I took a 16 hour air brake course last weekend and barely learned anything, had trouble staying awake as the teacher spoke. But after watching your videos all day I took the air brakes knowledge test and passed with ease (22 out of 25). Best CDL videos on the web. Now to watch your pre-trip/driving test videos. :) Thanks a lot for being one of the few clear, concise youtubers on this subject.
Hi Chris- thank you for your comment and compliment. Congratulations on passing your test and moving forward. And thank you for letting us know. Which class of licence are you working toward and where are you in the world. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Okay so for those who don’t know, the term ‘spring brakes’ was coined when the brakes on air brake systems started using springs. Before they were around, the trailers would hold air in the tanks, and relied on air pressure(just like if you had your foot on the brake pedal) to hold the brakes. The problem with this is, when the air eventually leaks out of the trailer air tanks, the brakes slowly release, leaving only the landing gear to hold the trailer still. Spring brakes came out, and now the brakes will always stay on, even with empty tanks on the trailer. That’s what I was taught in trucking school.
Hi Riley Mccarthy - Thank you for your comment. The term "spring brake" is confusing and should be jettisoned from the curriculum. It should simply be referred to as the parking/emergency brake because that's what it does. The function is the same on a large vehicle fitted with air brakes as on your passenger vehicle fitted with hydraulic brakes. All the best, Cheers Rick
Smart Drive Test , I agree. To this day I’ve never seen a trailer without spring brakes. Or a truck for that matter. The term has become obsolete. Hey keep up the good work btw. Your videos are great, and very easy to comprehend.👍
Hi Riley Mccarthy - Thank you for your response my friend. And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
@@rileymccartHy100 as an ex DOT officer, I’ve only seen one trailer without spring brakes- a 1948 Fruehauf flatbed that was owned by Congoleum. Mechanically, there was nothing wrong with it. You just have to chock the wheels when parking it in case of air loss.
Was hoping to see a few pics of the actual braking system, a pic showing the s cam, a pic showing the spring being held back and what it does when I press the pedal, anything... Some ppl are visual learners
Hi SCARECROW3999 - Thank you for your comment. This is going to be a better video for you my friend: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
need advice: I've driven straight trucks for 13 years and yesterday my air brakes failed. I came to stop and heard a thump noice, didnt think much of it due to me having a heavy load. Soon after going down a hill on a two lane road with a sharp curve at the bottom, couldnt hardly slow the truck down, took all I could to slow it down and I took both lanes as a precaution. brakes felt weak but heavy load didn't think too much of it. Got to my first delivery, with gentle slope, pulled the knob to set the brakes as I've done thousands of times, start to get out of the truck only to find the truck was still rolling. with help of the customer, eventually got the truck moved to a nearby safe spot backed up to a curb and used blocks as well to hold the truck in place. Ryder came and looked at it and said the pads were too far worn, and the thump I heard was "rolller" coming falling out. I was fortunate I didnt wreck the truck. The trucks are serviced every 20,000 miles. As a driver during my pretrip, what could I have done diffrently to prevent this? I saw nothing loose on my brakes during pretrip, saw pad on the brakes. and the truck had just been loaded with product with only the brakes holding, no wheel blocks, no indication of anything wrong.
Hi Dr. August, it is unbelievable how you cleared my confusion in under 5 minutes, even after spending more than 20 hrs in class, I was still confused thinking spring breaks were totally different, My Instructor explained the mechanism of how spring breaks work, but because I already had the notion it was a different system, I was still confused until after watching this video. Thank you, thank you!
Hi GIRLCODE Daughter of TMH - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome my friend. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Smart Drive Test Thank You Rick I'm taking my CDL permit now Class B I am going to be driving a public bus for my City and I've received all endorsement except the Air Brakes I failed 3 times feeling a bit defeated and lost so thank you for the encouragement I know I'll PASS this test With People like you who don't personally know "US" but care enough to help heard you say it means a lot to you it means a lot to us as Well that someone understands they are using "trickery" because after a while you begin to question your sanity THX for responding & most importantly THX for being you!! 😊
Hi GIRLCODE Daughter of TMH - Apologies for the late response. Thank you for your comment. How is the studying going my friend. Maybe this test will help: www.smartdrivetest.com/air-brakes-explained-simply If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Smart Drive Test My goodness I'm happy to report I Passed!!!! With only one incorrect answer because of Over confidence can you believe it? I rushed on one of those tricky questions but Thank You so much I passed last Wednesday and I'll never forget just how much you have assisted.
Hi Jesse Alva - Thank you for your great comment. And unfortunately, that old technology has hung around. Nope, the springs are work the entire time the truck is stopped. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Ladies and Gentleman; we have a comedian here, your humor is very very clever and very witty - I always enjoy a well thought out humorous joke! Actually took me a moment to catch on; then I had a genuine laugh! Congrats; very well worded, I enjoyed the humorous laughter once I caught on to it, Thank You! : - )
You’re 100% right about the spring breaks throwing students off. Im not a mechanic type guy and doing my CDL studying I was confused with spring breaks. You cleared it up perfectly. Thanks
I did my Class 1 licence few years ago in Canada. & I believed Air Brakes are easy to understand.. Until an exchange of it to CDL in USA.. I am doing exams on my phone & there were a lot of questions about spring brakes & most of that I did wrong.. Cause I was answering like “No, not spring brakes,-Air brakes!” Haha but it was telling I was wrong.. I couldn’t understand what are they talking about. & started to think that maybe all the time there was another brake in my truck I didn’t know.. hahah I was trying to find info in Google but I didn’t. But You helped me to understand it so easily! THANK YOU. Same in car.. parking break & emergency brake.. Man.. You are so awesome! Thank You. I am originally from Poland & understood everything from the first time cause a you explain so nicely. Thank You again & best for You!
Thank you! Currently testing for my CDL permit to drive a bus. Passed the general knowledge but had trouble with the air brakes. This video has definitely helped me become more knowledgeable of the air brake system.
Hi @jasonh7402 - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
46 year old woman trying something new. I have not ever driven a standard car and was completely in the dark. Thanks buddy! I was thinking for a brief second I had made one hell of a mistake taking this course. All clear...or atleast a lot more clear***
Hi deanna warren - Thank you for your comment. And you inspire myself and others!! Keep going, you're doing awesome. And we're happy to hear that the information helped out. No, you didn't make a mistake. Saying that, it is going to be work because learning requires that. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Air brakes are on all the time except when the air pressure compresses the brake diagram which compresses the brake springs that way if there is a loss of air the brakes apply
Man, that helped me out so much. You made it really easy to understand. Going for my permit in a couple days and was stressing out over this, but now I think I'll pass for sure. Thanks
I think you over-complicated the issue. Consider starting with the fact that brakes apply a friction force on the wheels. There are 2 kinds that are mutually exclusive for an individual wheel: disk brakes or drum brakes. A force is needed to actuate the disk or drum. In most cars and light trucks, the force is exerted by hydraulic pressure. On larger trucks, buses, RVs et alia, the force is exerted by compressed air and are called air brakes. Air brakes have a fail-safe mechanism that holds pressure to compress large springs until stored air pressure falls below a certain level. When that happens the force compressing those large springs drops and the springs expand exertings pressure on the brakes thus bringing the vehicle to a stop, eventually. Parking brakes and their use as emergency brakes apply to cars and light trucks. Instead of hydraulic pressure, muscle power is used to put pressure on the brakes to cause the slowing friction. A diagram or 2 would make this a lot easier and save you a lot of breath.
Hi RH Hutchins - Thank you for your comment. The point of the video was to compare car brakes to air brakes. Service, parking and emergency brakes. It was a starting point to illustrate that the brakes on an air brake vehicle are the same as on the car - just the power source is different. All the best, Cheers Rick
Dude you helped me pass my class C dmv test from permit to drive test now you’ve helped me passed my Cdl class A permit test and are now about to help me pass my Class A drive test . THANK YOU SIR !
Hi Danny Garcia - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. All the best for the Class A drive test, Cheers Rick
I think the fact is that no one has ever Thought about these things till they go and get the License and for the amount of volume youre taking in of information is overwhelming and youre not taking it all in as you need a break to take it all in and process it all to then come back to it and fill in the blanks... there are some things that are simplified with this Video which is GREAT. As myself am Attending a Course But I'm in CANADA. which for us this is just Z license for Air Brakes as there is other names for our class of vehicle weights .
Hi alaa rumman - that is *_BRILLIANTLY PEACHY_* news! Would you stop over at Smart Drive Test, register your success and enter the draw for the $100 Fuel Card - www.smartdrivetest.com/contact/donation Thank you for letting us know. I'm sure you are having a huge celebration, and it is well deserved owing to your study & practice. All the best, Cheers Rick 🏎 PS - where did you go for your first solo trip to celebrate? See this vid too my friend: ua-cam.com/video/21hBJ49sX-s/v-deo.html
Hi sean m - Thank you for your comment. And we're happy to hear we could clear up the misundersanding. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Checking on from GA this made so much sense. I passed my air breaks and combinations today thank you. The spring break break down made it easy to understand.I suggest this channel.
Hi Brian Love-El - that is *_TERRIFIC_* news! Would you stop over at Smart Drive Test, register your success and enter the draw for the $100 Fuel Card - www.smartdrivetest.com/contact/donation Thank you for letting us know. I'm sure you are having a huge celebration, and it is well deserved owing to your study & practice. All the best, Cheers Rick 🏎 PS - where did you go for your first solo trip to celebrate? See this vid too my friend: ua-cam.com/video/21hBJ49sX-s/v-deo.html
I live in Canada and from what I know , Buses have Service Brakes only. The emergency Brakes are beside the seat and are pulled by cable or hydraulic fluid in a separately mechanism. Semi (Tractors and trailers) have Spring Brakes as Emergency Brakes included as a one unit linked to the Service. ✌🏼
Only difference is that on "coach type" busses is the location of the air valve for park/emergency brake. It is all air operated, no cable or hydraulics are used.
So glad I stumbled on your simply explained videos related to various systems on semi trucks. I'm studying for my CDL learner's permit and your air brakes breakdown really cleared up some confusion created by multiple resources designed to help me through the learning process. Thank goodness, your approach got my head straight. Very well explained. Thank you!
Hi Travellerherethere - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
This is SO well done. I am not a driver, I'm an instructional designer trying to write the training on the air braking system for CDL students and I was struggling with exactly the issue you described. The resources I have make it sound like there are three sets of brakes on each wheel, instead on only one set that is deployed at different times, in different ways, through different power sources. Why is that so hard? Thank You!!!
Thank you for your clear and concise explanation of spring brakes, why they're called such and how they work! You have produced an eye-opening video that should be seen by all drivers, especially those planning to drive commercial vehicles or class A RVs. You have taken the great mystery out of the various study guides, manuals and tests I have been using and made the information easy to understand. Again, thank you so much! I have enjoyed watching all of your videos that I have come across so far.
Hi RR1 - Thank you for your comment and great endorsement. We're happy to hear that we could help out. And you are most welcome. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hi Jasmine Giles - Thank you for your comment. You're going to do awesome. Remember to breath; that will cause your body to relax. Good luck on your road CDL test! Be sure to let us know how it goes. All the best, Cheers Rick PS - so glad that we clear up the confusion.
Great video, very informative.. I was also very confused about the whole air break and spring break system and this video really simplified things. Looking to write my cdl class 1 knowledge test next week here in British Columbia. I have learned more watching your videos than reading the studying guide. Thank you so much!!
The best line was that parking brakes & emergency brakes are one in the same. The name changes when the situation changes!!! (You put on parking brake voluntarily or the spring brakes come on in an emergency & are therefore called emergency brakes) Very helpful!
Hi Christina Daniel - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
re: spring brakes are less confusing to me than referring to parking brake and emergency brake as two separate brake systems. they are one in the same, just named for the event in which you'd use them. just my opinion
Perhaps I didn't explain it well. Springs are a power source, NOT a purpose for the brakes applying. Service brake are the brake pedal. When you push the brake pedal going up and down the road, the system uses air pressure to apply the brakes. When you park the vehicle and exhaust the air out of the system, large powerful springs apply the parking brakes. If there is a catastrophic air loss in the system, the same powerful springs apply the brakes automatically. 3, 2, 1 - 3 reasons that the brakes apply (service, parking, emergency); 2 power sources (air & springs), 1 brake. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hi JB MDLALOSE - Apologies for the late response. Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Omg THANK YOU. I'm studying for my CDL and I'm learning about the airline system and coupling. The spring brake thing totally threw me off. I appreciate this video so much
I was a heavy Vehicle Diesel Mechanic in "Australia", some 25 years ago, and I too was confused about Air Brake systems (didn't have a lot to do with them)., I always thought that when the brake pedal was actuated it released air from the system and the spring applied the brakes (I was wrong) as I can now understand from your video. having gone through trade school some time ago, your video helped me understand the basics and cleared my confusion. Well Done and Thanks, GOOD video... :-)
Hi Colin Moyle - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Rick I appreciate your videos. always helpful. I'm doing my class 3. I understand how the brakes work I think using photos with explanations would help un confuse people
Hi Gary Rudick - thank you for your comment and feedback - that really helps. Yes, the manual will have lots of photos, explanations, animated gifs, and links to videos. If there's anything further we can do drop us a note, always happy to help. Cheers Rick
do you have a specific Alberta pre trip inspection list? I am having a hard time remembering things like suspension springs, tie rod, brake alignment, brake chambers, brake drums, slack adjustors etc. rmthats part of the front it's this and the back of the truck that gets me. I'm doing my class
Hi Gary - here's the form. Have a quick look to make sure everything is the same as Alberta - there migh be some minor differences. All the best, Cheers Rick www.smartdrivetest.com/alberta-class-3-pre-trip-inspection
Hi Wajid Majeed - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. Happy to hear we could clear up the confusion there in Ontario. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Studying to get my CDL Class A and all your videos are really helpful to understand. Thank you so much for clarifying the confusing about " Spring Brakes". Keep up the great videos...... Thank God I found you here....
Hi SOLANGE DEBORTOLI - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hi Impossible Things - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hydraulic and Pneumatic brake systems are almost the same process, the only difference is in hydraulic we use fluid, they are cylinders .....and .Pneumatic we use only air. But both are now combined in some heavy vehicle like Buses, ultra
Hi Omar bou Muhammad Alhamdoulilah - Apologies for the late response. Thank you for your query. On older systems they were combined, but these have fallen out of favour for the air brake system. All the best, Cheers Rick
I know I am writing this on Sept. 26, 2019 but I would like to suggest using a model or diagram of the parts to show what you are explaining. You could even use parts off a vehicle which would be considered a model. I would thoroughly like to explain the air brake system of a train to you as I believe I could do it less confusing as these brake systems are. Very simply on a train no air no brakes. Once charged the reduction of air pressure in the train line the brakes come on and in case of a separation the emergency is full pressure to the pistons until air pressure bleeds off then no brakes unless hand brakes are applied.
Hi Roy Reynolds - Thank you for your feedback. Yes, this video needs to be re-done. However, this video I suspect is the one you're looking for my friend: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
I am going to take my test today! I did take the course but with the information being so new to me your video confirmed the spring brakes just that much better. I have a good instructor. Thanks for the refresher!!
Hi Timothy Nelson - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hi Raymond Smith - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Rick - I was confused and this really did help. I do think the explanation starting at 8:00 up to 8:35 was the key to the whole thing for me. The light went on at that point if that helps? :)
Hi Bobby Evans - thank you for your comment - it is extremely valuable in finishing up the Air Brake manual we're currently working on. If there's anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Great explanation. Thank You. I’ve been studying for my CDL B, Air Brakes, Hazmat & Tanker. On the practice tests, the “spring break” wording would always confuse me. I now understand Visually & mentally thanks to your video. Much appreciated.
Hi @LMAO_888 - Thank you very much for taking the time to express your gratitude. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
I just took my air brake course today. I left fairly confident I had learned new information and could retain it on the way to the registries office to write the exam….and wrote my first test and failed. In hindsight the 1 day class (not even a full day) moves extremely fast and included so much new to me information- I didn’t have time to write it down, process it, or memorize it prior to the exam. Super disappointed at failing- but hope to pass if I add some study hours from my text book and watch your videos.
Think of it as a practice run my friend. Air brakes is tough for sure. See this video too: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html Drop us a note if we can help further. Cheers Rick
Hi Glenda Johnson - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hi Anthony Baez - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
I'm going to get my cdl for a MC company. First video i clicked on was yours. This is VERY helpful and now i will know if the course starts talking about Spring, I understand what they are referring to. Thank you for making this video!!
Thanks man. I bought a large Winnebago recently and it's the first time I have had to rely on air brakes. I've only driven it one time and I was scared shitless because I wasn't sure how air brakes works. Great video. Thanks.
Hi Tara Webb - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Omg, I have been so confused about the whole air brake system. Taken air brake test 4 times and still haven't passed because of the confusing language of air brakes. Thank you so much for putting it in English! Trying to get cdl b for school bus and you are on your own trying to figure this out on your own so again THANK YOU!!
Hi Cindy Rodriquez - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hi Rick, I go write my air brakes test tomorrow for the 5th time! I have been studying for 2 months, even took a course! Very frustrating but not giving up. Been watching your videos for 2 months now and they are very informative, thank you!
Hi fibby mcgee - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
I in the process of getting my CDL license, and I was 100% confused and I though there were actually 2 different braking system. You nailed it in this video and cleared the confusion around this topic thank you
Hi lorax - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
I could hug you right now. I was about to throw in the towel and walk away. From our State CDL Manual it gives the impression that there are three different braking systems. The language used is also confusing and if you are a foreigner it makes it 100 times more difficult not understanding the syntax. I believe I have a clearer understanding of the air brake system now and feel confident I will pass the written air brake part of the CDL. Thank you! you are definitely (as GirlCode says) a GOD Send.
Hi Chellè McLaughlin - A hug would be awesome! And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hi sir, I m Bilal from pakistan. Now a days I m learning how to Drive tractor trailer. I already have (LTV Licence) since 2007. Now I m going to upgrade my driving licence LTV to CDL HTV, My final test after 13 November 2019. I learned so much about seafty and vahichal systems. Thank you very much sir. God bless you. Sir You are doing great job.
I've just taken the Air Brake course and was confused about the concept of the Spring Brake being separate.Thank you very much, it has "simplified" the system for me!
Hi Janet Mackenzie - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
oh my goodness...this makes so much more sense now. I have my class 2 S school bus in Alberta and took an air brakes course to drive an air brakes bus. but because this course was geared toward the class 1 trucks. the class made no sense to me as i have never been in a Big truck...So thank you!! i am taking my written test tomorrow. and now the manual makes more sense and hopefully i should pass on the first test now!!
Hi Joanne AKA PinkLunaLady Borrowman - You're going to do awesome. Good luck on your test! Be sure to let us know how it goes. All the best, Cheers Rick PS - see this post BEFORE you head to the test centre: www.smartdrivetest.com/pass-drivers-test/pre-trip-inspection
I, too, was confused, but your video helped to clarify that spring brakes are indeed part of the air brake system, not a separate system. It helped me see why the red trailer air supply valve "pops" out when the air supply gets too low and why that is part of the brake test. The reason is the valve evacuates the air so the the spring brakes "spring" into position to slow down the vehicle in an emergency. Thank you!
Happy to hear we could help my friend. You are correct. See this video too: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html And this resource may help too: www.smartdrivetest.com/airbrakes-cdl-rv/air-brakes-explained-simply Drop us a note if you have questions. Cheers Rick
Hi Jobany Paredes - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hi. Just started cdl with local college. Holy cow was I confused. This helps so much. The jargon is CRAZY. i will be devouring your vids. Thanks so m6ch.
tomorrow is my written test for cdl so, i was right in 54 in a 80 quiz because brakes is a mix up in 160academy, but youre so clear and sure explain it in just 9 m inutes! thanks a lot!
Hi conexion max - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Good luck on your written test for CDL. All the best, Cheers Rick
General Motors Master Technician here. On light duty drop the term emergency brake, it's called a parking brake and is not designed to stop a vehicle at all. This is a huge misconception in the automotive field. Look at any manual and it is called the parking brake. the symbol on the dash shows Park or Brake when the parking brake is applied. Also in same said manual it tells you the not to use the parking brake to stop the vehicle. Most people no longer read the manual. Love these videos! Keep up the great work!!
100 % - I was confused for the longest time when I first started this journey to get my permit. Your video(s) is so helpful, you nailed it! I just got my learners permit, our instructor recommends your videos. Spring brakes (and air pressure)are incredible devices for stopping such a large moving object
Hi Ararespecies Authenticity - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
yes, you are absolutely right. My confusion was exactly the way you described...2 separate braking systems.. keep clarification in your presentation...helped me out a lot, and probably others too. I've seen a lot of brake stuff on internet, but none of the others explains this little detail like you,...good job...thx!
Hi Ron Johnson - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
The first thing I learned about air brakes on commercial vehicles is that when there's no pressure the brakes are fully engaged, and so for me at least it makes sense that it needs spring in the brake drums.
YES. You read my mind less than 1 minute in. I was super confused, and reading part 5 of the NC DMV CDL manual over and over again just wasn't clearing anything up. Thank you for the explanation!
Thank you Rick, I have been having trouble remembering and identifying break and suspension parts for my bus CDL. It finally occurred to me that if I understand how the parts work I don’t have trouble remembering their names or where they are. For the past two week I have been trying to remember part by rote memory alone which was not working and mental torture! I had suspension and break parts all mixed up. I was essentially throwing spaghetti against a wall. 😆 I guess a lot of people can remember names and parts by memory alone but I can’t! I need to know the system. It is like learning biology. When you know a parts function in a system you can remember them and where they fit. Thank you for your fantastic videos! 🙏
Hi Leigh Wilson - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
I'm in the process of TRYING to get my tractor trailer CDL permit so I can go to training and I have to admit, I thought spring and air were two separate systems! Thank you for your help! I think I'll need to watch all your videos in order to pass!
Hi Buzz Morley - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hey there thank you for the info! I don't know if you've made your manual yet but I found your video because I needed a visual to understand completely. I still need a visual, but I get the gist now. Just thought it'd be useful to include an informational diagram in your manual for student's complete understanding. (For us visual learners out there) 😀 Thank you for the video!
Hi X VEGASXBOYX - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hi Manuela Kahlfuss - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Thank you for explaining this and simplifying it for new drivers. Have to admit, I once searched for spring brakes and whether or not they have to be applied by the driver. This video will, er...SHOULD clear up any confusion a new driver may have. Thank you again and keep up the good videos!
Thanks. In the last part you completely explained the difference between parking and emergency which i had trouble figuring out. Especially when you said one brake with 2 sources made a lot of sense. From Virginia, USA
Yes, you're right about the confusion instructors cause, explaining spring breaks, service, parking and emergency breaks... Thank you for making it clear in less than 10 minutes.
Hi Haythem Lutfi - you are most welcome my friend. See these vids too: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
Your the best at explaining air brakes and now I totally understand how they work because of your way of explaining and knowledge. You got 5 stars from me. 😃⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hi Scott Roberts - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
The Freightliner driver's manual (Business Class M2) for my RV has this notice in the brake system: "Do not use the spring parking brakes if the service brakes are hot, such as after descending a steep grade. To do so could damage the brakes. Allow hot brakes to cool before using the spring parking brakes." This made little sense to me, as I assumed they were different brakes. Now I understand that they are the same brakes. Thank you.
Yes, thank you for your simplified answer between Spring breaks and Airbrakes. I’m just starting to study for my driver permit for CDL and knew nothing at all about Airbrakes. Keep on keepin on!
Hi Randy Salisbury - you are most welcome my friend. Have a look at this video: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
He apparently REALLY wanted me to leave a comment. So...Yes that helped me greatly. I was confused about spring brakes/air brakes. But no longer! Thanks!
Hi Blake Sutton - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
I’m taking my air brake test tomorrow and this video explains it very well. I was totally confused I thought the brakes were two different things. 😅 Now it makes sense. Thank you sooo much
Hi Mitziduenas - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Here in Canada, doing my air brake knowledge and practical test tomorrow! Wish me luck! Thanks for the video for the huge clear up!!! Amazing instructor/Teacher!
Hi patrick gorski - you are most welcome my friend. Have a look at this vid too: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hi Omar bou Muhammad Alhamdoulilah - Apologies for the late response. Thank you for your question. Yes, there are just parking/emergency brakes on the rear of the vehicle. All the best, Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest I take my air brake test at DMV this Friday. I’ve taken the general knowledge and combination test and past both after studying a week before each. After passing the next test I’ll pay to attend a driving school to get time around the trucks.
The Manual in NYS is made to confuse you rather than teach. The questions on the written test are there to confuse people as well. As you say Rick "CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER", " NOT NECESSARILY THE CORRECT ANSWER". I have taken this test before, failed the first time, and the second the same day passed for CDL Class B with Air Brakes and S&P Endorsements November 2014. Unfortunately by the time someone called me for the job, April 2015, I was employed making more money than was being offered. Now with another life change I am continuing a career in the CDL field. Thank you for teaching others and making your videos and study PDF's as this time CDL Class A with Air Brakes and S&P Endorsements are being pursued.
Glad to help. This resource my help too: www.smartdrivetest.com/airbrakes-cdl-rv/air-brakes-explained-simply Drop us a note if you have further questions. Cheers Rick
Hey 👋🏾 I am taking my CDP and have been confused by the spring breaks. I thought they were different. I hope this video will help me pass this section the next time. 🤞🏾
Thank you sir. Well explained. Started coupling pups and I was confused with my procedure as to why we apply service before emergency air to verify circulation if air in both trailers.
Hi Maki Omakis - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
I knew that the air and springs were just different power sources but after watching this the lightbulb finally went on as to how that is accomplished, excellent presentation, thank you!
Yep, the CDL study manual leads one to believe that spring brakes are something different. I figured it out after a bit of thought and confirmed my suspicions with a customer of mine who is a mechanic. Thanks for the video!
@@smartdrivetest I would like to run my understanding of service brakes by you to see if I am correct. As I understand it, when the brake pedal is pushed, air is released from the brake chamber which allows the springs to expand, which moves the pushrod forward, which in turn rotates the s-cam causing the brake pads to come into contact with the brake linings which causes friction resulting in the slowing down and stopping of the vehicle. Is that correct? Thanks.
Thank-you, am going to take the class and went nuts trying to figure it out, and finally I found you and am not confused anymore, am subscribing to you, thanks again.
Happy to help! See this video too: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html And this e-book "Air Brakes Explained Simply" may help too: www.smartdrivetest.com/airbrakes-cdl-rv/air-brakes-explained-simply Drop us a note if you have questions. Cheers Rick
yeah man totally. THIS IS SO MUCH EASIER TO UNDERSTAND. Thank you !!
Happy to hear we can help out my friend. Drop us a note if you have further questions. Cheers Rick
I took a 16 hour air brake course last weekend and barely learned anything, had trouble staying awake as the teacher spoke. But after watching your videos all day I took the air brakes knowledge test and passed with ease (22 out of 25). Best CDL videos on the web.
Now to watch your pre-trip/driving test videos. :) Thanks a lot for being one of the few clear, concise youtubers on this subject.
Hi Chris- thank you for your comment and compliment. Congratulations on passing your test and moving forward. And thank you for letting us know. Which class of licence are you working toward and where are you in the world. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
😂😂😂
If you start falling asleep, time to take an air break.
Okay so for those who don’t know, the term ‘spring brakes’ was coined when the brakes on air brake systems started using springs. Before they were around, the trailers would hold air in the tanks, and relied on air pressure(just like if you had your foot on the brake pedal) to hold the brakes. The problem with this is, when the air eventually leaks out of the trailer air tanks, the brakes slowly release, leaving only the landing gear to hold the trailer still. Spring brakes came out, and now the brakes will always stay on, even with empty tanks on the trailer. That’s what I was taught in trucking school.
Hi Riley Mccarthy - Thank you for your comment. The term "spring brake" is confusing and should be jettisoned from the curriculum. It should simply be referred to as the parking/emergency brake because that's what it does. The function is the same on a large vehicle fitted with air brakes as on your passenger vehicle fitted with hydraulic brakes. All the best, Cheers Rick
Smart Drive Test , I agree. To this day I’ve never seen a trailer without spring brakes. Or a truck for that matter. The term has become obsolete. Hey keep up the good work btw. Your videos are great, and very easy to comprehend.👍
Hi Riley Mccarthy - Thank you for your response my friend. And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
@@rileymccartHy100 as an ex DOT officer, I’ve only seen one trailer without spring brakes- a 1948 Fruehauf flatbed that was owned by Congoleum. Mechanically, there was nothing wrong with it. You just have to chock the wheels when parking it in case of air loss.
Was hoping to see a few pics of the actual braking system, a pic showing the s cam, a pic showing the spring being held back and what it does when I press the pedal, anything... Some ppl are visual learners
Hi SCARECROW3999 - Thank you for your comment. This is going to be a better video for you my friend: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
need advice: I've driven straight trucks for 13 years and yesterday my air brakes failed. I came to stop and heard a thump noice, didnt think much of it due to me having a heavy load. Soon after going down a hill on a two lane road with a sharp curve at the bottom, couldnt hardly slow the truck down, took all I could to slow it down and I took both lanes as a precaution. brakes felt weak but heavy load didn't think too much of it. Got to my first delivery, with gentle slope, pulled the knob to set the brakes as I've done thousands of times, start to get out of the truck only to find the truck was still rolling. with help of the customer, eventually got the truck moved to a nearby safe spot backed up to a curb and used blocks as well to hold the truck in place. Ryder came and looked at it and said the pads were too far worn, and the thump I heard was "rolller" coming falling out. I was fortunate I didnt wreck the truck. The trucks are serviced every 20,000 miles. As a driver during my pretrip, what could I have done diffrently to prevent this? I saw nothing loose on my brakes during pretrip, saw pad on the brakes. and the truck had just been loaded with product with only the brakes holding, no wheel blocks, no indication of anything wrong.
Hi Dr. August, it is unbelievable how you cleared my confusion in under 5 minutes, even after spending more than 20 hrs in class, I was still confused thinking spring breaks were totally different, My Instructor explained the mechanism of how spring breaks work, but because I already had the notion it was a different system, I was still confused until after watching this video. Thank you, thank you!
Hi Mikro Tech - you are most welcome my friend. If we can help further, drop us a note. All the best, Cheers Rick
Absolutely I believed spring brakes were different This is by Far THE most simplified explanation ever You are GOD sent Thank you!!
Hi GIRLCODE Daughter of TMH - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome my friend. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Smart Drive Test Thank You Rick I'm taking my CDL permit now Class B I am going to be driving a public bus for my City and I've received all endorsement except the Air Brakes I failed 3 times feeling a bit defeated and lost so thank you for the encouragement I know I'll PASS this test With People like you who don't personally know "US" but care enough to help heard you say it means a lot to you it means a lot to us as Well that someone understands they are using "trickery" because after a while you begin to question your sanity THX for responding & most importantly THX for being you!! 😊
Hi GIRLCODE Daughter of TMH - Apologies for the late response. Thank you for your comment. How is the studying going my friend. Maybe this test will help: www.smartdrivetest.com/air-brakes-explained-simply If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Smart Drive Test My goodness I'm happy to report I Passed!!!! With only one incorrect answer because of Over confidence can you believe it? I rushed on one of those tricky questions but Thank You so much I passed last Wednesday and I'll never forget just how much you have assisted.
Houses. For. Sale. In. Slough@@smartdrivetest
,
Spring breaks confused me too at 1st. I thought these Spring brakes were only available in Cancun Mexico, once a year in April.
Hi Jesse Alva - Thank you for your great comment. And unfortunately, that old technology has hung around. Nope, the springs are work the entire time the truck is stopped. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Ladies and Gentleman; we have a comedian here, your humor is very very clever and very witty - I always enjoy a well thought out humorous joke! Actually took me a moment to catch on; then I had a genuine laugh! Congrats; very well worded, I enjoyed the humorous laughter once I caught on to it, Thank You! : - )
friggin hilarious, I just LOLed
dang you, you stole my stupid joke. so you get the thumbs up.
😂😂😂😂
You’re 100% right about the spring breaks throwing students off. Im not a mechanic type guy and doing my CDL studying I was confused with spring breaks. You cleared it up perfectly. Thanks
Hi Ryan Pillard - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
I did my Class 1 licence few years ago in Canada. & I believed Air Brakes are easy to understand.. Until an exchange of it to CDL in USA.. I am doing exams on my phone & there were a lot of questions about spring brakes & most of that I did wrong.. Cause I was answering like “No, not spring brakes,-Air brakes!” Haha but it was telling I was wrong.. I couldn’t understand what are they talking about. & started to think that maybe all the time there was another brake in my truck I didn’t know.. hahah I was trying to find info in Google but I didn’t. But You helped me to understand it so easily! THANK YOU. Same in car.. parking break & emergency brake.. Man.. You are so awesome! Thank You.
I am originally from Poland & understood everything from the first time cause a you explain so nicely. Thank You again & best for You!
Happy to hear we could help out my friend. Drop us a note if you have further questions. All the very best, Cheers Rick
Thank you! Currently testing for my CDL permit to drive a bus. Passed the general knowledge but had trouble with the air brakes. This video has definitely helped me become more knowledgeable of the air brake system.
Hi @jasonh7402 - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
46 year old woman trying something new. I have not ever driven a standard car and was completely in the dark. Thanks buddy! I was thinking for a brief second I had made one hell of a mistake taking this course. All clear...or atleast a lot more clear***
Hi deanna warren - Thank you for your comment. And you inspire myself and others!! Keep going, you're doing awesome. And we're happy to hear that the information helped out. No, you didn't make a mistake. Saying that, it is going to be work because learning requires that. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Air brakes are on all the time except when the air pressure compresses the brake diagram which compresses the brake springs that way if there is a loss of air the brakes apply
Man, that helped me out so much. You made it really easy to understand. Going for my permit in a couple days and was stressing out over this, but now I think I'll pass for sure. Thanks
Happy to hear we could help. Drop us a note if you have further questions. Good luck on your permit. All the very best, Cheers Rick
I think you over-complicated the issue. Consider starting with the fact that brakes apply a friction force on the wheels. There are 2 kinds that are mutually exclusive for an individual wheel: disk brakes or drum brakes. A force is needed to actuate the disk or drum. In most cars and light trucks, the force is exerted by hydraulic pressure. On larger trucks, buses, RVs et alia, the force is exerted by compressed air and are called air brakes. Air brakes have a fail-safe mechanism that holds pressure to compress large springs until stored air pressure falls below a certain level. When that happens the force compressing those large springs drops and the springs expand exertings pressure on the brakes thus bringing the vehicle to a stop, eventually. Parking brakes and their use as emergency brakes apply to cars and light trucks. Instead of hydraulic pressure, muscle power is used to put pressure on the brakes to cause the slowing friction.
A diagram or 2 would make this a lot easier and save you a lot of breath.
Hi RH Hutchins - Thank you for your comment. The point of the video was to compare car brakes to air brakes. Service, parking and emergency brakes. It was a starting point to illustrate that the brakes on an air brake vehicle are the same as on the car - just the power source is different. All the best, Cheers Rick
Thank for that explanation of the springs brakes. I was able to see what he was trying to explain.
Dude you helped me pass my class C dmv test from permit to drive test now you’ve helped me passed my Cdl class A permit test and are now about to help me pass my Class A drive test . THANK YOU SIR !
Hi Danny Garcia - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. All the best for the Class A drive test, Cheers Rick
I think the fact is that no one has ever Thought about these things till they go and get the License and for the amount of volume youre taking in of information is overwhelming and youre not taking it all in as you need a break to take it all in and process it all to then come back to it and fill in the blanks... there are some things that are simplified with this Video which is GREAT. As myself am Attending a Course But I'm in CANADA. which for us this is just Z license for Air Brakes as there is other names for our class of vehicle weights .
How goes your training there in Ontario? Happy to hear we can help out. All the best, Cheers Rick
You are doing an ace job here. If you were to hold a brake chamber to demonstrate would perhaps help even more.
Thanks man you realy awesome and I passed my class 4 and 5 after I watched you and now I'm applying for Class 1
Hi alaa rumman - that is *_BRILLIANTLY PEACHY_* news! Would you stop over at Smart Drive Test, register your success and enter the draw for the $100 Fuel Card - www.smartdrivetest.com/contact/donation Thank you for letting us know. I'm sure you are having a huge celebration, and it is well deserved owing to your study & practice. All the best, Cheers Rick 🏎
PS - where did you go for your first solo trip to celebrate?
See this vid too my friend: ua-cam.com/video/21hBJ49sX-s/v-deo.html
I was confused and thought there were two completely different braking systems. Now it makes sense. Thank you!!
Hi sean m - Thank you for your comment. And we're happy to hear we could clear up the misundersanding. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hi! I'm an ESL teacher teaching trucking to students with low English levels! Thanks so much for these wonderful videos!
Hi Sara Tavassoli - you are most welcome my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
Spring breaks 100% confused me, thank you for your clear explanation.
Hi Angela Murphy - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
Checking on from GA this made so much sense. I passed my air breaks and combinations today thank you. The spring break break down made it easy to understand.I suggest this channel.
Hi Brian Love-El - that is *_TERRIFIC_* news! Would you stop over at Smart Drive Test, register your success and enter the draw for the $100 Fuel Card - www.smartdrivetest.com/contact/donation Thank you for letting us know. I'm sure you are having a huge celebration, and it is well deserved owing to your study & practice. All the best, Cheers Rick 🏎
PS - where did you go for your first solo trip to celebrate?
See this vid too my friend: ua-cam.com/video/21hBJ49sX-s/v-deo.html
Yeah I wish I would have watched this before I only got 19 out of 25 right
I live in Canada and from what I know , Buses have Service Brakes only. The emergency Brakes are beside the seat and are pulled by cable or hydraulic fluid in a separately mechanism. Semi (Tractors and trailers) have Spring Brakes as Emergency Brakes included as a one unit linked to the Service. ✌🏼
Only difference is that on "coach type" busses is the location of the air valve for park/emergency brake. It is all air operated, no cable or hydraulics are used.
So glad I stumbled on your simply explained videos related to various systems on semi trucks. I'm studying for my CDL learner's permit and your air brakes breakdown really cleared up some confusion created by multiple resources designed to help me through the learning process. Thank goodness, your approach got my head straight. Very well explained. Thank you!
Hi Travellerherethere - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
This is SO well done. I am not a driver, I'm an instructional designer trying to write the training on the air braking system for CDL students and I was struggling with exactly the issue you described. The resources I have make it sound like there are three sets of brakes on each wheel, instead on only one set that is deployed at different times, in different ways, through different power sources. Why is that so hard? Thank You!!!
Thank you for your clear and concise explanation of spring brakes, why they're called such and how they work! You have produced an eye-opening video that should be seen by all drivers, especially those planning to drive commercial vehicles or class A RVs. You have taken the great mystery out of the various study guides, manuals and tests I have been using and made the information easy to understand. Again, thank you so much! I have enjoyed watching all of your videos that I have come across so far.
Hi RR1 - Thank you for your comment and great endorsement. We're happy to hear that we could help out. And you are most welcome. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
OMG I’m taking my CDL Permit in Chicago Illinois tomorrow 9/14/18 this was simplified to capacity. I definitely was lost on this course thanks so much
Hi Jasmine Giles - Thank you for your comment. You're going to do awesome. Remember to breath; that will cause your body to relax. Good luck on your road CDL test! Be sure to let us know how it goes. All the best, Cheers Rick PS - so glad that we clear up the confusion.
Great video, very informative.. I was also very confused about the whole air break and spring break system and this video really simplified things. Looking to write my cdl class 1 knowledge test next week here in British Columbia. I have learned more watching your videos than reading the studying guide. Thank you so much!!
The best line was that parking brakes & emergency brakes are one in the same. The name changes when the situation changes!!! (You put on parking brake voluntarily or the spring brakes come on in an emergency & are therefore called emergency brakes) Very helpful!
Hi Rachel Pohl - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further. All the best, Cheers Rick
Thank you so much for breaking this down. Yes I thought the spring brakes were completely separate. You've helped me tremendously!!!
Hi Christina Daniel - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
re: spring brakes are less confusing to me than referring to parking brake and emergency brake as two separate brake systems. they are one in the same, just named for the event in which you'd use them. just my opinion
Perhaps I didn't explain it well. Springs are a power source, NOT a purpose for the brakes applying. Service brake are the brake pedal. When you push the brake pedal going up and down the road, the system uses air pressure to apply the brakes. When you park the vehicle and exhaust the air out of the system, large powerful springs apply the parking brakes. If there is a catastrophic air loss in the system, the same powerful springs apply the brakes automatically. 3, 2, 1 - 3 reasons that the brakes apply (service, parking, emergency); 2 power sources (air & springs), 1 brake. All the best, Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest thanks for the clarification. that is the best explanation i've heard describing the 3 uses of air brake systems.
You’re welcome my friend. Cheers Rick
Thanks for the demystifying this issue. You're right, I thought of spring breaks as a separate system in the truck ...
Hi JB MDLALOSE - Apologies for the late response. Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Yes, me too. I thought there were two, not two power sources. Thank you
Omg THANK YOU. I'm studying for my CDL and I'm learning about the airline system and coupling. The spring brake thing totally threw me off. I appreciate this video so much
Hi Mark Casarez - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
I was a heavy Vehicle Diesel Mechanic in "Australia", some 25 years ago, and I too was confused about Air Brake systems (didn't have a lot to do with them)., I always thought that when the brake pedal was actuated it released air from the system and the spring applied the brakes (I was wrong) as I can now understand from your video. having gone through trade school some time ago, your video helped me understand the basics and cleared my confusion. Well Done and Thanks, GOOD video... :-)
Hi Colin Moyle - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Rick I appreciate your videos. always helpful. I'm doing my class 3. I understand how the brakes work I think using photos with explanations would help un confuse people
Hi Gary Rudick - thank you for your comment and feedback - that really helps. Yes, the manual will have lots of photos, explanations, animated gifs, and links to videos. If there's anything further we can do drop us a note, always happy to help. Cheers Rick
do you have a specific Alberta pre trip inspection list? I am having a hard time remembering things like suspension springs, tie rod, brake alignment, brake chambers, brake drums, slack adjustors etc. rmthats part of the front it's this and the back of the truck that gets me. I'm doing my class
Hi Gary Rudick - let me look around and see if I have one for you. I should be able to get something for your by tomorrow. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hi Gary - here's the form. Have a quick look to make sure everything is the same as Alberta - there migh be some minor differences. All the best, Cheers Rick www.smartdrivetest.com/alberta-class-3-pre-trip-inspection
Yes I was confused. But after watching this video. It makes alot of sence. Thanks. Great video again.From Ontario
Hi Wajid Majeed - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. Happy to hear we could clear up the confusion there in Ontario. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Finally someone was able to simplify my confusion!!!!!
Spring breaks confused my son, he’s taking the class Z test and he’s been so upset, thanks for your video. Helped him understand
Happy to help! See this video too: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html Drop us a note if we can help further. Cheers Rick
Studying to get my CDL Class A and all your videos are really helpful to understand. Thank you so much for clarifying the confusing about " Spring Brakes". Keep up the great videos...... Thank God I found you here....
Hi SOLANGE DEBORTOLI - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
oh yes, this is why i haven't tested yet! Thank you, now I feel a lot better. You rock
Hi Impossible Things - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hydraulic and Pneumatic brake systems are almost the same process, the only difference is in hydraulic we use fluid, they are cylinders .....and .Pneumatic we use only air. But both are now combined in some heavy vehicle like Buses, ultra
Hi Omar bou Muhammad Alhamdoulilah - Apologies for the late response. Thank you for your query. On older systems they were combined, but these have fallen out of favour for the air brake system. All the best, Cheers Rick
I know I am writing this on Sept. 26, 2019 but I would like to suggest using a model or diagram of the parts to show what you are explaining. You could even use parts off a vehicle which would be considered a model. I would thoroughly like to explain the air brake system of a train to you as I believe I could do it less confusing as these brake systems are. Very simply on a train no air no brakes. Once charged the reduction of air pressure in the train line the brakes come on and in case of a separation the emergency is full pressure to the pistons until air pressure bleeds off then no brakes unless hand brakes are applied.
Hi Roy Reynolds - Thank you for your feedback. Yes, this video needs to be re-done. However, this video I suspect is the one you're looking for my friend: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
I am going to take my test today! I did take the course but with the information being so new to me your video confirmed the spring brakes just that much better. I have a good instructor. Thanks for the refresher!!
You’re welcome. Good luck on your test today. Remember to breathe & read all the choices before selecting an answer. All the best, Cheers Rick
Thankful to find someone who cleared up my confusion! I failed first attempt at test because of my confusion over these matters. You got my a job!
Hi Timothy Nelson - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Wow Rick! that was so Simplified. Now I get it!
Hi Raymond Smith - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Rick - I was confused and this really did help. I do think the explanation starting at 8:00 up to 8:35 was the key to the whole thing for me. The light went on at that point if that helps? :)
Hi Bobby Evans - thank you for your comment - it is extremely valuable in finishing up the Air Brake manual we're currently working on. If there's anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
yeah we get confuse because we dont read all the book yet or never read the book
Great explanation. Thank You.
I’ve been studying for my CDL B, Air Brakes, Hazmat & Tanker. On the practice tests, the “spring break” wording would always confuse me.
I now understand Visually & mentally thanks to your video. Much appreciated.
Hi @LMAO_888 - Thank you very much for taking the time to express your gratitude. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
I just took my air brake course today. I left fairly confident I had learned new information and could retain it on the way to the registries office to write the exam….and wrote my first test and failed. In hindsight the 1 day class (not even a full day) moves extremely fast and included so much new to me information- I didn’t have time to write it down, process it, or memorize it prior to the exam. Super disappointed at failing- but hope to pass if I add some study hours from my text book and watch your videos.
Think of it as a practice run my friend. Air brakes is tough for sure. See this video too: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html Drop us a note if we can help further. Cheers Rick
yes , that's me , didn't understand air brakes and spring brakes.
Hi Glenda Johnson - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Thank you this really helped me out.
Hi Anthony Baez - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
This video was confusing as hell please break it down one by one in different videos let's talk about air brakes on a semi only
Hi Roman Empire 16 - Thank you for your feedback. This video will help: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html All the best, Cheers Rick
I'm going to get my cdl for a MC company. First video i clicked on was yours. This is VERY helpful and now i will know if the course starts talking about Spring, I understand what they are referring to. Thank you for making this video!!
Thanks man. I bought a large Winnebago recently and it's the first time I have had to rely on air brakes. I've only driven it one time and I was scared shitless because I wasn't sure how air brakes works. Great video. Thanks.
Hi Jeff Kustes - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
I thought it was a different braking system 🤦
Hi Tara Webb - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Omg, I have been so confused about the whole air brake system. Taken air brake test 4 times and still haven't passed because of the confusing language of air brakes. Thank you so much for putting it in English! Trying to get cdl b for school bus and you are on your own trying to figure this out on your own so again THANK YOU!!
Hi Cindy Rodriquez - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hi Rick, I go write my air brakes test tomorrow for the 5th time! I have been studying for 2 months, even took a course! Very frustrating but not giving up. Been watching your videos for 2 months now and they are very informative, thank you!
Hi fibby mcgee - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
did you pass finally?
I in the process of getting my CDL license, and I was 100% confused and I though there were actually 2 different braking system. You nailed it in this video and cleared the confusion around this topic thank you
Hi lorax - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
How’s driving been?
I could hug you right now. I was about to throw in the towel and walk away. From our State CDL Manual it gives the impression that there are three different braking systems. The language used is also confusing and if you are a foreigner it makes it 100 times more difficult not understanding the syntax. I believe I have a clearer understanding of the air brake system now and feel confident I will pass the written air brake part of the CDL. Thank you! you are definitely (as GirlCode says) a GOD Send.
Hi Chellè McLaughlin - A hug would be awesome! And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
I failed the air brakes section of my test 😢 back to your videos on Monday. I have a week to redeem myself.
Hi sir,
I m Bilal from pakistan. Now a days I m learning how to Drive tractor trailer. I already have (LTV Licence) since 2007.
Now I m going to upgrade my driving licence LTV to CDL HTV,
My final test after 13 November 2019.
I learned so much about seafty and vahichal systems.
Thank you very much sir.
God bless you.
Sir You are doing great job.
I've just taken the Air Brake course and was confused about the concept of the Spring Brake being separate.Thank you very much, it has "simplified" the system for me!
Hi Janet Mackenzie - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
oh my goodness...this makes so much more sense now. I have my class 2 S school bus in Alberta and took an air brakes course to drive an air brakes bus. but because this course was geared toward the class 1 trucks. the class made no sense to me as i have never been in a Big truck...So thank you!! i am taking my written test tomorrow. and now the manual makes more sense and hopefully i should pass on the first test now!!
Hi Joanne AKA PinkLunaLady Borrowman - You're going to do awesome. Good luck on your test! Be sure to let us know how it goes. All the best, Cheers Rick
PS - see this post BEFORE you head to the test centre: www.smartdrivetest.com/pass-drivers-test/pre-trip-inspection
How did the test go Joanne? Cheers Rick
I, too, was confused, but your video helped to clarify that spring brakes are indeed part of the air brake system, not a separate system. It helped me see why the red trailer air supply valve "pops" out when the air supply gets too low and why that is part of the brake test. The reason is the valve evacuates the air so the the spring brakes "spring" into position to slow down the vehicle in an emergency. Thank you!
Happy to hear we could help my friend. You are correct. See this video too: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html And this resource may help too: www.smartdrivetest.com/airbrakes-cdl-rv/air-brakes-explained-simply Drop us a note if you have questions. Cheers Rick
With this video I understand the air brake system and passed my CDL WRITTEN TEST. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Hi Jobany Paredes - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hi. Just started cdl with local college. Holy cow was I confused. This helps so much. The jargon is CRAZY. i will be devouring your vids. Thanks so m6ch.
tomorrow is my written test for cdl so, i was right in 54 in a 80 quiz because brakes is a mix up in 160academy, but youre so clear and sure explain it in just 9 m inutes! thanks a lot!
Hi conexion max - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Good luck on your written test for CDL. All the best, Cheers Rick
General Motors Master Technician here. On light duty drop the term emergency brake, it's called a parking brake and is not designed to stop a vehicle at all. This is a huge misconception in the automotive field. Look at any manual and it is called the parking brake. the symbol on the dash shows Park or Brake when the parking brake is applied. Also in same said manual it tells you the not to use the parking brake to stop the vehicle. Most people no longer read the manual. Love these videos! Keep up the great work!!
100 % - I was confused for the longest time when I first started this journey to get my permit. Your video(s) is so helpful, you nailed it! I just got my learners permit, our instructor recommends your videos. Spring brakes (and air pressure)are incredible devices for stopping such a large moving object
Hi Ararespecies Authenticity - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
I was also very confused because I thought springs breaks were a separate system. Thank you for this clarification!!!
Hi Abby Fletcher - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
yes, you are absolutely right. My confusion was exactly the way you described...2 separate braking systems.. keep clarification in your presentation...helped me out a lot, and probably others too. I've seen a lot of brake stuff on internet, but none of the others explains this little detail like you,...good job...thx!
Hi Ron Johnson - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
The first thing I learned about air brakes on commercial vehicles is that when there's no pressure the brakes are fully engaged, and so for me at least it makes sense that it needs spring in the brake drums.
YES. You read my mind less than 1 minute in. I was super confused, and reading part 5 of the NC DMV CDL manual over and over again just wasn't clearing anything up. Thank you for the explanation!
Hi thedevilandhertrumpets - you are most welcome my friend. See this video too: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html All the best, Cheers Rick
Thank you Rick,
I have been having trouble remembering and identifying break and suspension parts for my bus CDL.
It finally occurred to me that if I understand how the parts work I don’t have trouble remembering their names or where they are.
For the past two week I have been trying to remember part by rote memory alone which was not working and mental torture! I had suspension and break parts all mixed up. I was essentially throwing spaghetti against a wall. 😆
I guess a lot of people can remember names and parts by memory alone but I can’t! I need to know the system. It is like learning biology. When you know a parts function in a system you can remember them and where they fit.
Thank you for your fantastic videos! 🙏
Hi Leigh Wilson - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
I am currently studying for my CDL and stumbled on this video THANK YOU for explaining this! I did think they were seperate systems!!
I'm in the process of TRYING to get my tractor trailer CDL permit so I can go to training and I have to admit, I thought spring and air were two separate systems! Thank you for your help! I think I'll need to watch all your videos in order to pass!
Hi @tarapalmer8055 - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
Great example of how looking at a subject several ways brings clarity.
Hi Buzz Morley - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hey there thank you for the info! I don't know if you've made your manual yet but I found your video because I needed a visual to understand completely. I still need a visual, but I get the gist now. Just thought it'd be useful to include an informational diagram in your manual for student's complete understanding. (For us visual learners out there) 😀 Thank you for the video!
I just started my 2nd week at truck driving school, and omg was I confused. This helped clear things up.
Hi X VEGASXBOYX - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Omg I've been in class for 8 hours and didn't understand crap. A few minutes with you and I get it. Thanks
Hi Manuela Kahlfuss - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Thank you for explaining this and simplifying it for new drivers. Have to admit, I once searched for spring brakes and whether or not they have to be applied by the driver. This video will, er...SHOULD clear up any confusion a new driver may have. Thank you again and keep up the good videos!
Thanks. In the last part you completely explained the difference between parking and emergency which i had trouble figuring out. Especially when you said one brake with 2 sources made a lot of sense. From Virginia, USA
Yes, you're right about the confusion instructors cause, explaining spring breaks, service, parking and emergency breaks... Thank you for making it clear in less than 10 minutes.
Hi Haythem Lutfi - you are most welcome my friend. See these vids too: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
Your the best at explaining air brakes and now I totally understand how they work because of your way of explaining and knowledge. You got 5 stars from me. 😃⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hi Scott Roberts - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
The Freightliner driver's manual (Business Class M2) for my RV has this notice in the brake system: "Do not use the spring parking brakes if the service brakes are hot, such as after descending a steep grade. To do so could damage the brakes. Allow hot brakes to cool before using the spring parking brakes." This made little sense to me, as I assumed they were different brakes. Now I understand that they are the same brakes. Thank you.
Yes, thank you for your simplified answer between Spring breaks and Airbrakes. I’m just starting to study for my driver permit for CDL and knew nothing at all about Airbrakes. Keep on keepin on!
Hi Randy Salisbury - you are most welcome my friend. Have a look at this video: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
He apparently REALLY wanted me to leave a comment. So...Yes that helped me greatly. I was confused about spring brakes/air brakes. But no longer! Thanks!
Hi Blake Sutton - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
I’m taking my air brake test tomorrow and this video explains it very well. I was totally confused I thought the brakes were two different things. 😅 Now it makes sense. Thank you sooo much
Hi Mitziduenas - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Here in Canada, doing my air brake knowledge and practical test tomorrow! Wish me luck!
Thanks for the video for the huge clear up!!!
Amazing instructor/Teacher!
Hi patrick gorski - you are most welcome my friend. Have a look at this vid too: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
Brake chamber fitted at front for service brake.
Spring Brake Actuator fitted at rear for service brake and hand brake.
Hi Omar bou Muhammad Alhamdoulilah - Apologies for the late response. Thank you for your question. Yes, there are just parking/emergency brakes on the rear of the vehicle. All the best, Cheers Rick
Yes springs brakes question got me really bad😢
Getting ready for the test @ DMV, this helped me understand more about air brakes then reading the DMV manual. Great channel, thank you !
When’s your test my friend? Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest I take my air brake test at DMV this Friday. I’ve taken the general knowledge and combination test and past both after studying a week before each. After passing the next test I’ll pay to attend a driving school to get time around the trucks.
I am no longer confused between hydrolytic and air brakes systems. Thank You!
Hi Francisco Mesquita - you are most welcome my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
The Manual in NYS is made to confuse you rather than teach. The questions on the written test are there to confuse people as well.
As you say Rick "CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER", " NOT NECESSARILY THE CORRECT ANSWER".
I have taken this test before, failed the first time, and the second the same day passed for CDL Class B with Air Brakes and S&P Endorsements November 2014.
Unfortunately by the time someone called me for the job, April 2015, I was employed making more money than was being offered.
Now with another life change I am continuing a career in the CDL field.
Thank you for teaching others and making your videos and study PDF's as this time CDL Class A with Air Brakes and S&P Endorsements are being pursued.
Thank you, I'm studying for my air brake test tomorrow, and you helped me get over the block with spring brakes:)...
Glad I could help! Good luck on your test tomorrow. All the best, Cheers Rick
Just failed my CLP, yes spring brakes got me too. Thank you for helping me understand what many practice tests and a manual couldn't
Glad to help. This resource my help too: www.smartdrivetest.com/airbrakes-cdl-rv/air-brakes-explained-simply Drop us a note if you have further questions. Cheers Rick
Hey 👋🏾 I am taking my CDP and have been confused by the spring breaks. I thought they were different. I hope this video will help me pass this section the next time. 🤞🏾
Hi Tangalina Scales - We're happy to hear we could help out. All the best, Cheers Rick
Thank you sir. Well explained. Started coupling pups and I was confused with my procedure as to why we apply service before emergency air to verify circulation if air in both trailers.
Hi Maki Omakis - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
I knew that the air and springs were just different power sources but after watching this the lightbulb finally went on as to how that is accomplished, excellent presentation, thank you!
Hi Robert Jones - you are most welcome my friend. If we can help further, drop us a note. All the best, Cheers Rick
Yep, the CDL study manual leads one to believe that spring brakes are something different. I figured it out after a bit of thought and confirmed my suspicions with a customer of mine who is a mechanic. Thanks for the video!
Hi Rex Mingie - you are most welcome my friend. Have a look at this vi too: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html All the best, Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest I would like to run my understanding of service brakes by you to see if I am correct. As I understand it, when the brake pedal is pushed, air is released from the brake chamber which allows the springs to expand, which moves the pushrod forward, which in turn rotates the s-cam causing the brake pads to come into contact with the brake linings which causes friction resulting in the slowing down and stopping of the vehicle. Is that correct? Thanks.
Thank-you, am going to take the class and went nuts trying to figure it out, and finally I found you and am not confused anymore, am subscribing to you, thanks again.
Happy to help! See this video too: ua-cam.com/video/dMxilatT0qw/v-deo.html And this e-book "Air Brakes Explained Simply" may help too: www.smartdrivetest.com/airbrakes-cdl-rv/air-brakes-explained-simply Drop us a note if you have questions. Cheers Rick
Taking a CDL course, this definitely is the first explanation that makes sense for me . Well done sir .