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When drivers are transporting tens of thousands of pounds of weight in a diesel truck, one of the most important components of that vehicle is the brakes. In big diesel trucks, buses and tractor trailers, the braking system consists of air brakes. Since air is plentiful but hydraulic fluid could get lost in a leak, big vehicles rely on air-powered brakes to keep drivers and everyone else on the road safe.
Because they’re a critical component of diesel vehicles, diesel technicians need to know how air brake systems function and how to troubleshoot, service and maintain air brake systems.
How does an air brake system work? Brian Murphy, Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Education & Development Program Manager, Curriculum, helps answer how do air brakes work, which is covered in the UTI Diesel program.
Air brakes work using compressed air instead of hydraulic fluid. Air brakes can be either drum brakes or disc brakes, or a combination of both.
Air is pressurized by an engine-mounted compressor. The air compressor then pumps the air into the air storage tanks, which store the compressed air until it’s needed.
Air pressure is used to apply the service brakes and release the parking brake. There are multiple air circuits in the system. The parking brake engages by spring force in the parking brake portion of the spring brake chamber when the air pressure in the chamber is released.
This also allows the parking brake to be used as the emergency brake system. If air pressure was to drop too low, the force exerted by the spring in the chamber will be able to overcome the force exerted by the air on the diaphragm and apply the brakes on all wheels.
You might think of air brakes as working similarly to a hydraulic brake circuit. As with hydraulic brakes, when the driver presses the brake pedal, air pressure is applied, like hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic brake circuit to the wheel when applying the brake.
Here’s how a drum brake operation works.
For disc brake operation, the process is slightly different.
If that sounds complicated, don’t worry. UTI’s Diesel program has an entire course on Diesel Truck Brake Systems & Chassis. Students learn how truck brakes operate and the proper service and maintenance of the components.
You don’t have to have any prior experience to master subjects like air brakes at UTI. There are many graduates who entered the diesel program as complete beginners and leave ready to tackle entry-level diesel technician jobs.1
“UTI will expose the students to manufacturer’s tools, manuals and diagnostic software, as well as provide hands-on experience on diesel equipment such as full-size trucks and running engines,” Brian says. “This allows the students to hit the ground running once they get into the workforce.”
If you’re looking to take your diesel education to the next level, UTI has a variety of specialized training programs designed to be completed after your 45-week core diesel training. One of these is the 12-week Fendt Technician Academy Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training program.15
Students accepted into this manufacturer-paid program can learn how to work on tractors from Fendt, part of the AGCO Corporation. Plus, they can earn agricultural technician qualifications that are valued by employers today.
To learn more about this program as well as UTI’s other specialized training programs, simply request information. One of our Admissions Representatives can help you get on track toward pursuing a career in the industry!
Ever wondered how diesel exhaust brake systems work? Click here to read our complete guide.
Rogelio Ruiz is a 21-year-old diesel technician working at New Mexico oil fields and farms. He's a UTI Avondale graduate and he loves his job. This is his story.
Three teenagers go on a road trip to interview some of the country's leading automotive and diesel technicians. This is their story.
