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Air Brake System Components

Air Brake System Components is a required knowledge area under 49 CFR 383.111(b)(1) and (b)(2), covering air brake system nomenclature and the dangers of a contaminated air supply, required of any driver operating a vehicle equipped with air brakes.

Practice Air Brake System Components

5 Questions

  1. An air brake system is actually three separate braking systems working together. Which one applies and releases the brakes during ordinary driving, each time the driver presses and releases the brake pedal?
  2. Compressed air in an air brake system usually carries some water and compressor oil along with it. Why is it important to drain the air tanks regularly?
  3. What does the air compressor governor do in an air brake system?
  4. The first tank the air compressor fills has a safety relief valve built into it. What is this valve's purpose?
  5. In the most common type of foundation brake, the s-cam drum brake, what actually forces the brake shoes outward into the drum's inner surface to stop the wheel?