The safety and performance of a commercial lorry heavily rely on the condition of its brake system. Hydraulic brakes, a common type of braking system in lorries, are pivotal to vehicle control and reliability. Understanding the nuances of this system, including the role of brake fluid, air pressure, and ABS control, is key to effective maintenance and service.
Understanding the Hydraulic Brake System
Before we delve into the specifics of maintaining and servicing hydraulic brakes, let’s first understand how this system functions. The hydraulic brake system in commercial vehicles uses fluid to transmit pressure from the brake pedal to the wheels, facilitating the braking action.
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When the brake pedal is pressed, it pushes a piston into a cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid. The pressure is transmitted through this fluid to the cylinders at each wheel, causing the brake pads to squeeze the brake rotors. This friction slows down the wheel, thus halting the vehicle.
Hydraulic brakes are a preferred choice for commercial vehicles due to their power and reliability. They operate using Pascal’s law, which states that pressure applied at any point in a confined fluid transmits to all points in the fluid. This means that hydraulic brakes can deliver great stopping power even under heavy loads.
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Routine Maintenance of Hydraulic Brakes
Routine maintenance of hydraulic brakes is critical to ensure their longevity and reliability. This involves a number of tasks including checking the brake fluid level, examining the brake pads for wear and tear, and inspecting the brake lines for leaks or damage.
Brake fluid is the lifeblood of the hydraulic brake system. If the fluid level in the reservoir drops, the brakes may become spongy and less effective. It’s vital to check the brake fluid level regularly, topping it up if necessary.
The brake pads are also crucial components of the hydraulic brake system. They undergo a lot of wear and tear, especially in commercial lorries, which often carry heavy loads. Regular inspection of the brake pads is necessary, replacing them as soon as they become worn to a certain extent.
The brake lines, which carry the brake fluid from the master cylinder to the wheel cylinders, are equally important. These lines need to be inspected regularly for any signs of leaks, which could lead to brake failure.
Importance of Regular Brake Service
While routine maintenance can ensure the basics are in check, regular brake service is an essential part of overall vehicle maintenance. This typically involves a thorough inspection of the entire brake system, brake fluid replacement, and sometimes, bleeding of the system to remove any trapped air.
During brake service, a mechanic will inspect the brake system for any signs of wear or damage. The brake fluid will be replaced and the system may be bled to remove any air bubbles, which can interfere with the hydraulic pressure and affect braking efficiency.
Regular brake service not only ensures your lorry’s brakes are in peak condition, but it can also save you money in the long run by catching potential issues early before they turn into expensive repairs.
Functioning of ABS in Hydraulic Brakes
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety feature found in most modern commercial vehicles. It prevents the wheels from locking up during sudden braking, maintaining vehicle control and reducing stopping distances on slippery surfaces.
The ABS works in conjunction with the hydraulic brake system. When the ABS sensors detect that a wheel is about to lock up, they send a signal to the ABS control unit. This unit then modulates the brake pressure to that wheel, preventing it from locking up.
Maintaining the ABS is crucial, as a malfunctioning ABS can affect the lorry’s braking performance. Regular checks of the ABS sensor, control unit, and wiring are important, and any faults should be addressed promptly.
The Role of Parking Brakes
Lastly, let’s not forget the role of parking brakes in your lorry. Also known as handbrakes, these mechanical systems hold the vehicle stationary when parked, providing an extra layer of safety.
In hydraulic brake systems, the parking brake is usually a separate mechanism that applies force to the rear wheels. Regular checks and adjustments of the parking brake are necessary, ensuring it engages and releases correctly.
In conclusion, proper maintenance and service of the hydraulic brakes in commercial lorries is paramount. It’s not just about keeping your vehicle in top shape, but more importantly, it’s about ensuring safety on the road.
Brake Efficiency Testing for Hydraulic Brakes
It’s crucial to regularly test the efficiency of your lorry’s brakes to ensure they are functioning at their optimal capacity. A brake efficiency test checks the effectiveness of the service brake, parking brake, and if fitted, the secondary or emergency brake. This test can highlight any discrepancies in the brake performance and call attention to necessary adjustments or repairs.
The service brake, which is the primary braking system, is typically a hydraulic brake. It is operated by the brake pedal. The efficiency of the service brake is determined by the stopping distance when the brake is applied at a certain speed. A shorter stopping distance indicates higher brake efficiency.
The brake test for commercial lorries usually involves a controlled drive at a specific speed, followed by a sudden application of the brakes. The distance covered by the lorry before it comes to a halt is then measured. This needs to be within the permissible limits defined by the vehicle manufacturer or regulatory standards.
The parking brake, on the other hand, is designed to hold the vehicle stationary when parked. Its efficiency is tested by parking the lorry on a gradient and checking if it remains stationary. Additionally, the functionality of the parking brake must be tested while the vehicle is stationary on a level surface. The vehicle should not move when the parking brake is fully applied.
If the vehicle is equipped with air brakes, an air pressure warning device is usually in place. This device gives a warning when the air pressure in the brake system drops below a specified limit. Regular checks of this warning device are important to ensure it is functioning correctly.
Conclusion: Ensuring Safe Operation of Hydraulic Brakes
In conclusion, maintaining the hydraulic brakes of a British commercial lorry involves understanding the function of the brake system, conducting routine maintenance, servicing the brakes regularly, and ensuring the ABS and parking brakes are in order. It also involves regular brake efficiency testing to ensure optimal brake performance.
The brake fluid is the lifeblood of the hydraulic brake system and its level must be regularly checked and topped up if necessary. The brake pads and brake lines also need regular inspections for signs of wear and tear, and leaks respectively.
The ABS and parking brakes play a substantial role in vehicle safety, and their functionality must be regularly checked. Brakes efficiency testing meanwhile, ensures all braking systems – service brake, parking brake, and the secondary brake (if fitted) – are working within acceptable parameters.
The complexity of the brake systems underscores the importance of professional servicing. A professional brake service not only ensures that the brakes are in top condition, but it can also help identify potential issues before they become major, costly problems.
Understanding how hydraulic brakes work, being vigilant about routine maintenance, and scheduling regular brake services are all key to ensuring the longevity of your lorry’s brake system. This not only keeps the vehicle in top shape, but more importantly, ensures the safety of the driver, the load, and others on the road.
