Disconnecting steering axle breaks?

I just took my doubles/triples test at DMV on Monday and that question was on there. I wouldn't take it off the practice test.

 

Years ago, the old Ford 9000 daycab I drove at Central Transport had that switch.

 

Was this back when wedge brakes were the norm, rather than S cams?

 

It was in the 70's and 80's so S-cam brakes were on the big road tractors. To be honest, I didn't pay much attention to what wasn't there when servicing a truck without front brakes, they were an option and it was very common to see nothing but the wheel bolted to a bare hub.

 

There are ways to disconnect the steer axle brakes, but the answer to do so is a bogus answer on several questions on the CDL tests. Some examinees do however see the answer and remember it later as a fact rather than a possible wrong answer.

That's correct, they are already in the lead so they will not try to move to the lead. You do however lose your ability to steer.

That and the fact that front brake limiters reduced application pressure to the steer axle brakes by approximately 50% (When the switch was in the wet or slippery position), and many newer systems have an automatic reduction in application pressure to the steer axle brakes of usually approximately 10-15%.

Certainly not and of the several possible answers to questions on the CDL tests never ever pick one that says to disconnect the steer axle brakes.

 

I think the cutoff for running w/ out front brakes was 1976 around the advent of the 121 brake system fiasco...Most 'old time' truckers believed they were better off w/ out them.

A modern balanced system using all wheel end brakes was documented to be better long before the latest anti lock systems.

 

Yeah, that era was full of wild ideas that were suicidal just to be cool, like all the choppers with springer and girder frontends running around and "Look Mom..No front brakes!"

 

I wouldn't remove the question. I just took a CDL test in IL this morning and it is on the test. Also, it is covered in the two or three books I have seen from various sources including the state book. Perhaps the OP should study the book a little more to learn the answers to these questions himself.