The following steps are recommended by SAF-Holland to maintain your air disc brake system. They recommend that you follow your brake manufacturer’s recommended service manual instructions for general service and maintenance.
- Conduct regular visual checks of the brakes, tires, and all chassis components. (Note: Refer to your brake manufacturer’s service manual for torque specifications, where applicable.)
- Inspect for secure mounting, wear, leaks, corrosion, and damage.
- Check for loose, broken, or cracked air hoses, air system leaks, and damaged components.
- Check that brake hoses and cables are properly secured.
- For proper brake pad wear, check that there is enough clearance to allow the caliper full movement during normal operation.
- Check the brake pads at regular service intervals to ensure that the brake pad hold down springs are in the correct position, and that brake pads are not worn beyond the minimum wear limits listed in your brake manufacturer’s service manual.
- When replacing brake pads, inspect the rotors for signs of wear, cracks, grooves, scoring, or hot spots.
- Visually check the brake caliper at regular service intervals as defined by the brake caliper manufacturer’s basic inspection program. (Note: Refer to your brake manufacturer’s service manual additional brake caliper inspection and repair information.)
- Check the spring brake chambers to make sure the parking springs are not caged in the released position. Be sure the dust plugs are properly installed.
- Make sure that the vent holes in the air brake chamber are not covered with snow, ice, mud, etc.
- Inspect the wheel-bearing unit for grease leaks at every brake pad change.
- Visually check the brake assembly (e.g. pads, rotor, etc.) for oil or grease contamination.
- Check that all dust caps and boots are present and in good condition.
- Regularly conduct general safety checks in accordance with any applicable laws.
- After every wheel change, the wheel nuts must be re-tightened to the specified torque level after the initial 100 miles of operation, and then at every regular service interval. (Caution: Failure to re-tighten wheel nuts at specified intervals could result in component failure, which, if not avoided, could result in damage to property.)