The air dryer on a truck is one of the most important components of a vehicle’s air system. It is responsible for cleaning the air and preventing corrosion. It also ensures that the air brake system is fully charged. Truck air brake systems need clean air to work properly. Consequently, most air brake systems are equipped with air dryers.
These devices are plumbed into the air system of a vehicle’s engine, air compressor, and secondary air tank. Some have a wet tank, while others have both a wet and dry tank. They are generally top hat shaped and are located in various locations on the vehicle. They are an essential part of a truck’s air system, which makes them important to its overall performance.
The air dryer removes contaminants and moisture from compressed air. It is usually found between the air compressor and the first or secondary air tank. This helps prevent freezing in the air system.
What is the Air Dryer Used For in a Truck?
An air dryer is an essential part of a truck’s air system. Typically shaped like a top hat, air dryers are plumbed into the truck’s air system and are attached to the truck’s compressor and first and secondary tanks. Newer models also contain a separate dry tank. Regardless of the location of the air dryer, it’s important to maintain it regularly to prevent oil buildup.
An air dryer is installed in most air-braked vehicles. It removes solid, liquid, and vapor contaminants from the air system. This is important for the ABS in the truck’s brakes, as it requires clean air in order to work properly. According to Bendix, a growing trend is toward modular air dryers. The company’s first modular dryer was called the Dryer Reservoir Module (DRM), and it allowed truck manufacturers to save valuable frame rail space.
Truck air systems are notoriously susceptible to contamination. An air dryer prevents ice and moisture from building up in the system, which can cause problems in anti-lock braking systems and other safety features. The Bendix Company has been manufacturing air dryers for over a century, and they have produced more than 10 million units.
How Do I Know If My Air Dryer is Bad?
When air reaches your air dryer, it may not be able to filter out all of the contaminants. For this reason, it’s important to check the air dryer often. Inspect the filter cartridge for excess oil and moisture, which can be a sign of an air dryer that’s bad. If you see that it’s leaking or has other signs of trouble, call a mechanic immediately. This way, you can prevent a potential safety hazard from occurring.
Another symptom of an air dryer issue is a knocking sound that comes from the air compressor. The compressor may be leaking oil, or a piston slap may be occurring. If the air compressor isn’t blowing air, it could have other problems, including a blown fuse or con rod bearing/journal.
The most common reason for air dryer failure in trucks is a leak in the air system. Often, these leaks are confined around the compressor, and they can be repaired easily with hand tools. Wear and tear on parts can also cause poor filtration of the air in the system. The most common signs of an air dryer failure are electrical issues, but other signs include a compressor that won’t start or a compressor that makes a loud ticking sound.
How Often Should You Change Air Dryer on Truck?
You should replace the air dryer on your truck every 12 months or 100,000 miles, depending on your usage. However, large trucks and school buses may be able to get away with changing the air dryer only once every two years. However, you should always make sure to consult with a mechanic when replacing this component.
The air dryer is part of your truck’s compressed air system. This air is used to run accessories and to clean engine emissions. If this component is not working properly, the engine might shut down or display fault codes. Keeping the air dryer clean can save you money in the long run.
The most common reason for an air dryer to fail in a truck is an air leak. Checking for leaks in the air filter or around the compressor can ensure your vehicle’s safety. You should also look for worn parts that are clogged. These issues can make the air dryer less effective and can cause damage to other components.
What Causes Air Dryer Failure?
An air dryer is a crucial part of your truck’s air suspension system, so when it fails, it’s essential to get it checked out by a mechanic. When it doesn’t work, oil will back up into the air system, slowing down the entire system. You can test your air dryer by opening the drain valves. If you can see excess water in the wet tank, then the air dryer may be failing.
Typically, the truck’s air dryer is made of a standard spin-on cartridge designed to remove water and other particles. However, some oil aerosols do not pass through this cartridge, so you should periodically check the oil levels in the air system. High levels of oil will make the air dryer work harder and use more fuel, which can increase fuel costs.
Another common cause of air dryer failure is a worn compressor. If you notice frequent cartridge replacements, your compressor may need to be replaced. Also, you should check the air line to the air dryer. Make sure it is at least 12 feet long, with no dips or loops. If the air line is too short, it will freeze and a compressor failure may result.
How Often Should I Change My Air Dryer Filter?
A truck’s air filter should be changed every three years or 300,000 miles, depending on how much the truck is used. If the vehicle is not in use or driven for a short period of time, it is recommended to change the air filter every six months or 50,000 miles. If the vehicle is used for line hauling, you should change the air filter every two years or 100,000 miles. Other intervals may be necessary, depending on the age of the vehicle, its operating environment, and the vocation.
Air dryer replacement intervals for heavy-duty trucks can range from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Heavy-duty trucks, such as garbage trucks and school buses, may require more frequent air dryer replacement. They also require regular moisture inspections and air reservoir draining. Regular maintenance will save you money in the long run.
The desiccant cartridge in the air dryer is an integral part of a truck’s compressed air system. Its failure can affect the functioning of various components in the engine, including emission components. The failure of this system can cause a fault code to display on the dashboard, a shut-down of the engine, and even an engine failure.
Why Do You Drain Air Tanks on Trucks?
If your air tanks are too full, it may be time to drain them. Doing so will save your engine unnecessary hours, and it can also protect your compressor. It is important to know how to properly drain and handle air tanks if you drive a heavy truck. Keep reading for tips that will help you avoid compressor failure.
You should drain air tanks regularly to prevent water from accumulating inside the system. This is especially important if your air tanks are frozen. When thawing out air tanks, try to do it in a heated building. It is not recommended to use a flame to warm up the lines, as this could cause a fire or explosion. In addition to draining tanks regularly, you should also check the automatic drain valve to ensure it is working properly.
Draining air tanks is one of the most important truck maintenance tasks. The process can vary depending on the model of truck and the type of air tank. One way to drain the air tank is to run an alcohol-based solution into the main compressor line. This will help melt the ice, but it may not work if there is too much ice buildup.
How Do I Service My Air Dryer?
Regular maintenance is critical for air dryers in commercial trucks. It can help reduce cost-per-mile and keep a truck on the road. An air dryer consists of a cartridge and an air system. Though air systems and other modern technology have evolved since the early days of commercial vehicles, the need for clean air remains the same.
Heavy-duty truck air dryers should be serviced every six months to a year, or every 100,000 miles. For double-haul and triple-haul trucks, the interval may be extended to two years. However, even with regular service, a heavy truck may need a new air dryer cartridge every six months or 6,000 miles. It is important to keep in mind that truck air dryers are complex devices that can require professional diagnosis.
The first step is to check the system pressure. Air dryers may lose pressure after a long time if contaminated air gets into the system. To test this, open the reservoir drain valves and check for any moisture. Once the system is drained, restart the vehicle and restore the pressure to the governor cutout pressure. If the pressure is normal, the air dryer should be functioning properly.
Learn More Here:
3.) Best Trucks