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2026
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09
Early brake wear might be due to an issue with the main match
As an anti-lock braking system, ABS detects changes in wheel speed through sensors when a vehicle undergoes an emergency stop and the tyres lose grip due to slipping. It adjusts the brake pressure to make the wheels transition from slipping to rolling, which not only ensures reliable braking in most situations but also prevents loss of directional control. Over the past couple of years, factors like emission upgrades and the replacement of old models have pushed vehicle replacement by users to a new peak. Relevant regulations also mandate that new vehicles must be equipped with ABS for better braking performance, but there are still quite a few issues for users during the car-buying process.
Today, let's take the tractor as an example and talk about the issues in the braking system caused by mismatched main trailers.
For a new tractor, when combined with a trailer to form a complete vehicle, the following combinations usually occur:
In the first scenario, both the tractor and the trailer are equipped with branded ABS, and the ABS works well and effectively, so the vehicle's braking system can provide excellent braking force.
The second situation is also something that domestic users encounter quite often. In cases where relevant regulations are not strict and users don't pay much attention to ABS, some manufacturers, just to cater to users, will choose lower-quality generic ABS systems. The goal is just to get through the annual inspection once a year.
The third situation has become relatively common in the past two years: with changes in emission regulations and the driving environment, the tractor market in our country has been booming. Do users replace both the tractor and the trailer when changing vehicles? Of course not! Due to historical issues, a large portion of trailers currently in normal operation on the market either don't have an ABS system installed or have a non-functioning ABS system that users can't be bothered to fix.
The fourth situation mainly stems from users' habits from a few years ago with heavy transport, thinking the original brakes weren't good, and after buying a trailer, they would modify the brake system, 'upgrading' it to something called 'Brake King'.
So, when the ABS of the tractor and trailer don't match, or the tractor has ABS but the trailer doesn't, what would be the worst-case scenario during an emergency brake?
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Early brake wear might be due to a mismatch between the tractor and trailer. Recently, we've been seeing cases where early brake wear could be caused by this mismatch. The tractor is fitted with an ABS system, but the trailer isn't, and users have disconnected the front axle brakes. It's generally reported that the brake pads on the drive axle are wearing out early.
If the main brakes aren't consistent, whoever 'acts' first will wear out sooner
01
When parked, the angle between the slave cylinder push rod and the adjuster arm should be kept around 90 degrees to maintain maximum braking leverage. (If the angle in the picture exceeds 90 degrees, it will reduce braking force). On a truck with ABS, assuming the truck has an automatic adjuster arm and is well maintained, the braking system is reliable and effective. However, if the trailer does not have an automatic adjuster arm or its brakes are not rigorously adjusted, or if it has an automatic adjuster arm but is poorly maintained, the braking performance of the trailer will decrease, or the trailer brakes may engage slightly later than the truck brakes due to excessive slack. Because the braking system engages a bit 'early', it can cause premature excessive wear on the truck's brakes.
Trailer improper modifications cause the tyres to lock up, increasing brake wear
Under extreme conditions, such as when a user brakes suddenly, unsafe brake components like the 'Brake King' can cause the trailer's tyres to lock up (skid).
At this time, the tractor, influenced by ABS, is still performing a 'rolling and sliding' (alternating skid and slide) braking action.
If the tractor's drive wheels have ABS while the steering wheels are released, and the trailer's brake system responds poorly or has components like 'Brake King' air valves, the whole vehicle during emergency braking will have the drive wheels in a prolonged braking wear state, causing early excessive wear.
Additionally, with the trailer tyres completely locked and losing grip causing skidding, the driver might completely lose control of the vehicle, potentially leading to an accident.
"Brake King" causes automatic slack adjuster failure
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Also, if the tractor has ABS but the trailer doesn't, or only has a generic ABS to meet registration requirements, users might replace it with 'Brake King' or other unscientific brake components due to poor brake system performance.
If the trailer uses automatic slack adjusters, using 'Brake King' will severely damage their normal function and can easily lead to failure.
What seems like a 'good intention' can actually cause early wear or brake failure in the entire trailer brake system, creating huge safety risks.
BPW400K axle was incorrectly assembled (reversed), leading to reduced braking force in the forward direction. Also, there are cases on the market where the axle is installed incorrectly (reversed) and the air valve is installed wrongly, so users need to be careful when choosing a vehicle.
Given the current situation, with the main vehicle and trailer not matching very well, how can users use the vehicle to ensure safety while reducing abnormal wear on the braking system?
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For this, I asked some drivers who know a lot about cars and some engineers from the manufacturer, and they think:
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1. When buying a vehicle, besides the ABS on the main vehicle, it's best to choose a trailer brand with a good reputation, equipped with branded ABS, and ensure it works properly at all times. 2. If there are limited conditions and the main vehicle and trailer cannot achieve effective ABS matching, try to use auxiliary braking as much as possible to slow down the vehicle while driving. 3. If both the main vehicle and trailer have branded ABS and are properly matched, in case of emergency braking, the brake pedal must be pressed fully at once. The ABS system will then automatically adjust the braking action of each wheel through its algorithm. Avoid the old method of pumping the brakes or partially pressing the pedal. 4. The vehicle's driving brake system is mainly for emergency braking and parking. Using it for deceleration increases wear and is not economical. Since 2007, many vehicles in China have been equipped with auxiliary braking systems (such as engine braking, hydraulic retarders, etc.). Using them properly can effectively extend the life of the driving brake.
Even though ABS systems in vehicles are mandatory according to national regulations, when choosing a car, users often don't prioritise these safety features due to cost concerns. Some manufacturers, to meet this demand, treat ABS as a mere formality for approval and annual inspections. Whether when selecting a car or during its use, users should learn more about their vehicle and related knowledge, as well as the correct driving methods, to ensure safer operation. At the same time, proper driving can also reduce operating costs and maximise public safety. (Text/Photo by Huo Jingchun)
Focus on the research and development of automotive brake systems and pneumatic brake valves to promote the development of the auto parts industry!
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