Our Mobile Brake Repair Services for Heavy-Duty Trucks & Trailers:
Drum Brakes Explained
Ever wondered how drum brakes work? Unlike the disc-style brakes found in automotive vehicles, drum brakes can be incredibly complex. Let’s jump into how they work, shall we?
Compressed Air
The vast majority of drum brake systems found on medium and heavy-duty trucks are powered by compressed air. To facilitate this compressed air flow, your truck has an air compressor, air tanks, an air dryer, and a complex system of valves and airlines. Your compressor is generally mounted to the back or side of your diesel engine, and your air tanks are generally attached directly to your frame.
When you press down on your brake pedal, you’ll be sending compressed air from your air tanks to your brake assemblies rather than brake fluid. Compressed air is preferred because it not only provides more braking force but is also less likely to leak.
Push Rod Assembly
When your compressed air reaches your brake assembly, it first enters what’s called a service chamber. Within this chamber, the compressed air pushes a diaphragm forward, which in turn moves your push rod. This push rod activates your q-cam, which then pushes your brake shoes outward. The pads that are mounted to the outside of these brake shoes are then pressed into your brake drum, which in turn brings your truck to a stop.
Brake Adjusters
Ever wonder how your truck compensates for brake pad wear? Well, that’s where your brake adjusters come in! Rather than making your push rods travel farther to compensate for the wear, your brake adjuster automatically takes up the slack. This ensures your drum brakes are just as effective, regardless of how much life you have left in your brake pads.
Contact Us for Top-Rated Mobile Brake Repair Services in Kentucky
Looking to get your air brakes repaired? Call us today!
Areas Also Served For Brake Repair in Kentucky
As well as Lexington, KY, we also bring our fully mobile brake repair service to; Frankfort, KY, Winchester, KY, and Richmond, KY. We are based close to I-75 and I-64., so if you're in the area, quick, efficient, and affordable repairs are just a phone call away!
