What Are the Reasons for Insufficient Air Brake Performance?
3 Answers
Reasons for soft or ineffective air brakes include: insufficient air pressure in the brake system, requiring inspection and repair of pipelines and the air pressure pump; excessive brake clearance, necessitating adjustment of the brake pad gap; and a thorough inspection of the air brake system, including the brake control mechanism, dual-circuit brake mechanism, central disc brake mechanism, brake assembly, and air compressor. Below is relevant information: Parking brake locks the drive shaft: In conventional braking systems, the parking brake locks the drive shaft, while the foot brake uses compressed air to enter the brake chamber and lock the wheels. The parking brake fails in case of mechanical faults in the parking brake or drive shaft; the foot brake fails if there is a malfunction in any part of the air pump, pipelines, air reservoir, or brake valve. The fail-safe air brake system can effectively avoid these risks. Structural components: A standard air brake system consists of the brake control mechanism, dual-circuit brake mechanism, brake assembly, and air compressor. The brake control mechanism includes the brake pedal, pedal hanger, and manual brake valve; the dual-circuit brake mechanism comprises the air reservoir, brake valve, low-pressure alarm, pressure regulator, brake pipe, directional valve, relay valve, safety valve, and drain valve.
After years of driving, I've encountered several instances where the air brakes failed to stop the vehicle, primarily due to insufficient air pressure: air tank leaks or a faulty compressor preventing pressure buildup, making the brake pedal feel extremely hard while the vehicle refuses to slow down. Another issue is system leaks: cracks in the pipes or loose fittings causing continuous air loss; severe wear on the brake drums can also reduce friction effectiveness. I recommend checking the air pressure gauge before every trip and refilling immediately if it's low; listen for hissing sounds and spray soapy water on the pipes to locate bubbles. Safety first—never risk driving under such conditions; pull over to inspect. Don’t forget regular maintenance, replacing worn parts, and conducting thorough checks before long trips. These small habits can prevent major troubles, especially when driving heavy vehicles where lives depend on the wheels.
As an experienced auto mechanic, I've dealt with many air brake failures. The first thing to check is the air circuit: Is the compressor working properly? Is the air output sufficient? Are there any corroded or punctured pipes causing rapid air pressure drops? Then there are issues on the actuator side: leaking brake chambers, incorrect pushrod travel leading to insufficient force transmission, or faulty controllers sending wrong signals. Overheated tires locking up can also affect performance. I always remind vehicle owners to monitor the dashboard gauges and check for leaks if anything seems abnormal. When replacing parts, don't just go for cheap options - OEM parts last longer. Regular cleaning of air filters helps extend the system's lifespan. Those with good mechanical skills can learn basic troubleshooting, but complex issues should still be handled by professional shops. Remember, brake failure is life-threatening - never delay repairs.
