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Past Issues

May 2006


Detect those leaks

One of the most difficult faults to find in a compressed-air braking system is a leak too small to be heard by human ears. However, according to Brain Connell, sales consultant at TOHF Trailers, these leaks seriously compromise the braking system, not least being the state of affairs where the brake shoes have moved sufficiently close to the drums to start building up heat.

"The driver will, through no fault of his own, not feel the increased friction as at that point there is not enough friction to slow the vehicle. But there is certainly enough to heat the drums in a dramatic and potentially dangerous manner. We, as concerned manufacturers, are fully aware of the problem and have seen, first hand, the results - burnt-out trailers and horses," says Connell.

With this in mind, TOHF Trailers has developed a simple-to-use air leak detector for use in the transport industry which is sensitive enough to detect leaks that cannot be heard by human ears. Given what Connell says, it should solve many a problem which you didn’t even know was there. It sounds like the right stuff to us.