Brake Safety Week is coming up Sept. 8-14, and there's a good chance your trucks' braking systems will be getting some extra attention - if not from drivers, then from inspectors.
Trucks in the US and Canada will be targeted over this time for some additional scrutiny of their brakes. Last year, 32,500 vehicles were checked during last year's campaign.
Bendix is offering some tips on how to ensure your braking system is running as it should.
"Bendix shares CVSA's commitment to Brake Safety Week and its goals of improving vehicle maintenance and inspection, which help keep roadways and commercial vehicles safe for everyone," said Fred Andersky, Bendix director of government and industry affairs. "By emphasizing proper training and upkeep practices, Operation Air Brake provides a valuable reminder of the importance of successful inspections in today's CSA environment."
Bendix says fleets and drivers should familiarize themselves with CVSA inspection requirements and procedures, prior to Brake Safety Week. During Operation Air Brake, inspectors will be examining: driver's licences, registrations, low air warning devices, pushrod travel, brake linings/drums, leaks/air loss rates, and tractor protection systems.
Bendix also warns fleets and owner/operators that with the new reduced stopping distance (RSD) brakes now on the market, it's more important than ever to replace friction material with an OEM-approved product.
"With the federal RSD mandate now in full effect, fleets need to pay close attention to the issue of replacement brake lining performance and RSD compliance," said Gary Ganaway, director of marketing and global customers solutions for Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake. "Because not all replacement friction marketed as acceptable under RSD will actually perform to the standard, fleets should ask for evidence of compliance from their friction supplier when replacing the friction on their RSD-equipped trucks."
Bendix has found that using non-approved replacement friction can extend stopping distances by 45%, or 96 feet.
The company is also warning fleets to keep their trucks' air systems free of contaminants, particularly oil. This can be done by inspecting and replacing as required, air dryer cartridges.
"Adhering to a strict preventive maintenance schedule is key to keeping the air brake system clean and operating safely," said Andersky. "Air dryer cartridge replacement schedules vary according to the air compressor, operating environment, and vehicle usage, but fleets and drivers should check the functionality of their filters with monthly checks for moisture in the air brake system. If moisture is present, the air dryer cartridge may require replacement."
The purge valve assembly and delivery check valve should also be inspected and replaced when necessary, Bendix officials advised.
