How To Find A Leaking Air Brake Chamber

Air brakes, as found on many large trucks over 10,000 pounds of gross weight, and on passenger buses, are composed of an air compressor unit, air lines, and air brake chambers–also called "pots." Of all the components, the air chambers wear out the most over time since they have moving parts within, mainly a "diaphragm." When a small air leak occurs, it may become difficult for the vehicle to maintain adequate continuous air pressure, causing the brakes to set if the pressure gets too low. Small leaks are difficult to find, but there is a very simple and useful means to locate the offending brake chamber.

Step 1

Use a ball-peen hammer to break a piece of dry ice into small sections, which may be placed into your plastic cup or metal can. Fill the container about half full with dry ice.

Step 2

Pour room-temperature water into the container holding the dry ice until it is 3/4 full. This will cause a large quantity of fog to rise out of the container as the frozen carbon-dioxide (dry ice) is released from the water.

Step 3

Crawl under the area of the vehicle in which you are able to hear the air leak, and slowly advance the container, watching the direction of the fog carefully, as the air from the leaking area will blow the fog in the opposite direction. Continue advancing until you have found the precise location of the air leak and then determine if it may be repaired or if the air brake chamber needs to be replaced.