- Listen for any hissing sounds coming from the trailer, as air leaks can cause the system to lose pressure and make the brakes inoperative. Common areas to check include air hoses, fittings, and the air tank.
2. Low air pressure:
- Ensure the air pressure in the trailer's air tank is at least 100 PSI. If the air pressure is too low, the brakes will not engage properly. Check the air pressure gauge on the trailer's dashboard.
3. Faulty air supply valve:
- Inspect the air supply valve, located near the air tank, to ensure it is functioning properly and supplying air to the brake system.
4. Frozen air lines:
-If you're operating the trailer in cold weather conditions, the air lines can become frozen, preventing air from flowing through them. Thaw the lines using a heat source, such as a hair dryer or heat gun.
5. Check the air compressor:
- The air compressor is responsible for generating the compressed air needed to operate the air brakes. If the compressor is not working properly, it will not be able to generate enough air pressure to engage the brakes. Check the air compressor belt for wear and tension and check for any leaks.
6. Brake chamber malfunction:
- The brake chambers are responsible for translating the air pressure into mechanical force to engage the brakes. If the brake chambers are damaged or malfunctioning, they will not be able to apply the brakes. Inspect the brake chambers for any damage or leaks.
7. Check the brake pads/shoes:
- If the brake pads/shoes are worn or damaged, they may not be able to effectively engage with the brake drums/rotors, resulting in the brakes not working. Inspect the brake pads/shoes and have them replaced if they are worn beyond the specified limit.
8. Faulty air-brake relay valve:
- This valve controls the flow of air to the brake chambers. If the relay valve is malfunctioning, it may not be sending the correct signals to the brake chambers to engage the brakes. Check the air-brake relay valve and replace it if it is faulty.
9. Faulty electrical wiring:
- The air brake system may have electrical components such as sensors and switches. Electrical problems like faulty wiring or a malfunctioning brake light switch could disrupt the air brake system's operation. Inspect the electrical wiring and brake light switch for any damage or malfunctions and repair or replace them as needed.
10. Parking brake is engaged:
- Ensure the parking brake is not engaged, as this will prevent the air brakes from functioning.
If the problem persists, or you do not feel comfortable troubleshooting the issue yourself, it's best to take the trailer to a qualified mechanic or repair shop for further diagnosis and repair.
