YOUR VEHICLE’S AIR SYSTEM PART 8: MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE
– 168 – Y53-6007 (R10/06)
Your Vehicle’s Air System
WARNING! Prior to the removal of any air sys-
tem component, always block and hold the
vehicle by a secure means other than the
vehicle's own brakes. Depleting air system
pressure may cause vehicle to roll. Keep
hands away from chamber push rods and
slack adjusters, they may apply as system
pressure drops.
• After completing any repairs to the air sys-
tem, always test for air leaks, and check the
brakes for safe operation before putting the
vehicle in service.
• Never connect or disconnect a hose or line
containing air pressure. It may whip as air
escapes. Never remove a component or
pipe plug unless you are certain all system
pressure has been depleted.
• Never exceed recommended air pressure
and always wear safety glasses when work
-
ing with air pressure. Never look into air jets
or direct them at anyone.
• Never attempt to disassemble a component
until you have read and understood recom
-
mended procedures. Some components
contain powerful springs and injury can
result if not properly disassembled. Use
only proper tools and observe all precau
-
tions pertaining to use of those tools
The operation of the vehicle’s braking system and many
vehicle accessories depends upon the storage and appli
-
cation of a high-pressure air supply.
Your vehicle’s compressor takes outside air and com-
presses it, usually to 100-120 psi. The compressed air
then goes to the reservoirs to be stored until needed.
When you operate your air brakes, the stored compressed
air flows into the chambers where it is used to apply your
truck and trailer brakes. That is why, when you push down
on your brake pedal, you don’t feel the same amount of
pressure on the pedal that you do when you apply the
brakes on your car. All you are doing on your truck is
opening an air valve to allow air to flow into the brake
chambers.
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