The five crucial truck brake checks that could save your life 

Picture this: you’re cruising down the highway, the open road stretching out before you, when suddenly you need to brake hard to avoid a collision. In that split-second, your life depends on the reliability of your heavy vehicle’s air brakes. But are you sure they’re up to the task? 

From the depths of neglected maintenance to the tiniest of leaks, many factors could compromise your brakes, jeopardising not just your life, but the lives of those sharing the road with you. With the help of Australian brake specialist Bendix, let’s delve into the essentials of air brake checks every heavy vehicle operator should undertake to ensure safety isn’t just a hope but a certainty. After all, when it comes to heavy vehicles and their brake systems, a little vigilance could mean the difference between smooth trucking and disaster. 

To this end, conducting thorough air brake system checks is not just advisable but imperative. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has a comprehensive guide available online to point drivers and operators in the right direction.

Furthermore, regulators have grave concerns that some cheaper, inferior-quality components now available on the Australian market don’t live up to operator expectations for operational functionality, serviceability and reliability. Even more concerning is the issue of mismatched brake components, which can compromise the braking balance of a vehicle combination with potentially catastrophic results. Heavy vehicle brake imbalance creates dangerous vehicle stability issues, while incorrectly adjusted brakes are one major cause of S-Cam brake imbalance. 

Incorrect replacement brake components can also lead to braking imbalance, especially if the parts vary from the left-hand side to the right on the same axle. 

Any deviation in brake parts from the left or right side of the axle’s brake groups, even down to the brand or age of components, negatively impacts brake balance. The fewer axles in the group, the more imperative the brake balance becomes. The most susceptible configuration to poor brake balance-induced stability issues is a short-wheelbase 4x2 prime mover. 

Bendix highlights five crucial brake checks that drivers can perform that could save their lives. Let’s take a look at each… 

The foundation of any air brake system lies in its air pressure. Adequate pressure ensures effective braking when needed. Before hitting the road, it’s essential to check the pressure gauges and ensure they fall within the recommended range. Low pressure can lead to sluggish brake response or, worse, brake failure. Conversely, excessively high pressure can strain the system, leading to leaks and/or component damage. Regular pressure checks, especially before long journeys, are crucial for pre-empting potential disasters. 

Air brake systems are susceptible to leaks, which can compromise their effectiveness. Leaks can occur in various components, such as hoses, valves, or fittings. A meticulous inspection of the entire system for signs of leaks is imperative. Even a minor leak can escalate into a major issue if left unattended. Addressing leaks promptly not only preserves the integrity of the brake system but also prevents hazardous situations on the road. 

Proper brake adjustment is crucial for optimal braking performance. Over time, brake linings wear down, necessitating adjustments to maintain optimal clearance between the brake shoes and drums. Failure to adjust brakes can result in decreased braking efficiency, longer stopping distances, and even loss of control. Regular checks and adjustments, in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, ensure the brakes operate at peak efficiency, enhancing safety for both the driver and other road users. 

The parking brake is a crucial backup in case of primary brake system failure. Testing the parking brake before embarking on a journey is a simple yet often overlooked precautionary measure. Ensuring that the parking brake engages and disengages smoothly not only verifies its functionality but also prepares the driver for potential emergencies. 

Beyond individual components, assessing the overall integrity of the brake system is paramount. This entails inspecting critical components such as brake chambers, slack adjusters, and airlines for signs of wear, corrosion, or structural damage. Any abnormalities should be promptly addressed to prevent systemic failures that could have catastrophic consequences on the road. Routine maintenance and thorough inspections are key to upholding the integrity of the brake system and ensuring safe travel. 

Efficient and reliable braking is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a fundamental aspect of road safety. That’s why Bendix continually evolves its braking technology. Today, the Bendix Protrans range of commercial vehicle brake components stand out as a testament to the firm’s commitment to excellence with improved surface technology, high-temperature resistance, and reduced wear rates, culminating in reliable, high-performance braking while simultaneously reducing running costs. 

One of the Bendix Protrans HD & Protrans brake pads range’s key advantages is its advanced surface technology. Bendix Protrans components feature state-of-the-art materials and manufacturing processes that are designed to optimise surface contact and friction. 

Through innovations such as precision machining and specialised coatings like Blue Titanium Stripe that help deliver maximum performance from new, with no need for bedding-in, Bendix ProtransHD & Protrans brake pads ensure consistent and uniform contact between the brake pads and rotors, thereby enhancing braking efficiency and response. 

This improved surface technology minimises the risk of uneven wear and brake fade, resulting in a more predictable and controlled braking experience for drivers. 

Another notable benefit of Bendix Protrans brake pads and linings is their exceptional resistance to high temperatures. During braking, the friction generated between the brake pads and drums or rotors can generate significant heat, leading to thermal degradation and reduced braking performance. However, Bendix Protrans brake components are engineered to withstand elevated temperatures without compromising effectiveness. 

Through the use of advanced materials such as carbon-ceramic composites and heat-resistant alloys, these components maintain their integrity even under extreme operating conditions. This high-temperature resistance ensures consistent braking performance, even during prolonged or demanding driving situations, thereby enhancing safety and instilling confidence on the road. 

In addition to their enhanced performance capabilities, Bendix Protrans brake pads & linings also boast reduced wear rates compared to conventional brake systems. The innovative design and materials used in these components minimise frictional losses and abrasive wear, thereby extending the service life of the brake pads and rotors. 

This reduction in wear rates translates to cost savings for vehicle owners by reducing the frequency of brake replacements and contributes to overall reliability and longevity. By minimising the need for maintenance and replacement, Protrans brake pads & linings offer a compelling value proposition for fleet operators and individual drivers alike, helping to reduce downtime and maximise operational efficiency. 

One of the standout features of Bendix ProtransHD brake pads is their exceptional durability. Constructed from premium materials and engineered with precision, these linings can withstand the intense heat and friction generated during frequent braking cycles, such as those encountered with inner-city buses, garbage collection, and agitator applications. This durability translates into extended service life, reducing the frequency of maintenance intervals and minimising downtime, which is a critical factor in applications characterised by continuous operation. 

Moreover, the advanced friction formulation of the ProtransHD brake pads ensures consistent and reliable performance across various operating conditions. Whether navigating stop-and-go traffic on bustling urban streets or negotiating steep inclines with heavy loads, drivers can rely on the predictable stopping power provided by these brake linings. This consistency not only enhances safety by minimising the risk of brake fade or loss of stopping power, but also contributes to smoother operation and reduced wear on other brake system components. 

The high performance of the Bendix Protrans range extends to its brake shoe kits, which are manufactured to the highest quality standards in an IATF 16949- and QS9000-accredited facility. 

The kits’ benefits include electro-hardened journal ends, indented webbing for additional strength, and steel rivets. For greater performance and extended drum life, each shoe is radius ground after riveting/bonding. The range also meets or exceeds the performance characteristics of industry-leading OE shoes. 

All Protrans brake shoe kits include all required components, such as springs, pins, retainers and rollers, for convenience and ease of fitment. 

Bendix has been a leading light in brake components in Australia since 1955, and today it offers cutting-edge products spanning passenger and performance cars, 4x4s, motorcycles and trucks. 

That experience and know-how is at the heart of every Bendix Protrans product, giving both truck drivers and operators the sort of peace of mind that can’t be bought. For more information, head to the Bendix Protrans web page.