Do you drain the air tanks during post trip?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Lab work, Feb 24, 2020.

  1. Lab work

    Lab work Medium Load Member

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    Last week the truck I had went in the repair shop because I couldn't change to low range unless it was warmed up. Unfortunately the cylinder that changes the selected range was rusty and will only change after it is running for a while. I was informed by the mechanics it is because no one drains the air and the condensation caused the rust. I was issued the truck with over 800,000 miles.
    But now the company I drive for has provided me a different truck with only 155,000 miles. But it is automatic and I can not find the owner's manual anywhere. So I am wondering if I should incorporate the process of draining the air tanks on this truck when I do my post trip?
    Also if you or anyone you know plans on buying a used Freightliner with a standard transmission. Tell them to check the truck facts. If there is such a service. I don't know if checking the engine on one of those machines is capable of identifying a rusty transmission.
     
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  3. Mike250rs

    Mike250rs Heavy Load Member

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    Dealers choice when you drain them during the shift. Pick a time when it works for you and stay with it.
     
  4. Opendeckin

    Opendeckin Medium Load Member

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    Needs a new air dryer cartridge. I drain my air tanks out of curiosity once every 3 months or so and nothing ever comes out.
     
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  5. Midnightrider909

    Midnightrider909 Road Train Member

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    I forget most of the time and hardly anything comes out when I do remember.
     
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  6. PE_T

    PE_T Road Train Member

    How often you need to drain your air tanks depends on your air drier. My Bendix air dryer model says to drain every 25,000 miles or 3 months (whichever comes first).
     
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  7. CrappieJunkie

    CrappieJunkie Wishin' I was fishin'

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    I drain mine any time I know the temos will get into the 20s. During the summer I will drain them a few times a month.
     
  8. jeffman164

    jeffman164 Medium Load Member

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    I drain if super cold. Drain occasionally the rest of time.
     
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  9. PE_T

    PE_T Road Train Member

    If you drain it when it’s under 30, it’s too late. The water is already frozen in the tanks. Small amounts of water freeze very quickly when in temps under 30 for a few hours.
     
  10. buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    i had gotten into the habit of draining at the post trip inspection, from my first days. once you get into a habit, kinda hard to break it.
     
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  11. jeffman164

    jeffman164 Medium Load Member

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    I meant that I drain right away after stopping if it is going to be super cold.
     
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