CDL Air Brakes Test flashcards

When a dual air brake system loses pressure rapidly in both primary and secondary systems upon brake application, it often indicates excessive air consumption due to maladjusted brakes or leaks in the brake components.

• Both gauges drop significantly.
• Occurs during brake application.
• Compressor struggles to maintain pressure.
• Common causes: maladjusted brakes, leaks in chambers/lines.

Memory trick: When both gauges go down, the brakes demand too much air around.

A noticeable and sustained difference in air pressure between the primary and secondary air systems often indicates a leak in the lower-pressure system.

• Compressor tries to fill both
• Lower pressure system has issue
• Requires investigation for leaks

Memory trick: If one side's low and the other's high, it's like a leaky bucket in the low side's sky.

A dual air brake system consists of two separate air brake systems, each with its own air tanks, lines, and controls.

• Provides a critical safety redundancy.
• Ensures partial braking capability if one system fails.
• Required on most large commercial vehicles.

Memory trick: Two tanks mean two chances to stop, not one.

The low air pressure warning system alerts the driver when air pressure in either the primary or secondary system drops below a safe operating threshold, typically 55-60 psi.

• Activates for individual systems
• Warns of potential brake failure
• Mandatory safety feature

Memory trick: A low pressure warning is like a car's fuel light, telling you to act before you're stranded.