5 Common Mistakes in Heavy-Duty Truck Air Brake System Inspections and Adjustments

Jayson Matos • August 20, 2024

Despite the growing interest in Electronic Braking Systems (EBS), Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) continue to be the preferred choice for heavy-duty trucks due to their reliability. Here are some common mistakes made during air brake system inspections and adjustments with tips on how to 


Neglecting Regular Inspections

Regular inspections are critical to detect wear and tear before they become costly breakdowns. Procrastinating on this critical task can lead to accidents, injuries, and other risks. 

You should visually inspect the air brake system every three months and more thoroughly on a schedule according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Plan for extra visual inspections if your fleet is exposed to extreme weather, severe temperatures, or other environmental hazards.


Improper Adjustment of Brake Components

Improper adjustments can occur due to a lack of understanding of the correct adjustment procedures or the use of incorrect tools. For example, an imperfect slack adjuster can lead to excessive brake shoe wear or inadequate braking force. 

Make sure your crew follows the manufacturer's guidelines and uses the right tools for adjustments and repairs. A minute saved with a rushed job can cost many days' worth of issues later.


Ignoring Manufacturer Specifications

Each brake system has specific manufacturer specifications and guidelines. Doing things like using incorrect brake linings or failing to maintain the recommended air pressure can lead to decreased performance and increased risk of brake failure. 

Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual and adhere to the specified maintenance practices.If you are unsure if a substitute part will work for your fleet vehicle, contact hardware supply experts to discuss your options.


Failing to Check Supporting Hoses and Valves

Air leaks in the brake system can severely affect braking performance. Common areas where leaks might occur include the air hoses, valves, and connections. During inspections make sure to:

  • Check for cracks, bulges, and other deformities in the hoses
  • Gently pinch the hoses to check for blisters and soft spots that indicate internal damage
  • Check joints, valves, and connectors for signs of corrosion and loose connections
  • Take care that all tubes and parts are clean during repairs and replacements. Any debris that makes its way in is not likely to come back out
  • If you suspect a leak, cover the hose with soapy water and look for bubbles.

Replace any faulty parts early on to avoid more costly repairs later. A customized inventory management service can help you avoid long back orders and delays.


Overlooking the Air Dryer and Filters

The air dryer and filters play a critical role in maintaining the quality of the air within the brake system. Moisture and contaminants in the air can cause corrosion and damage to the brake components, especially in humid areas like the Gulf Coast. 

The staff of Fleet Magazine recommend, “Drivers and fleets should always monitor the quality of the air in their service tanks to ensure air dryers are functioning properly. If excessive moisture—or oil mixed with water—is present in an air system, the air dryer’s cartridge may need to be replaced.”

Regularly checking and replacing the air dryer cartridge and filters can prevent moisture buildup and ensure the longevity of the brake system. Refer to the manufacturer’s appropriate data sheet for the best intervals.


Let Action Supply Help You Maintain Your Fleet

Whether you need the gold standards in fleet maintenance parts or robust inventory management, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality customer care. Our inventory experts will work hard, earn your trust, and help you get the job done right. Contact us today to discuss your fleet maintenance needs.

October 22, 2025
In the world of industrial supply, especially when it comes to hydraulic hoses and fittings, what truly sets a provider apart isn’t just product stock. It’s relationships . At Action Supply, we’ve built our business over four decades on more than inventory: we’ve built it on reliability, responsiveness, and customers trusting us as their go-to partner. The Local Partner Advantage Faster turnaround : Local on-site hose assemblies, quick access to inventory, and the ability to respond when downtime is unacceptable. We work hard to complete your projects with higher quality and fast turn around times. Better communication : You’re dealing with a team that knows your region, your industry, and your challenges—not a generic call center. Inventory you can count on : When your partner manages stock on-site or nearby, you’re less likely to face costly delays. Action Supply offers inventory management services to keep critical parts ready when you need them. Service & Support That Make the Difference Here’s how we add value for our customers year-round: Custom Hose Assemblies On-Site : We don’t just stock hoses; we build them to spec, on-site, matching exact lengths, fittings, and ratings so there’s no guess-work or field fabrication headaches. Consultation & Technical Guidance : Hydraulic systems are complex. We help customers select the right hose, fitting, and coupling for factors like pressure, fluid compatibility, abrasion, and environment. Speed When It Counts : Downtime kills productivity. Having a local partner means faster pick-up, faster delivery, and in many cases, faster problem resolution because we’re already on-site or nearby. Proactive Inventory Planning : From planned maintenance to emergency response, we partner with customers to anticipate needs rather than just react. A true partnership means fewer surprises. A Long-Term View: Why Trust Matters Relationships are built on consistency over time. At Action Supply, our “we’ve worked hard for over 40 years” mindset means we place value on being there for our customers today…and five, ten, twenty years down the road. That long-term presence gives customers the confidence to count on us for standard supply, for emergency replacement, and for growth scale-up. When you know your supply partner will show up, send the right part, understand your system, and back it with service, you’re not just buying hoses or fittings. You’re buying peace of mind. How to Make the Most of Your Supply Partner Here are a few actions to ensure your local supply relationship delivers maximum value: Treat them as part of your team : Share your upcoming projects, shutdown schedules, and maintenance plans with your supply partner. Engage early : Instead of reaching out only when a hose fails, loop in your supply partner during planning or design phases. Keep open communication : Share what matters to you (lead time, budget constraints, delivery windows) and let them tailor service accordingly. Leverage their expertise : Ask questions about alternatives, better materials, and long-term cost savings.  In industrial operations, margins are tight, downtime is costly, and every component matters. At Action Supply, we believe relationships matter because when you win, we win. And when you’re up against the clock, facing tough specs, or dealing with complex hydraulic systems, you’ll appreciate having a partner who’s local, dedicated, and backed by decades of experience.
September 17, 2025
When uptime, safety, and fluid integrity matter, choosing the correct fitting is the difference between a reliable system and unexpected downtime. The right fitting ensures a leak-free seal, matches pressure and fluid compatibility, and simplifies serviceability in the field. Action Supply builds and manages custom hose assemblies daily and can help match fittings to your exact application. Material Selection: Match the Environment Material choice impacts corrosion resistance, strength, and cost. Stainless steel (316 where marine exposure or salt spray is present) offers excellent corrosion resistance and strength for structural or submerged fittings. Brass is economical and machinable, and performs well in many freshwater or general industrial applications, but can corrode faster in saline environments. Choose material based on fluid chemistry, temperature, and exposure to salt or corrosives. A Practical Checklist for Choosing Fittings Identify the media: hydraulic oil, freshwater, saltwater, chemical — materials and sealing change accordingly. Confirm pressure & temperature ratings: match fittings and hose to the system’s max working and burst pressures. Match thread type and size: NPT ≠ BSP — use thread gauges or manufacturer tables if unsure. Choose sealing method: metal-to-metal (37° JIC/AN), ORFS face-seal, or thread-seal (NPT + tape/compound). Account for serviceability: will techs need to disconnect often? Choose fittings that tolerate repeated assembly. Plan for corrosion: in marine or corrosive environments choose 316 stainless, bronze, or specially coated parts. Document and label: record part numbers, thread specs, and orientation to remove guesswork on replacements. Installation & Testing Tips Use the correct torque spec for the fitting type; overtightening can damage seals or distort threads. For ORFS, always replace O-rings during reassembly and inspect sealing surfaces for nicks. For pipe threads (NPT), use appropriate thread sealant or PTFE tape and apply properly (direction, number of wraps). Pressure-test new assemblies at the manufacturer-recommended proof pressure before returning equipment to service. When to Call the Experts at Action Supply If your job is complex (mixed standards on site, high-pressure hydraulic systems, or marine installations), bring the assembly to the shop or have Action Supply’s on-site team build and verify the assembly. We offer on-site hose assemblies, inventory management, and industry-grade fittings (including Eaton/Weatherhead hoses and couplings) so you get the right part and verified performance the first time. Call (281) 315-3841 or use our contact form to request on-site assembly or inventory support.
August 11, 2025
Avoid costly downtime this peak season. Learn 5 key warning signs your hydraulic hoses need replacing to keep your equipment safe and productive.