NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) Heavy Duty Vehicle Brake Research Program -- Report 2: The Effect of Adjustment on Air Brake Performance

摘要

Vehicle and dynamometer tests were conducted and results indicate that air brake adjustment is critical factor in achieving optimum system performance. Brake chamber stroke must be minimized if maximum brake torque is to be achieved. A significant loss of brake torque occurs over what is considered to be the acceptable brake adjustment range particularly if the brake is hot. A large number of air braked vehicles on the road have brakes out of adjustment or have brakes considered to be in adjustment that are operating at a reduced effectiveness level. Better adjustment maintenance would improve truck safety.