Air Brake Maintenance

[mwilson]

If you get a chance post a picture of the air dryer and I can tell you about it, if it is a good one and what is needed to freshen it up.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Wasn't thinking fast enough to beat you Mike. didn't think about looking at the foot valve (aka octopus valve) relief port, kind of the same thing on top of the rear pumpkin valve that splits it off to each side.

 

[mwilson]

If Frank has a decent dryer (like the Bendix AD-9) it is probably catching a lot of the crud. But it is most likely due for a cartridge and purge valve replacement.

 

[frank1]

The year of the truck is 2004 with just over 174,000 miles on it. When I bleed the tanks, if I get any of the black oil or water on my hands, the only way it comes off completely is with goop. It almost feels and looks like black paint out of an aerosol can. I do have pictures of the tanks and drier, I will try to post them again. I use this truck daily carrying 15- 20 yards of mulch two to three times a day, five to six days a week. Due to the season (business -landscaping), things will start to slow down in five to six weeks.Time is big factor right now, to play it safe, I'll make an appointment to bring it in for service.Thanks again, Frank

 

[Wayne M.]

If the sediment is murky like coolant with a blown cooler, then there's trouble. Frank we've had some humid days here so I would expect to get something out of the tanks lately, especially the wet tank.
That was good advice, to check the bottoms of the various valves for evidence. I would focus on the relay valves. They will be on the frame rail and there is one each for front and back. The back will be just ahead of the axle, square with big and small lines. Works the same idea of an electrical relay. Taking the delicate service brake signal from the treadle, and valving the hi volume air from the tanks to the cans. In proportion. This is a basic explanation. There are other valves involved too.