AVON, Ohio – Fall has officially arrived in North America. This means that temperature fluctuations, cool weather and winter weather are not far behind. Now is the ideal time for fleets and truck drivers to prepare their vehicles for what lies ahead. This installment of the Bendix Tech Tips series is designed to help trucking professionals stay safe during the winter months.
protect the air supply
Commercial vehicle compressed air systems are connected to more vehicle technologies than ever before, from brakes to automated manual transmission (AMT), emissions control, and advanced safety features such as stability control and collision mitigation. . All of these technologies rely on a reliable supply of clean, dry air to operate safely and effectively. Vehicles can be difficult to manage as they experience temperature changes and freeze-thaw cycles due to water building up in the air tank.
“When the weather starts to get colder, we recommend manually draining the air tank to remove moisture left over from the warmer, wetter months,” says Brian Screeton, Manager of Technical Training and Service at Bendix. I say. “General line transport trucks are recommended to be deflated every three months, and vehicles such as vocational trucks that use large amounts of air may require monthly or even weekly deflation. .”
Bendix also recommends replacing both the air dryer cartridge and purge valve. Especially if neither has been replaced recently or if you see moisture when draining the tank. Another sign that it’s time for a new cartridge is excessive air consumption. Service personnel should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when replacing air dryer cartridges to ensure optimal performance. Failure to do so may result in property damage or injury.
“During the winter, moisture in the system can condense and freeze, increasing the risk of valve and brake failure,” says Screeton. “Dryers are an important part of protecting your system from moisture year-round, but especially during the colder months. Additionally, most truck manufacturers equip their vehicles with oil-clumping cartridges such as Bendix® PuraGuard®. Be sure to replace these with equivalent oil aerosols that pass through the standard cartridges, which can shorten the life of the components and lead to system failure. You can always upgrade to “, but not the other way around.”
It’s also a good idea to start the season with a new purge valve, since snow, ice, and road treatments promote corrosion and sand buildup in the winter. For this reason, Bendix maintenance kits include both cartridges and purge valves, and some come with a cartridge pressure protection valve as an additional seasonal replacement.
As winter approaches, Bendix also provides an important reminder about the use of de-icing solutions to clear frozen atmospheric systems. While this may be necessary to get your truck back on the road quickly and safely, it also means closely monitoring your icy air system. It then affects the affected area and the entire air system.
“Deicers can damage air system components such as valves and O-rings, so drivers should try to limit the amount of deicer applied to affected areas as much as possible,” the scree said. Tong advises. “Those parts should then be closely inspected in the garage for any signs of corrosion or weakness to ensure the air brake system continues to function properly.”
Attention to brakes
Regular inspection and proper lubrication are the keys to effective preventive maintenance of your brakes and wheel-end components as winter approaches. Prepare now before you face the challenges of snow, ice, and sleet.
“Winter walks are certainly not fun when the weather is bad, but we’d rather catch potential problems before we hit the road,” says Keith McComsey, Air Disc Brake and Systems Product Group Director at Bendix. says Mr. “Motorists should carefully check the air brake chamber housing for damage or corrosion. Ice blocks or broken pavement in the winter months can dislodge things, and strong road chemicals can negatively impact corrosion. There is a sex.”
During garage maintenance, technicians should check the chamber to ensure the dust plug is properly installed to prevent internal damage due to corrosive substances entering the chamber. If the chamber needs to be replaced, some applications may benefit from the additional protection provided by a sealed chamber. As an additional layer of security against contamination, the Bendix® EnduraSure® Pro™ sealed air chamber incorporates a dust plug with an integrated check valve. Air can escape, but moisture and other contaminants are prevented from entering the chamber.
“When checking a vehicle with air disc brakes, check the boots for damage such as punctures or tears,” says McComsey. “Gaps in the caliper can cause corrosion. Technicians should also check the glide integrity of the caliper and replace worn or damaged parts.”
After assembling the brake, make sure the shear adapter cover is in place and installed correctly. Pads must move freely within the carrier. If not, remove them and clean the surface of the carrier with a wire brush. The brake must also move freely on its guidance system.
Makhamjee further added, “Inspect the brake rotor surface at all wheel ends to ensure that there are no stress cracks or, if cracks are present, they do not exceed the depth and length specified by the rotor manufacturer. is also important,” he continued.
Finally, preparing your wheel ends for winter means lubricating all the appropriate components to prevent moisture from building up and causing corrosion. Automatic slack adjusters, clevis pin connections, cam tubes, shafts, and bushings should all be freshly greased before the season.
ADAS inspection
Throughout North America, rapidly changing and unpredictable road conditions can occur regularly during winter. Wind, snow, ice, and freezing rain can create difficult conditions, and driver assistance technologies like stability control and collision mitigation can help make a difference. If properly maintained.
Before hitting the road, drivers should check for active diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and check external cameras and radar for snow and ice. Obstructions to these sensors can affect the performance of front- or side-mounted collision mitigation technology or lane departure warning systems.
“Technicians need to ensure that tire pressure monitoring systems are operating properly, especially during the winter months when temperatures fluctuate significantly,” said TJ Thomas, director of marketing and customer solutions at Bendix. states. “And in addition to checking that all wheel bolts are tight, drivers should also monitor tire tread depth and any abnormal wear, such as cracks, with the driver. ”
Electrical connections from advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to other vehicle components should also be inspected in the garage and kept secure and waterproof to prevent corrosion and moisture contamination.
“Winter can be tough on trucks and their drivers,” Screaton said. “With proper preventative maintenance and vigilance, vehicles and the professionals behind the wheel can keep them in good working condition on the road and ensure everyone gets to their destination safely. ”
Trucker News Staff creates engaging content for TheTrucker.com as well as The Trucker News, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. Trucker News Staff aims to provide objective content related to the trucking sector of the transportation industry, with a focus on drivers. Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
