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.

Contaminated hydraulic fluid can result in abrasive wear, corrosion, and diminished efficiency of hydraulic components, and it is one of the leading causes of hydraulic system failure. Here are some tips from our pros on how to minimize the effects of contamination on your hydraulic system. How Your Hydraulic Fluid Becomes Contaminated Before we go into tips, it is helpful to know where these contaminants come from. Some of the most common include: Refilling the system with used or low-quality hydraulic fluid Refilling the system from a container contaminated during multiple openings and closings. Spilling the hydraulic fluid around the opening while refilling can drag impurities inside Through the breather While replacing parts in a dirty environment Bad gaskets and worn seals allow dirt, microbes, and impurities to work their way in Incompatible fittings and hoses can lead to corrosion from leaks and chemical reactions inside the system. Making sure these entry areas are clean and in good shape will help keep contaminants from reaching your hydraulic fluid lines. Use the Correct High-Quality Fluids Hydraulic fluid is your system's lifeblood. Using high-quality, clean hydraulic fluids specifically designed for your machinery can make a world of difference. Always ensure that the fluid meets the hydraulic system’s specifications and is free from impurities. This will also help prevent leaks and other issues that cause hydraulic system failure. Use Proper Filtration Filtration helps catch impurities that make their way into the line before they do damage to your hydraulic system. Invest in high-efficiency filters that can remove 30 microns or smaller impurities from the system. Regularly check and replace these filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Check the Lines if the System Overheats Extreme temperatures can make the oil too thin and cause metal-to-metal friction in the hydraulic system, leaving metal flakes and sludge in your system. Some of the most common friction related contaminants include: Rust Minerals Metal flakes Silica Elastomers When you overwork the system or work in hot conditions, make sure to use additives or a new clean hydraulic oil appropriate for the task. Use Proper Seals and Breathers Seals and breathers are critical components in preventing leaks, corrosion, and contamination. Inspect and replace seals regularly to avoid leaks that could let contaminants in. Invest in high-quality breathers that filter out airborne contaminants while allowing the system to breathe properly. Develop and stick to a maintenance schedule that includes checking these vital parts for signs of wear and corrosion. Prevent Cross-Contamination When servicing multiple hydraulic systems, thoroughly clean tools and equipment between uses to prevent cross-contamination. If feasible, use color-coded tools and containers to distinguish between different fluids and systems to reduce the risk of mixing incompatible fluids. Avoid using old fluid in new systems to cut costs. Implement Contamination Control Programs Develop and implement comprehensive contamination control programs tailored to your specific hydraulic systems. These programs should include procedures for fluid handling, storage, and disposal, as well as guidelines for maintenance and inspections. Regularly review and update the program to address new challenges and improve contamination control measures. Make sure to have a number for a hydraulics expert handy in case your team runs into questions or can not identify the source of contaminants. Action Supply Can Help Minimize Contamination With The Right Parts For the Right Job The donkey became the company’s symbol because our founders knew they could deliver kick-ass quality — and Action Supply continues to do just that. We’ll help you make sure you are using the right hoses, couplings, and other essential hardware for your hydraulics system every time. We even have a robust inventory management program to ensure your systems do not suffer from extensive back orders. Contact us today to talk to one of our experts.