The Air Pressure Brake System plays a vital role in the safety system of the vehicle, especially on large commercial vehicles, trucks and heavy equipment. The system relies on a series of complex components, including air compressors, air tanks, brake valves, and brake hoses (commonly called Air Pressure Brake Hose) connecting these components. These hoses are responsible for transmitting compressed air to activate the brakes, so ensuring that they are intact is essential for driving safety.
1. Preparation
Tool preparation: flashlight, rags or paper towels (for cleaning and inspection), markers or labels (for marking potential problem areas).
Safety first: Before performing any inspection, make sure the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine is turned off. If it is a large vehicle, make sure the vehicle is on flat and stable ground and apply the parking brake.
Understand the layout: Familiarize yourself with the layout of your vehicle's air brake system, especially the route and connection points of the brake hose.
2. Visual inspection
Cracks and wear: Carefully inspect each section of the brake hose, paying special attention to bends and near the connectors, looking for cracks, wear or cuts. Use a flashlight to illuminate areas that are difficult to see directly.
Swelling and deformation: Observe the hose for abnormal swelling or deformation, which may be a sign of excessive internal pressure or aging of the hose material.
Corrosion and stains: Check the hose surface for oil, grease or corrosive substances, which may indicate a leak or damage to the hose caused by the external environment.
3. Tactile inspection
Flexibility: Gently squeeze the hose to check if it still maintains sufficient flexibility. Aged hoses may become stiff and difficult to bend.
Temperature difference: If possible, touch the hose (be careful to avoid burns) to check for local overheating, which may indicate a leak or frictional heat inside the hose.
4. Connection point inspection
Tightness: Check whether the hose is firmly connected to the brake, air tank and other components, and whether the fastening nut or clamp is loose or missing.
Leak detection: Use a rag or paper towel to gently wipe around the connection point and observe for signs of air leakage. You can also start the engine and briefly press the brake pedal while observing whether there are bubbles or leaks.
5. Record and report
Mark the problem: Use a marker or label to mark any problem areas found so that they can be quickly located during subsequent repairs.
Record information: Record all problems found during the inspection in detail, including the specific location, type of damage and severity.
Timely repair: If you find signs of aging, damage or leakage in the brake hose, you should immediately contact a professional auto repair technician for replacement or repair.