diaphragm rupture, creating excessive pressure differences between the left and right sides. In such cases, it's essential to use a pressure gauge to check line pressure and troubleshoot each issue individually to prevent further damage. Proper maintenance can save a lot of trouble, so I always remind technicians to check these points during every service.