Page 178 - Driving Commercial Vehicles Manual

chapter 8 — air brakes

The result is that the spring parking brakes don’t apply automatically. The low-
driving tip air warning system has alerted the driver to the air loss, allowing the driver to
make a controlled stop using the front axle brakes.
One method to check that
the two-way check valve Some vehicles with dual air systems are equipped with an optional device
is working is to drain the called a spring brake modulator. This device senses a loss of pressure in the
primary reservoir and check primary system, and when the driver applies the service brakes, causes air to
that air pressure in the be exhausted from the spring parking brakes in direct proportion to the brake
secondary reservoir doesn’t application. By simply applying the foot valve normally, the driver controls the
bleed back into the primary amount of spring force used to assist the front brakes to bring the vehicle to a
reservoir. controlled stop.
All vehicles must meet Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for
emergency stopping, so regardless of how the dual system is arranged, or if
a spring parking brake modulator is installed, the vehicle will have adequate
braking force even with a partially failed air system.
With all systems, after stopping, the driver can securely park the vehicle by
manually applying the parking brake control valve.

Safety actuator parking brakes

Safety actuator parking brakes are used on many buses and highway coaches.
They look similar to spring parking brakes but their operation is very different.
Rather than using a powerful coil spring, this brake uses a one-way locking
mechanism that can be engaged to allow the pushrod to stroke outward, but
prevent it from returning. The actuators have two diaphragms: one to apply
the service brake, and the other to apply the parking brake.

Safety actuator parking
brake chambers are found
on some buses.

A separate air reservoir is used for parking and the parking brake dash control
is identical in appearance and operation to the one used for spring parking
brakes.
Pulling the dash control outward simultaneously applies air pressure to the
parking diaphragm and engages the locking mechanism. The pushrod moves
out, applying the brakes. The pushrod is then held in the applied position by
the locking mechanism. The vehicle’s parked securely, even if air’s lost from all
reservoirs.

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