Frozen brakes

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by KostaN, Feb 7, 2021.

  1. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    If the trailer was not set. It should not have iced while air pressure dropped

    It could be possible that you have moisture in the air tanks themselves that has frozen

    If wet and going to freeze I will drag my brakes a little while going to park
    I set the trailer for a few minutes to allow the truck to cool then reverse that and set the truck and release the trailer

    If really concerned I will then move forward a little and then back and park leaving the trailer brakes open
     
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  3. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Bet you don't miss Minnesota now. I hear actual temps of -20.
     
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  4. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    No I don’t but it seems I’m always in Mn or west through Montana and in it anyways
     
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  5. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    Ask yourself, How hard is ice in the lines/valves...?
     
  6. Hammer166

    Hammer166 Crusty Information Officer

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    If you're hearing air constantly moving, you have a valve hanging up somewhere.

    You can use a torch (on the drums) but normally a good whack with a 2 lb hammer does the trick. You can hear the difference, a set brake will clunk, a free one has a slight ring to it.

    And only release truck or trailer, never both, when banging drums.
     
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  7. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    If you can idle with your brakes released, that'll solve your problems. It will take a little bit of time, but it does work. My trailer brakes iced over last winter in Colorado. I idled a good hour and a half before the ice broke. Some truckers dump alcohol in the air line....spraying your brakes with alcohol before bad weather is good preventive maintenance.
     
  8. God prefers Diesels

    God prefers Diesels Road Train Member

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  9. IH Truck Guy

    IH Truck Guy Road Train Member

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    You can GENTLY use a torch on the trailer brake valves. keep the flame moving and don't linger in one spot too long. Be careful of the plastic lines. You don't need any more problems.
    Pay special attention to any 90 degree metal elbows.
    This is where the moisture will most likely collect if it's not in the valve itself.
    Do this after putting in brake line antifreeze. Make sure your red button is pushed in while doing this.
    And you will hear the air flow when you hit the right spot.
     
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  10. bowhunter67

    bowhunter67 Light Load Member

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    It was -24 this morning at home.
     
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  11. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    IDK, idling won't unstick the shoe from the drum, and alcohol in the lines won't do it either. It's a combination water and rust on a shiny surface, that almost welds the shoe to the drum.Maybe it warmed up enough for the brakes to thaw, but a good rap or heat, you''d be on your way.
     
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