Semi Truck Air Dryer Filter Troubleshooting & Tips
One of the most obvious signs that your air dryer may be bad is if you notice a lot of water draining from the air tanks when you use the drain valves. This could be an indication that the air dryer filter needs to be replaced. In addition to the filter needing to be replaced due to moisture etc a failed filter can physically fall apart and clog the air system. Another issue to watch out for is oil in the air brake system. If your air compressor is failing, it may introduce oil into the system, which can clog the air dryer filter and cause problems with the brakes, suspension, transmission (if applicable) etc. If you notice oil in the system, it is important to troubleshoot the issue and possibly consider replacing the air compressor. Reduced air pressure: If you are experiencing reduced air pressure in your truck's air brake system, it could be a sign that the air dryer is faulty. Reduced air pressure can cause the brakes to feel "spongy" and can lead to longer stopping distances. Leaks: If you notice any leaks in the air dryer or its components, it could be a sign that the air dryer is faulty. Leaks can cause air pressure to drop and can lead to reduced braking efficiency. Excessive brake wear: If you are experiencing excessive brake wear, it could be a sign that the air dryer is faulty. A faulty air dryer can cause the brakes to be applied more frequently, leading to increased wear and tear on brake components.
How do you measure the brake shoes on a semi truck?
On the steering axle of a semi truck, the minimum required thickness for brake shoe lining is 4.8 mm (3/16 inch) at the shoe center for a shoe with a continuous strip of lining, 6.4 mm (1/4 inch) at the shoe center for a shoe with two pads, or worn to the wear indicator if the lining is so marked, for air drum brakes. For air disc brakes, the minimum required thickness is 3.2 mm (1/8 inch). On non-steering axles (also known as drive axles or tag / additional axles) of a semi truck, the minimum required thickness for brake shoe lining is 6.4 mm (1/4 inch) or to the wear indicator if the lining is so marked (measured at the shoe center for drum brakes). For disc brakes, the minimum required thickness is 3.2 mm (1/8 inch). If your measurement is less than the minimum required thickness, the brake shoe lining may need to be replaced.
Volvo VNL Cab Mount Bushing Replacement
Gather the necessary tools and equipment: You will need a variety of tools to complete this task, including a hydraulic jack, jack stands, a wrench, ratcheting wrench and correct sockets, a torque wrench, a pry bar, and a hammer. You may also need special tools to remove the cab bushings, such as a hydraulic bench press stand or a mobile hydraulic press tool. Raise and support the cab: Use the hydraulic jack and jack stands to raise the cab of the truck and secure it in place. Make sure the cab is stable and secure before proceeding. Remove the cab mounting bolts: Using the lug wrench or a socket set, remove the bolts that secure the cab to the frame. Be sure to keep track of which bolts go where, as they may be different sizes. Remove the old cab bushings: Once the mounting bolts are removed, you can press the old cab bushings out of their mounting points using a hydraulic press or a special press tool. Install the new cab bushings: Once the old bushings are removed, you can install the new bushings in their place by using the hydraulic press or special press tool. Make sure the new bushings are seated properly and aligned with the mounting points on the frame. Reinstall the cab mounting bolts: Using the torque wrench, tighten the cab mounting bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque. Be sure to tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern to ensure an even load on the bushings. Lower the cab: Once the new bushings are installed and the mounting bolts are tightened, you can lower the cab back down to the frame using the hydraulic jack. Make sure the cab is seated properly and aligned with the frame before removing the jack stands. Test the cab: Once the cab is back in place, it is a good idea to test the movement of the cab to make sure the new bushings are functioning properly.