The trailer is slow building air lately.

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by woolybully35us, Mar 21, 2025.

  1. woolybully35us

    woolybully35us Medium Load Member

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    when supplying air to the trailer, it takes forever to build up the air to release the brakes and air up the air bags. anyone have any suggestions why it's taking so long. it just started doing it . it's a 2014 mac.
     
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  3. Nine_Lives

    Nine_Lives Bobtail Member

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    Typically caused by restriction in the lines preventing air flow to the valve. Trailers that have sat around with the gladhands open are prone to getting dirt, leaves, bugs, etc. in the line. Depending on your location it could be frost also. If you're far enough down south and sure it's not frost take the emergency line loose from the gladhand and from the valve itself and put air to it, both ways if possible. Check it real well, otherwise you'll force that debris into the valve and then you have to take it apart to clean it out
     
    Albertaflatbed Thanks this.
  4. woolybully35us

    woolybully35us Medium Load Member

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    ok thank you. it doesn't set around, and stays hooked to the truck 90%of the time. you can hear the air going into the air tank when under it. i have sprayed all the lines front to back to make sure there is no leaks. i'll try to back flush it.
     
  5. Nine_Lives

    Nine_Lives Bobtail Member

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    If you never change trailers it could be on your truck side as well. I've had water build up in the air line ahead of where they fasten to the frame behind the cab. Rare but have seen it. If you get your lines all loose at each connection get a jug of air line antifreeze with a little funnel and pour down everything before blowing it out. Leave your gladhand disconnected with the line down far as you can and hold the trailer button in on the dash for a good while. Then put a little in the line and send air to that valve. May help to loosen it back up internally if nothing else.
     
  6. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    Hook your tractor to another trailer and see if it does the same thing. I fought a similar problem for a long time and it had nothing to do with the tractor, it was the main valve on the trailer at the air tank. They are cheap (cost wise) and prone to failure.
     
  7. little cat 500

    little cat 500 Road Train Member

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    park valve on trailer is junk or contaminated most likely
     
    Albertaflatbed Thanks this.
  8. woolybully35us

    woolybully35us Medium Load Member

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    thank you all for replying
     
  9. woolybully35us

    woolybully35us Medium Load Member

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    replaced the main air valve at the air tank. all is well now. thanks for the help.
     
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