Industrial products harness power that demands the most stopping power possible to stay safe, as safety is always the number one concern. Brake repair is something you cannot take chances on.
Your stopping power is your lifeline to safety and productivity. Catch faults and wear before they become a problem. Kor-Pak provides the knowledge, parts, and services you need to assess your brakes before they become a problem.
Here are four signs that you need brake repair on your machinery!
1. Time
Brakes wear out, there is no way around it. Even with our highest quality longest lasting Kor-Pak products, brakes and parts are subject to the wears and tears of high volumes of work.
Your brakes are rated for certain loads, pressures, and temperatures. Over time, these factors deteriorate your stopping power. Stay ahead by reviewing the time between pad changes, rotor turnings, and pressure inspections.
Not all systems are created equal. By understanding your system’s functions, you can tackle problems before they arise.
2. Visual Slippage
A motor brake slows and stops the engine, which is the primarily used brake system. Drum or disk, wear on these brakes can cause slippage. This slippage can cause a longer time in slowing or stopping rate.
A longer stopping time is a sign that your brakes may need service or replacement.
In some applications such as cranes, a holding brake is used. This is a locking brake that holds the hoisting system. Holding brakes also act as a failsafe in case of motor brake failure. When holding, no slippage should occur– if you notice movement, it is time to get inspected.
In fields that require the precision of heavy loads, slippage can cause a catastrophe. Keep a keen eye on slipping, as it is usually a sign of faulty brakes.
3. Unusual Sounds
Screeching, grinding, and other metallic sounds under load instill fear in even the most well-trained technician. However, listening for these sounds puts you a step ahead. Often times, further damage or physical harm may be easily avoided if you catch these sounds as soon as they happen.
Grinding and screeching is often caused by work disk or drum pads. As these parts wear down, metal pegs can become exposed, which rub on the friction surface, causing the sound. These act as indicators that the equipment needs servicing.
Another cause of these sounds can be contamination, corrosion, and lack of cleanliness within the stopping system. Servicing this can be as simple as a good cleaning. However, things such as corrosion or excessive debris can cause damage to the system and can require servicing such as rotor turning and pad replacement.
4. Visual Inspections
Nothing gets past a good routine. Give yourself peace of mind that the equipment you use checks out on proper functioning standards.
Visually inspecting your braking system can give you some of the best insight on how your system is operating, and whether or not you need to schedule service.
With note taking supplies in hand, set out to ensure all pieces of your braking system are within standards. Check your rotors for film that may lead to excessive heat and cause the brakes to be slick. Also, ensure your rotors do not have gouges and are not warped.
Similarly, make sure your drums or any other stopping surfaces are clean and clear.
Another crucial checking point that you must incorporate into your check-ups, is the linkage. Many systems use hydraulic fluid to generate stopping pressure. In the case you see fluid where fluid should not be, stop operations. Loss of brake fluid pressure will lead to disastrous loss of stopping power.
If your system is cable driven or kinetic, be sure all your cables and linkages are free and clear with no frays. These problems are signs of wear that should be further inspected, as they could be a result of other issues.
Schedule Your Brake Repair Service Before it Becomes a Problem
In any event that your braking system may be in trouble, whatever your industrial application may be, schedule a service appointment today. Don’t take chances with your brakes.