Brake Burnishing
Brake Burnishing
This is critical to ensure proper brake function after brake reline or other major brake maintenance is performedAPTA Recommended Procedure:
- 10 snubs
- From 20 to 5 MPH
- At approximately 32% decel or every 500’ without stopping
- After the 10th snub‚ make 1 complete stop from 20 MPH
Better Methods:
- 20/20/20 – 20 stops from 20 MPH at 20 PSI‚ or 40 MPH to 20 MPH ten times
- The purpose is to gradually raise the brake temperatures‚ to properly seat all brake components‚ mate the lining to the brake drum to improve contact and to cure the material
- Measure brake drum temperature to ensure proper brake function
- Side to side on same axle should generally be within 25° F
- Steer to rear axle should be within approximately 50° F. This may vary more due to brake valve specifications‚ suspension component compatibility and retarder function