We all know the importance of air system maintenance. The braking and suspension systems depend on a reliable and consistent source of air pressure. Air system failures from water, particles and oil can create a truck-down situation. Repairs can lead to large expenses and lost revenue. Air dryer maintenance should include more than a cartridge replacement.
What most folks do when maintaining the air dryer system is simply change the air dryer cartridge. After seeing several air dryer assembly and purge valve issues I started wondering if changing the cartridge was enough. After reading Bendix recommendations and consulting with several technicians and parts managers, I’ve learned replacing the cartridge isn’t enough.
The techs and parts associates I spoke to suggest changing the Air Dryer Purge Valve. Also, Bendix was very clear that replacing the valve is critical. Here we have the classic situation where spending a little now can save you a truck-load of money later.
You may well be thinking, “Why bother?”, and that’s a great question! The reason that it is critical to change the Air Dryer Purge Valve is that it is possible for the valve to fail and possibly become stuck in the Air Dryer Assembly. Suddenly, you are looking at hundreds of dollars in parts and labor to replace the entire assembly when simply replacing the Purge Valve when changing the Air Dryer Cartridge could have prevented a truck-down situation.
I don’t know about you but I would rather not be stuck on the side of the road with a load waiting for roadside service because someone didn’t perform routine maintenance properly.
So the next time you’re in the market for air dryer maintenance, make sure to ask them to change that Air Dryer Purge Valve. Your air system and your clients will thank you!