“Practical Airbrakes – Handbook & Study Guide” is a best-selling airbrake handbook. It is the industry-standard for driver training on airbrake systems. It provides all of the knowledge drivers need to operate vehicles safely and in compliance with the law. It exceeds the minimum CDL requirements. Over 100 full colour illustrations make the layout appealing and easy to understand. The book covers system operation, testing and inspection. Technicians and apprentices will learn from this great resource.
“Practical Airbrakes - Book 2: Brake Adjustment” is also available as a companion to the "Practical Airbrakes Handbook and Study Guide". Its content focuses on all issues relating to brake adjustment.
This book is designed to be used as classroom learning workbook; it includes review exercises at the end of each Chapter. This ensures the learning outcomes are achieved. Also available in Spanish and French language editions. Instructor support materials are also available. Contact Techni-Com.
8 1/2 in. x 11 in., full colour - 104 pages.
Over 100,000 copies sold.
Contents:
CHAPTER 1 - AIRBRAKE BASICS
1.A Brakes Are Energy Converters
1.B Major Differences Between Hydraulic and Airbrake Systems
1.C Characteristics of Airbrake Systems
1.D Other Types of Brake Systems
1.E Types of Brakes Used on Airbrake Systems
1.F Airbrake Design and Performance
1.G Airbrake Sub-Systems
CHAPTER 2 - THE SUPPLY SUB-SYSTEM
2.A The Hazards of Compressed Air
2.B Air Compressor
2.C Powering Air Compressors
2.D Air Compressor Governor
2.E Air Compressor Cut-In and Cut-Out
2.F Air Pressure Build-Up
2.G Air Tanks
2.H Primary and Secondary Air Tanks
2.I Air Pressure Gauges
2.J Safety Valve
2.K Low-Air Warning Device
2.L Air Dryer
2.M Alcohol Evaporator
CHAPTER 3 - THE SERVICE BRAKE SUB-SYSTEM
3.A Brake Pedal
3.B Air Loss Rate
3.C Front Wheel Limiting Valve
3.D Brake Hoses and Tubes (Air Lines)
3.E Airbrake Chamber
3.F Brake Adjusters
3.G Brake Adjustment Limits
3.H Application Pressure Gauge
3.I Other Brake Valves
CHAPTER 4 - THE SPRING (PARKING/EMERGENCY) BRAKE SUB-SYSTEM
4.A Spring Brake Chamber
4.B Disabling Spring Brake Chambers
4.C Spring Brake Control Valve
4.D Brake-Adjustment and Spring Brakes
4.E Anti-Compounding Valve
4.F DD3 Brake Chambers
4.G Emergency Parking Brake Release
CHAPTER 5 - TRAILER BRAKE SUB-SYSTEMS
5.A Trailer Brake Sub-System
5.B Trailer Air Lines and Couplers (Gladhands)
5.C Trailer Hand Valve
5.D Trailer Supply Valve
5.E Tractor (Towing Vehicle) Protection Valve
5.F Trailer Spring (Parking/Emergency) Brakes
5.G 'Spring Brake Priority' System
CHAPTER 6 - FOUNDATION BRAKES
6.A Types of Foundation Brake Systems
6.B 'S' Cam Brake
6.C Air Disc Brake
6.D Wedge Brake
CHAPTER 7 - BRAKE SYSTEM OPERATING DEMANDS
7.A Effect of Vehicle Speed and Weight
7.B Brake Heat
7.C Brake Fade
7.D Vehicle Stopping Distance
7.E Brake-Adjustment
7.F Antilock Braking Systems (ABS)
CHAPTER 8 - AIRBRAKE COMPLIANCE
8.A Commercial Vehicle Safety Standards
8.B Airbrake Inspection
8.C Airbrake Compliance
CHAPTER 9 - INSPECTING AIRBRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS
9.A Inspecting the Brake System
9.B Inspecting Foundation Brake Components
9.C Inspecting Brake Chambers
9.D Inspecting Brake Drums and Rotors
9.E Inspecting Brake Hose and Tubing
9.F Inspecting Air Tanks
9.G Inspecting Air Compressors
CHAPTER 10 - FUNCTIONAL TESTS OF THE AIRBRAKE SYSTEM
10.A Conducting Functional Tests of the Airbrake System
10.B Low-Air Warning Device Test
10.C Air Pressure Build-Up Test
10.D Air Compressor Governor Setting Test
10.E Air Loss Rate Test
10.F Tractor (Towing Vehicle) Protection Valve Test
10.G Automatic Application Test of the Trailer Parking/Emergency Brakes
10.H Spring Brake Test
10.I Draining Air Tanks
CHAPTER 11 - INSPECTING AIRBRAKE-ADJUSTMENT
11.A Brake-Adjustment Concerns
11.B Identifying Brake Chambers
11.C Brake-Adjustment Inspection Methods
11.D Measure Applied Pushrod Stroke
11.E Measure Free-Stroke
11.F Inspect Pushrod Markings
11.G Use Brake Stroke Indicators
11.H Manual Brake Adjusters
11.I Automatic Brake Adjusters
11.J Re-Adjusting Brakes
CHAPTER 12 - RE-ADJUSTING AIRBRAKES
12.A Automatic vs. Manual Brake Adjusters
12.B Re-Adjusting Brakes Correctly
12.C Confirming Brake Release
12.D Locking Devices
12.E Slack Adjuster Rotation
12.F Preparing for Brake Adjustment
12.G Wheel-Down Adjustment Procedure
12.H Wheel-Up Adjustment Procedure
GLOSSARY
