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TM 9-2320-356-BD
Section III. AIRBRAKES
11-10.
GENERAL
The basic characteristic of this system is that the brakes are applied by
compressed air.
Compressed air provides sufficient braking force to control even
the heaviest vehicles.
The fundamental units and descriptions of their functions
are listed in 1 thru 8 below:
1.
Air compressor, driven directly from engine crankshaft or from one of the
auxiliary shafts to furnish compressed air for brake operation.
2.
Governor, to limit pressure produced by compressor within a predetermined range.
3.
Reservoir, to receive air from compressor and store it for use in the braking
system.
Two or more reservoirs are usually used.
4.
Airbrake valve, to control brake operation by directing flow of air from
reservoir to brake chambers when brakes are applied, and from brake chambers to
atmosphere when brakes are released.
5.
Brake chambers, one for each wheel, to convert pressure of compressed air into
mechanical force for applying brakes.
6. Quick-release valve,
to speed up exhaust of brake chambers not close to brake
valves so that all the brakes may be quickly released.
7.
Relay valve, used on trailers and trucks with long wheelbases to speed
operation of rear wheel brakes.
On trucks with short wheelbases, the shorter
length of brake lines permits rapid rear brake action without aid of a relay valve.
8.
Slack adjusters, provide a means of adjusting the brakes to compensate for wear
in linings.
11-11.
ASSESSMENT CHART
a.
Assessment Preconditions:
Before testing the vehicle’s brakes, clear the
immediate area or,
if in a restricted area, restrain the vehicle to be
tested with chains or cables connected to a restraining vehicle. The brakes
can be tested either by using the vehicle’s own power or by being towed up a
slight grade by the restraining vehicle.
b.
Start the engine and check air pressure for a 60-psi minimum.
c.
Inspect and check-+ Damage found to:
brake operation
effectiveness
-Air compressor;
. . . . . go to paragraph 11-13
-Air governor;
. . . . . . . go to paragraph 11-14
-Reservoir;
. . . . . . . . . . go to paragraph 11-15
11-7
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