Tips and hints for extra brake care
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• With the Vehicle Inspectorate conducting more spot-checks, braking specialist Don has suggested practical hints and tips for keeping your brakes in safe working order.
• Check brake temperatures on a daily basis—hotter-than-normal drums can most simply be detected with the back of the hand. For definitive results use a thermocouple or heat pencil. Significant variations signify attention is required.
• Carry out a full inspection as often as once a month. Check for air leaks.
• When relining replace the return springs every time—remember they provide half the braking action.
• With auto-adjust brakes it is important to measure lining-to-drum gaps, ensuring they meet manufacturers' recommendations.
• Where a roller test is available, check the braking performance of the whole vehicle.