Brakes and air system
Air pressure dropping, hissing at the wheels, the ABS light on or the brakes pulling to one side. Don't drive on with a fault like this: stop in a safe place and call.
What is wrong with the truck?
With every WhatsApp message, include
- The make, model and year of the tractor unit
- Your location: a location pin, or the motorway, direction and nearest exit
Air system: air lines, valves and air tanks
Symptoms
- Air hissing at the wheels, under the cab or at the air tanks
- System pressure drops after the engine is switched off
- Low-pressure warning light, the parking brake won't release
- Pressure takes a long time to build after starting the engine
Don't drive on with an air leak: stop in a safe place, switch on the hazard lights and put out the warning triangle.
Describe the problem on WhatsApp: Air system: air lines, valves and air tanks
What we do, limits and what to send: Air system: air lines, valves and air tanks
What we do on site
We find the leak and replace air lines, fittings, valves and air tanks. After the repair we check the whole system for leaks and pressure.
Roadside repair limits
- Replacing control valves on site depends on parts being available for that model.
What to send on WhatsApp
- A recording of where you can hear the hissing
- A photo of the pressure gauge or the pressure message
Frozen air system: thawing in winter
Symptoms
- After a frosty night the pressure won't build or the parking brake won't release
- Frost on valves or air lines, ice in the drain valve
- The trailer brakes won't release after coupling
- The air dryer doesn't purge
Don't thaw valves or air lines with an open flame: you can damage them and start a fire.
Describe the problem on WhatsApp: Frozen air system: thawing in winter
What we do, limits and what to send: Frozen air system: thawing in winter
What we do on site
We find the frozen valves and lines and thaw them without an open flame. We drain the water from the air tanks and check the air dryer and its cartridge, so the problem doesn't come back the next night.
Roadside repair limits
- Replacing valves or lines cracked by frost depends on parts being available for that model.
- If water keeps coming back into the system, the cause is usually a worn air dryer: without repairing it, thawing only helps for a while.
What to send on WhatsApp
- A recording of the pressure gauge after starting the engine
- The outside temperature and how long the truck has stood
Air compressor and air dryer
Symptoms
- Pressure builds very slowly or stops below normal
- The air dryer purges often and loudly, or not at all
- Water or oil in the air tanks
- Knocking or noise from the compressor
Describe the problem on WhatsApp: Air compressor and air dryer
What we do, limits and what to send: Air compressor and air dryer
What we do on site
We check the compressor output, the pressure regulator and the air dryer. We replace the dryer cartridge, valves and lines, and the compressor on site if the part is available. After the repair we drain the water from the tanks and check how long the system takes to fill.
Roadside repair limits
- Replacing the compressor on site depends on parts being available for that model and on access to it.
- Reconditioning a compressor needs a workshop repair.
What to send on WhatsApp
- A recording of the pressure gauge from engine start
- A photo of what comes out of the tank drain valve
EBS: tractor unit and trailer
Symptoms
- The tractor or trailer EBS warning light is on
- A trailer brake fault message after coupling
- Uneven braking, the truck and trailer pull to one side
- Speed limited or the brakes in limp mode
Red brake warning light on? Stop in a safe place and don't drive on until you have called.
Describe the problem on WhatsApp: EBS: tractor unit and trailer
What we do, limits and what to send: EBS: tractor unit and trailer
What we do on site
We read the faults in the tractor unit's EBS control unit and the trailer modulator. We check the sensors, power supply, cables, the connector between tractor and trailer, modulators and valves. We replace damaged parts and clear the faults after the repair.
Roadside repair limits
- Replacing a modulator on site depends on parts being available for that model.
- Braking force testing on a roller tester is done in our workshop in Jasień.
What to send on WhatsApp
- A photo of the warning lights and the message on the instrument cluster
- Whether the fault appears with every trailer or only one
Pads and discs, shoes and drums
Symptoms
- Squealing or metal grinding on metal when braking
- Brake lining wear warning light
- The truck pulls to one side when braking
- A hot hub or a smell of overheated brakes
Describe the problem on WhatsApp: Pads and discs, shoes and drums
What we do, limits and what to send: Pads and discs, shoes and drums
What we do on site
We replace pads and discs on disc brakes and shoes and drums on drum brakes, check the calipers and wear sensors, and finally adjust the brakes.
Roadside repair limits
- Replacing them on site depends on parts being available for that axle and model.
- Brake calipers are reconditioned in a workshop.
What to send on WhatsApp
- A photo of the warning light or message
- Which axle and side the problem is on
Brake adjustment and ABS repair
Symptoms
- The ABS warning light is on
- The brakes on one side get hotter than on the other
- Longer stopping distance or axles braking unevenly
Describe the problem on WhatsApp: Brake adjustment and ABS repair
What we do, limits and what to send: Brake adjustment and ABS repair
What we do on site
We read the ABS faults and check the wheel speed sensors, reluctor rings and cables. We replace damaged sensors, repair the wiring and adjust the brakes.
Roadside repair limits
- Calibrating the EBS may need the manufacturer's software.
- Brake performance testing on a roller tester is done in our workshop in Jasień, not at the roadside.
What to send on WhatsApp
- A photo of the ABS light or message
Questions and answers
Air pressure is dropping. Can I drive to the nearest truck park?
No. With an air leak the brakes are not reliable. Stop in a safe place, switch on the hazard lights, put out the warning triangle and call.
Do you replace brake pads and discs in a truck park?
Yes: pads and discs, and shoes and drums, together with a check of the calipers and wear sensors. Replacing them on site depends on parts being available for that axle and model.
The air system froze overnight. What should I do?
Don't thaw valves or air lines with an open flame. Call: we will thaw the system, drain the water from the air tanks and check the air dryer, so the problem doesn't come back.
Often goes together
These faults often share a cause with the problems described above.
Other systems
Can't see your symptom?
Call and describe what is happening. We will tell you straight away if it can be repaired on site.
We speak Polish, Ukrainian, Russian and English.