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ank160
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Air brake over hydraulic brakes!
Why air brakes are used in long vehicles like trains, instead of hydraulic brakes?
Why air brakes are used in long vehicles like trains, instead of hydraulic brakes?
sophiecentaur said:So why do they use hydraulic in motor cars? They really can be such a pain as a car gets old - sticky discs, sudden failure, sponginess.
It's possible that what the sign says, and what I read, are not precisely the same.Pkruse said:Whoever posted that sign shows a great misunderstanding of the braking mechanisms used by trucks. Air brakes make very little noise.
Not more... not less. I've never heard of a Jake being referred to thusly, but it's accurate. The noisy part of a Jake is the release of unfuelled air at the top of the compression stroke, through selective activation of the exhaust valves.NascentOxygen said:"Please refrain from using exhaust braking", does that make more sense
Pkruse said:Whoever posted that sign shows a great misunderstanding of the braking mechanisms used by trucks. Air brakes make very little noise.
sophiecentaur said:Help me with this one then: I hired a 3ton truck, some while ago. When I applied the brakes, they made that well known loud phssssssh noise and were very difficult to use gently. What type were they? What type do all the trucks use that you 'hear' so often?
Something like the clatter of a machine-gun? Is that brought on simply by the driver lifting his foot off the accelerator?Danger said:Not more... not less. I've never heard of a Jake being referred to thusly, but it's accurate. The noisy part of a Jake is the release of unfuelled air at the top of the compression stroke, through selective activation of the exhaust valves.
NascentOxygen said:Something like the clatter of a machine-gun? Is that brought on simply by the driver lifting his foot off the accelerator?
Air brakes use compressed air to activate the brake pads, while hydraulic brakes use fluid pressure to activate the brake pads. Air brakes are typically used in larger vehicles, such as trucks and buses, while hydraulic brakes are used in smaller vehicles, such as cars and motorcycles.
Air brakes work by using compressed air to activate the brake pads. When the driver presses the brake pedal, air is released from the air tank and travels through air lines to the brake chambers. The air pressure in the brake chambers then pushes the brake pads against the wheels, creating friction and slowing down the vehicle.
Air brakes are more reliable and have a longer lifespan compared to hydraulic brakes. They also have a higher braking force, making them more suitable for larger vehicles. Additionally, air brakes are less affected by water or other contaminants, making them more reliable in different weather conditions.
One disadvantage of air brakes is that they require a constant supply of compressed air, which can be affected by external factors such as extreme temperatures or leaks in the air lines. This can lead to longer stopping distances and reduced braking efficiency.
To maintain air brakes, it is important to regularly check the air pressure levels and make sure there are no leaks in the air lines. The air dryer and air tanks should also be checked and drained regularly to remove any moisture or contaminants. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and replace any worn or damaged parts as needed.