AVON, Ohio — Hurricanes and summer storms are once again unleashing torrential rain in regions of the United States, resulting in devasting floods requiring massive relief and rebuilding efforts — many of which depend on the trucking industry and thousands of truck drivers. For commercial vehicles exposed to these types of floodwaters, the professionals at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems offer fleets and drivers the following advice for inspecting and possibly reconditioning air brake, wheel-end and other safety components that have been partially or completely submerged.
“One important thing to note is that electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more common, and service procedures for EVs require special training,” said Randy Salvatora, engineering manager of vehicle systems at Bendix. “Do not approach a previously submerged hybrid or electric vehicle until the high-voltage electrical system is inspected by a qualified technician.”
Salt Water vs. Fresh
The first determination to make is whether the water affecting the vehicle issalt water or fresh water. If it was salt water, you’ll need to immediately begin replacing parts due to its extreme corrosivity, which can remove lubrication and put certain parts at much higher risk for unexpected and premature malfunction. Any brake system valve that has been submerged in salt water must be replaced. In addition, systems and components, including air compressors, air reservoirs, antilock brake system (ABS) relays, modulators, wiring harnesses, and brake actuators, must also be replaced. Talk to your Bendix account manager or call the Bendix Tech Team for complete details.
“Saltwater corrosion is also a threat to brake mechanisms, since it increases the likelihood of rust jacking of the friction material and accelerates corrosion of critical surfaces,” Salvatora said. “So, we recommend complete replacement of the foundation brakes to prevent a potential future failure. And if it’s not clear whether the water was fresh or salt, play it safe and follow the saltwater guidelines.”
Additionally, when replacing any pneumatic system components that have been subjected to flood conditions, disconnect all contaminated air tubes and hoses, flush them with clean water, and blow them out with air pressure to remove contaminants.
Fresh-Water Damage Guidelines
If you’re certain the power unit or trailer was submerged in freshwater, begin by carefully power-washing the vehicle – including the foundation brakes. Be cautious while cleaning: Rubber parts and sealing interfaces should not be directly sprayed with the high-pressure jet. Irreparable damage to valves will occur when a high-pressure washer directly sprays exhaust ports. Appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is recommended while washing or working on flooded vehicles, whether salt water or fresh. In the unapplied state, most valves have the delivery open to the atmosphere at the exhaust port, so if any exhaust port is submerged, the water has infiltrated the system and can lead to future malfunction.
Do not attempt to start a vehicle if fresh water has entered the air compressor or dryer through the air system intakes.
Follow these steps to thoroughly check the various parts of the air brake system:
1. Vehicle valving
- Inspect each component in the pneumatic brake and accessory systems.
- Drain any pressure remaining in the service reservoirs.
- Mark and remove all pneumatic and electrical connectors at each valve.
- Check for evidence of water or contamination inside the connectors, air hoses, or the component itself.
- Carefully inspect any wiring harness connections. Water infiltration at the connector can lead to corrosion of the wiring harness inside the insulation, which can cause intermittent continuity, increased resistance, and time-consuming electronic diagnostics.
- Carefully use dry compressed air pressure (from a stationary compressor or similar) to blow air through the pneumatic tubes and hoses. Watch for evidence of water or contamination.
- If water or contamination is found inside the component, replace the component.
- If no evidence of water or contamination is found inside the component, reassemble the component to the associated lines and fittings.
- Repeat this process as you continue to inspect all the valves in the air brake system. Replace any nonfunctioning valves or those showing evidence of water or contaminants ingestion.
- Inspect tractor and trailer glad hands and the supply and control hoses. Water and contaminants frequently enter the air brake system through unprotected hands.
2. Charging system
- Inspect the air intake, compressor, and air dryer for signs of water or contaminant ingestion.
- Carefully use dry compressed air pressure (from a stationary compressor or similar) to blow air through the pneumatic tubing and watch for evidence of water or contamination.
- An electrically driven air compressor that has been submerged is not serviceable and should be replaced.
- To remove any residual water from the service tanks, use dry compressed air from a stationary air compressor (or a suitable portable unit).
- Air dryers remove moisture in compressed air, but they will not remove moisture that’s present in the system beyond the service tanks.
- After reconnecting pneumatic lines, install a new or properly serviced air dryer to aid in removing any residual moisture from the air inlet.
If you find signs of moisture or other contamination, then all the pneumatic air brake components should be replaced: Once water or contaminants get into any of the air brake components, it’s impossible to completely clear the system without total disassembly. Consider also the guidance included in the TMC Recommended Practice 617A for contaminant elimination procedures for tractor, trailer, or dolly air brake systems.
Wheel-Ends and Electronics
Examine all wheel ends for water, which increases the possibility of corrosion between drum brake lining material and the shoe table (rust jacking) and can also pool in drums when left standing – increasing the risk of corrosion. You will also need to check the integrity of the friction couple between the friction and disc or drum. Water-filled loading docks may not immediately come to mind as “flood events,” but they can certainly have the same impact on some wheel-end components, such as slack adjusters.
Remove any fittings and mounting stud nuts, and orient ports downward to verify that no water has entered brake chambers through the airlines. If water is present, replace the actuator. Follow the appropriate wheel-end relubrication procedures, including re-greasing slack adjusters.
Assess the braking/safety electronics components by using a tool such as Bendix ACom PRO software to conduct a diagnostic download on systems such as ABS, ESC (electronic stability control), and collision mitigation controllers, including any front or side radar units. Electronics will validate through self-check-in in most cases: If the electronic control unit (ECU) is operable, it will check the necessary solenoids, sensors, harnesses, etc.
A visual inspection is still necessary. Any residual mud must be cleaned off the radar and radar cover. If any cracks or damage are observed, then both the radar and cover should be replaced. Make sure to inspect the seven-pin electrical connector interface between the tractor and trailer as well. Corrosion at this connection is a common cause of flickering lights and intermittent power to the trailer ABS system.
For more information, two Bendix Technical Bulletins are available in the Bendix Document Library at B2Bendix.com to help gett tractors and trailers back into service after they’ve been submerged:
- Flood Damage: Bendix Recommended Procedure for Trailer and Dolly Control Systems That May Have Been Submerged (TCH-003-048)
- Flood Damage: Bendix Recommended Procedure for Power Vehicles That May Have Been Submerged (TCH-003-049)
Back on the Road and Follow-Up Support
If your checks turn up no evidence of water or contamination, conduct a thorough test of the air brake system and ABS before returning the vehicle or trailer to service. Note that between the floodwaters and power washing, it’s possible that the ABS wheel speed sensors may have been moved from their normal position. Push them back into contact with the exciter ring by hand, and when the wheel turns, normal wheel-bearing play will adjust the sensor position.
“We recommend retesting and diagnostic checks of the electronic systems after the initial post-flood testing,” Salvatora said. “Additionally, make sure you’re following other vehicle and system manufacturers’ guidelines: Flooding can have bumper-to-bumper effects, and you can’t be too careful.”
Born and raised in Little Rock, AR, Erica N. Guy decided to stay in her hometown to begin her professional career in journalism. Since obtaining her bachelor’s degree from UAPB, Erica has professionally written for several publications about several topics ranging from lifestyle, tech, culture, and entertainment, just to name a few. Continuing her love for her hometown, she joined our team in June 2023, where she is currently a staff writer. Her career goals include continuing storytelling through her writing by being the best professional writer she can be. In her spare time, Erica enjoys trying new foods, cozying up with a good book, spending time with family and friends, and establishing herself as a future businesswoman.
