Why You Should Monitor the Efficiency of Your Truck's Air Dryer

Posted on: 29 November 2019

Heavy duty trucks rely on air brakes on a constant basis to make sure that these vehicles can be safely controlled when they are fully laden. This system is quite complex and will rely on a process of dehumidification and regeneration in order to provide good quality air, under the proper pressure and at the right time. Yet one particular part of this setup is more important than others, and if you operate a vehicle such as this, what do you need to pay attention to?

Air Brakes

A system like this will harvest air from the atmosphere before compressing it and sending it through a purpose made dryer. It will then be sent into an air tank and maintained under pressure so that it can be diverted to each wheel when the driver presses the brake pedal.

Dryer at Work

The air dryer is one of the most crucial parts of this system and within it you'll find a filter that is designed to absorb any particles of moisture that may have been introduced from the outside atmosphere. These particles will be trapped within the desiccant agent, and any residue will be further filtered before being allowed to escape through a purge valve.

Valve Efficiency

However, the modern-day system is so efficient that very little, if any, moisture will find its way through to that purge valve. Consequently, you will need to keep an eye on this valve at all times, and if you see significant traces, then you may need to look more closely at the air tank itself.

Oil Contamination

Be on the lookout for any oil that could get into the system, which would reduce the effectiveness of the desiccant agent. In this case, it could coat the media and compromise the inside of the filter or even block the purge valve. All of this would undoubtedly affect the air discharge cycles.

Excess Air

Remember, too much moisture in the air mixture will severely reduce the efficiency of the braking system. It could also cause other problems such as corrosion or freezing in certain parts of the country, all of which could lead to the risk of full brake failure.

Check and Replace

Make sure that you keep a close eye on your air tank, dryer and filter and take steps to replace these components, as and when needed. Always make sure that you get the highest-quality isuzu truck parts so that you maintain the full efficiency of your braking system.

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