Often wondered

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Wed May 24, 2023 3:50 pm

I have often been behind large arctics going along the motorway (nothing new there) and I have often wondered what the two circular things that look like they are secured to the axle do/are for, well the other day I was a passenger, and I managed to take the below picture of said objects. Sorry, no prizes.

: things.jpg (52.36 KiB) Viewed 1392 times

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Wed May 24, 2023 4:04 pm

I think they are part of the air brakes system see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5wuPzbcw74 ( I have not watched it)

DWD

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Wed May 24, 2023 4:24 pm

Thanks, well I never. They are the brake operation thingies (new technical word) they have a "piston" that either retracts or extends. Now I know what they are for, I can look to find out what the piston is connected to, and where that is.

Ktuludays · Post by **Ktuludays** » Fri May 26, 2023 5:02 am

You obviously meant an artic as in articulated lorry.

One of those words that are often incorrectly used like Pacific instead of specific.

Grendel · Post by **Grendel** » Sun May 28, 2023 6:59 pm

I was recently chatting to someone on another forum. He has a Zil 131 which for those who don't know is a 6x6 truck used by Russia and eastern bloc countries. He was explaining that the brakes work "backwards" to european and UK vehicles. Over here the air pressure holds the brakes off hence why an artic loses the air lines the trailer brakes are locked on. With the Zil the air forces the brakes on. Better in a military situation because if an air line is damaged perhaps by ambush or IED the truck can still drive it's way out of danger and brake with the gears .