Wichita, Kansas — Bendix has issued a detailed technical advisory urging fleets to prioritize air brake and air supply system maintenance before the onset of winter. The company emphasizes that corrosion and moisture intrusion are the primary threats to wheel-end components during cold months, requiring proactive inspection and lubrication to prevent catastrophic failures on the road.
The advisory targets both fleet technicians and independent drivers, highlighting the specific vulnerabilities of air brake systems in freezing conditions. Mark Holley, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions for wheel-end, noted that moisture and road de-icing chemicals aggressively attack air brake chamber housings. He stressed that the most effective defense is straightforward preventive maintenance, specifically regular inspections and thorough lubrication of key components before the first snowfall arrives.
Jason Kolecki, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions for air supply and drivetrain, warned that air systems face increased stress from freeze-and-thaw cycles. He explained that this vulnerability extends beyond brakes to affect automated transmissions, emissions controls, and advanced safety systems. The recommendation includes manually draining air tanks to remove residual moisture, a task that may need to be performed more frequently than the standard three-month interval for high-air-consumption vehicles.
What This Means for Drivers
For every CDL-A driver and owner-operator, this guidance translates into specific pre-trip and shop tasks that directly impact safety and compliance. Technicians must inspect chamber dust plugs to ensure they are properly seated, preventing corrosive materials from entering the internal mechanisms. Drivers should also verify that air-disc brake boots are intact, as tears can lead to rapid corrosion, and ensure that guide pins and shear adapter covers are secure. Lubricating automatic slack adjusters, clevis pins, and cam tubes is no longer optional; it is a critical step in preventing moisture buildup that can freeze and seize moving parts during OTR routes.
Industry Reaction
Bendix officials also addressed the common practice of using de-icing solutions on frozen air systems. While acknowledging that such measures are sometimes unavoidable to get trucks moving quickly, Kolecki cautioned that these chemicals can damage O-rings and valves. He advised operators to limit the application area and monitor those specific parts during subsequent garage visits. This pragmatic approach reflects the broader industry need to balance operational uptime with long-term component health, especially as trucking companies hiring new personnel must train them on these nuanced maintenance procedures.
Key Points
- Bendix recommends using sealed air brake chambers with integrated check valves to allow air escape while blocking moisture entry.
- Air dryer cartridges should be replaced if moisture is detected during tank drainage to prevent valve and brake issues.
- Drivers must clear snow and ice from external cameras and radars to ensure forward and side-mounted collision mitigation systems function correctly.
- Tire pressure monitoring systems require shop checks because winter temperature swings significantly impact inflation levels.
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