freezing brake lines question

I haven't had this problem... yet.. and don't intend too either

 

I usually disconnect the air lines and pour in some antifreeze and pump the brakes down

 

Always keep some jack Daniels just in case.

 

I agree with GenLee, if you're air dryer is working properly, and in winter, you'd have to be a fool not to. I used to pick up RR trailers that came from down south, and those wagons always had water in them. Tractors from down south, it's nt so critical. It's not only brake lines, but everything air powered, transmission shifter lines, air wipers( I know, that dates me), air ride and so forth. I always thought, that alcohol was more for a preventative measure, and once a line is frozen, I never had good luck with it clearing it up. I know it's expressly forbidden to carry a propane torch with you, but I didn't care. Many times it saved my butt.

 

Once many years back on a trip while hauling bulk cement on a very cold morning before daylight I was going over a road that I knew. Before getting to a town there was a very sharp curve, 90 degree, I touched by brakes right before this curve yet I had no trailer brakes, I was in shock. I was very uncomfortable going around that sharp curve & if a vehicle had been coming from the other direction it would have been bad news. That was the first time it ever happned to me. And of course there was no brake dryer system back them yet I feel it can still happen on occasions.

It was about 5:00 in the morning and in the next town there was a convenience store open & I stopped & got a bottle of rubbing alcohol & it did the trick.

But after that incident in winter time I would always keep a bottle of the type stuff that icsheeple placed a picture of in his post, there's several different brands are they use to be.

Someone may have said this but rubbing alcohol is bad for the braking system yet in time of need it works. The stuff made for this will do no harm to your braking system in fact its good for the braking system.

 

Wrong Answer friend. Servicing your air dryer and tanks does require you. When you bleed your lines several times a week if you notice more then usual amounts of liquid you should inform your shop. They only see the truck 1% of the time you see it.

 

I drain my tanks everyday like your supposed to do especially the trailer. Youll be surprised how much moisture accumulates in the tanks. Never used alcohol in the lines. Drivers are just lazy or too big to climb under trailer to dran tanks.

 

there ya have it. I had my Brake lines evacuated, and They poured this right into it, never had a problem and last year, over 50 below in Chicago area. Good stuff.

 

Drain your tanks in the evening before shutting down. (finding excessive moisture coming out...redo).
By keeping your air tanks empty overnite after removing the moisture should remove the problem of brake freeze up.

 

If you have moisture in any of your air tanks your air drier is not working properly, get it fixed, end of your problem.