Arielle Cruz
The Bendix air dryer is a filtering mechanism that removes dirt, liquid, water vapour, and oil from a truck's air system. Moisture in the air system can cause complications, especially in cold weather when it can freeze and increase the chance of malfunctions in brakes and valves. While adding alcohol or similar de-icing solutions to the system is a traditional fix, Bendix advises against this as it can corrode compounds in brake system seals and cause leaks. Instead, adequate preventive maintenance prior to winter, coupled with a high-quality air dryer and cartridge, is recommended to avoid freeze-ups.
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What You'll Learn
Bendix advises against adding alcohol to air dryers
While adding alcohol to a Bendix air dryer has been a traditional fix to address freeze-ups in a vehicle's air system, Bendix strongly advises against this practice. Alcohol is a broad term encompassing various chemicals, many of which can corrode the compounds in brake system seals and break down valve lubricants. This can lead to leaks and valve malfunctions, causing long-term damage to the system.
Bendix emphasizes that the type of alcohol used is crucial, as even commonly utilized alcohols like methanol in de-icing solutions can cause corrosion and contamination in specific components. The company suggests that in urgent situations where a truck requires a brake anti-freeze compound, the location of alcohol addition should be carefully considered to minimize potential adverse effects.
Instead of relying on alcohol, Bendix offers alternative solutions for effective air dryer maintenance. They recommend using high-quality original equipment (OE) cartridges, specifically the OE replacements, to ensure the use of reputable and effective air-drying technology. This is especially important for spin-on cartridges, which often contain less desiccant material. By using OE cartridges, vehicle owners can maintain the system's ability to provide adequate winter protection.
Additionally, Bendix suggests using an oil-coalescing cartridge to address the harmful effects of oil aerosols passed by the compressor. Oil can deteriorate seals and cause premature damage to other components. The Bendix PuraGuard design is specifically mentioned as an effective solution, as it efficiently removes oil from the air before it reaches the desiccant, thereby extending the dryer's moisture removal capabilities.
To summarize, while adding alcohol to a Bendix air dryer has been a common practice to address freeze-ups, Bendix strongly discourages this method due to the potential for corrosion and contamination. They recommend utilizing OE cartridges and oil-coalescing cartridges as safer and more effective alternatives for maintaining air dryers, especially during winter months when freeze-ups are more likely to occur.
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Alcohol can corrode brake system seals
While adding alcohol to a Bendix air dryer may seem like a good idea to prevent freeze-ups in the air system, it is important to note that alcohol can corrode brake system seals.
Alcohol covers a wide range of chemicals, and many of these can be harmful to the compounds used in brake system seals. For example, even methanol, a commonly used alcohol in de-icing solutions, can cause long-term damage to seals and break down valve lubricants, leading to leaks or valve malfunctions. This is because alcohol is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and absorbs moisture. As a result, when used in a braking system, alcohol can increase the amount of moisture present, leading to a greater risk of freeze-ups.
Additionally, certain types of alcohol can eat away at rubber parts, gaskets, and seals in the braking system. This can lead to costly repairs and even compromise the safety of the vehicle.
To prevent freeze-ups and ensure the proper functioning of the braking system, it is recommended to use a high-quality air dryer and cartridge, such as those offered by Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems. These air dryers are designed to remove moisture from the air system, reducing the risk of freeze-ups and ensuring the longevity of the braking system.
Proper maintenance of the air dryer is also crucial. This includes regularly checking for leaks and ensuring that all components and systems are restored to their original operating condition, especially the air and electrical systems. By prioritizing preventive maintenance and using high-quality equipment, vehicle owners can minimize the risk of corrosion and maintain the safety and efficiency of their braking systems.
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Check for leaks if alcohol has been added
While Bendix advises against adding alcohol to its air dryer systems, it acknowledges that some situations may require drastic measures, such as if a truck is down and absolutely requires the use of a brake anti-freeze compound. If alcohol has been added to the system, it is important to check for leaks around the brake valves if the O-rings were exposed to the anti-freeze compound.
Leaks can be audible, but they can also be detected through the use of a soap spray. If a valve is leaking, either replace the O-ring with a new one or replace the entire valve with a new or remanufactured component. To prevent leaks, it is important to ensure that all components and systems are restored to their original operating condition, especially the air and electrical systems.
To check for leaks in the Bendix air dryer system, it is recommended to start by checking the unloader line from the compressor to the governor. With the engine running, it may be difficult to hear any leaks. One way to check is to disconnect the unloader line at the governor and see if the leak persists. Another method is to charge the system to full cut-out pressure with shop air, which can help to better hear any leaks.
It is also important to inspect the entire truck system for other air leaks, as issues with other components can lead to leaks in the air dryer system. For example, a faulty unloader valve in the compressor has been known to cause leaks in the Bendix air dryer. Additionally, a faulty head gasket or excessive blow-by in the engine or compressor can result in leaks.
To summarise, if alcohol has been added to a Bendix air dryer, it is crucial to check for leaks around the brake valves and take appropriate action if a leak is detected. To prevent and identify leaks in the Bendix air dryer system, it is important to ensure proper maintenance and inspection of the entire truck system, as leaks can occur due to various factors beyond the air dryer itself.
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Use OE cartridges for adequate winter protection
Bendix air dryers are air filtering mechanisms that remove dirt, liquid, water vapour, and oil from a truck's air system. While the company offers guidance on preventive maintenance and cold-weather upkeep of compressed air systems, it advises against the traditional fix of adding alcohol or similar de-icing solutions to address freeze-ups. The term "alcohol" covers a wide array of chemicals, and many can corrode compounds in brake system seals or break down valve lubricants, leading to leaks or valve malfunctions.
To ensure adequate winter protection, Bendix recommends using OE (original equipment) cartridges. OE cartridges are manufacturer-supplied and are designed to keep moisture out of the air system. As moisture can freeze in cold weather, increasing the chance of brake and valve malfunctions, it is important to prepare for winter with a new cartridge.
Spin-on cartridges, which are more common on newer dryers, often contain less desiccant material. Desiccant is critical as it attracts water molecules during the system's charge cycle, and during the purge cycle, it releases these molecules through the dryer's purge valve. The type and quality of desiccant used directly impact the dryer's performance, so opting for OE cartridges ensures the use of reputable and effective air-drying technology.
OE-grade cartridges contain the highest quality desiccant and provide the best efficiency. Depending on driving habits and air consumption, these cartridges may need replacement every two to three years. Bendix also recommends using oil-coalescing cartridges, as oil passed through by the compressor can harm air systems and contribute to premature component damage.
In summary, while adding alcohol to a Bendix air dryer has been a traditional fix for freeze-ups, it is not recommended due to potential corrosion and contamination issues. Instead, Bendix advises the use of OE cartridges to prevent moisture-related issues and ensure adequate winter protection.
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The importance of adequate preventive maintenance
While adding alcohol to a Bendix air dryer has been a traditional fix to de-ice the affected area, it is important to note that Bendix advises against this practice. This is because alcohol can corrode the compounds used in brake system seals and break down valve lubricants, leading to leaks and valve malfunctions. Instead, adequate preventive maintenance, coupled with a high-quality air dryer and cartridge, is recommended to avoid freeze-ups.
Maintaining a Bendix air dryer is crucial to ensuring the proper functioning of a vehicle's air system. Proper care of pneumatic systems is essential year-round, but extra attention is typically required during fall and early winter. As temperatures drop, moisture in the air system can condense inside the air tanks and make its way into the braking system. This moisture can then freeze, increasing the likelihood of malfunctions in brakes and valves.
To prevent these issues, it is important to follow the preventive maintenance recommendations provided by Bendix. This includes using high-quality OE cartridges, as the type and quality of the desiccant used directly impact the dryer's performance. Bendix also recommends using an oil-coalescing cartridge to remove oil from the air before it reaches the desiccant, extending the dryer's ability to remove moisture. Additionally, manually draining the air tanks periodically can help keep the air system moisture-free during winter.
Another important aspect of preventive maintenance is ensuring proper installation of the Bendix air dryer. It is crucial to match the voltage of the dryer's heater to that of the engine and ensure the purge volume aligns with the reservoir container. Correct spacing between the upper and lower mounting brackets is also essential for effective mounting.
By following these preventive maintenance measures, vehicle owners can avoid the complications associated with moisture and freezing in their air systems. Proper maintenance of a Bendix air dryer ensures the system effectively removes contaminants, providing clean air to reservoirs, valves, and all air-controlled systems, thereby reducing maintenance episodes and downtime.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol is added to the system as a de-icing solution to prevent the air brake system from freezing in cold weather.
Bendix advises against adding alcohol to the system. However, if you are in a situation where you have no other option, you should refer to the Bendix Service data sheet for the specific dryer installed in your vehicle.
Check for leaks around the brake valves if the O-rings were exposed to the anti-freeze compound. Leaks can be heard audibly or detected using a soap spray. If a valve is leaking, replace the O-ring or the entire valve.
