Big Truck Air Brake Systems

Not sure if this is actually a tutorial or more information, but here is some detailed information on big rig air brake systems. What I will include is a schematic diagram of an air brake system and some photos I have found on the internet on the brake chambers at the wheel ends and hubs.

First the schematic:


This shows the basic components, such as the compressor, the air dryer, the air tanks, the various valves and the brake equipment at the wheel ends. Tank locations vary all over the place on the frame, depending on what other equipment is mounted on the chassis. The most common locations are between the back end of the tranny and the forward drive axle.

Next are some photos:





The first photo is actually that of a model!

Adding all the air lines really helps add the detail to the chassis. Note that most chassis use a hard plastic line for the plumbing, with fabric braided line at the wheel ends where wheel movement needs to take place. At least at Daimler, we did not use any stainless steel lines. Hope this helps those of you who like to build the Big Rigs.

Thanks Pete that is way more info than we had before.

Thanks from too, Pete. Just what I'm looking for.

The model looks like the AMT Titan/Astro. Is it?


Cheers,

Chris

Chris, I don't know what model it is. I just pulled the photo off an internet search.

The fuel tank does look like something from a GM or Ford product. Most of the other truck manufacturers of Class 8 tgrucks, like Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner run cylindrical tanks.