Twiflex Brakes present industrial operations with a strong, reliable heavy-duty braking system. There are times though, with repeated usage, when they need to be replaced.
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to do in order to correctly, and safely, replace your Twiflex Brakes.
Maintenance = Longevity and Safety
Twiflex Brakes are a drum braking system. With proper care and maintenance, they should last for years.
Maintenance can be broken into three key parts. Each part has equal weight in its importance to the braking system and to your company as a whole.
Constant upkeep will not only keep brakes functioning, it will also help maintain the safety of the equipment. When the brakes do need to be replaced though, keep that idea of safety going by using the proper equipment and protective gear.
The third leg of the maintenance stand is monetary. There is an investment to be made for regular maintenance of your Twiflex Breaking system.
Over the course of time though that investment will pay itself back with less downtime for your machines and fewer man hours spent on a machine that’s not functioning properly.
Replacement, Is It Time?
Do your breaks squeal? Is there reaction time low? Do they vibrate when being used? Do they feel like they pull? is there a grinding sound when they are engaged?
If the answer to any of these is yes then replacement is the best option. (Of course, you should also keep an eye on your instrument panel for an indication when things are not working at 100%)
The Replacement Process for Twiflex Brakes
Of course, the first step is to take the old brake system apart. First take the system off-line and disconnect it from any available power sources.
It’s a good idea to take images of the process as you go. Those pictures can be a helpful reminder of how the system needs to go back together.
If you’ll be replacing cylinders during this maintenance repair, you’ll also need to bleed the brake lines. This will make the entire process go smoother and ultimately safer.
You’ll first need to remove the brake adjuster. Remember at each step of the process, DO NOT force any of the parts to come off or apart.
If parts do not want to separate, use an appropriate solvent to loosen them. You can also try to use a lever or similar device to change your position and gently apply additional force.
With the brake adjuster off, you can access the rotors. Loosen and remove those.
Dismantle the brake components and then rebuild the system with the new Twiflex brake parts.
Performance
It’s very important that you follow all of the suggested steps when installing your Twiflex Brakes. Not only for safety’s sake but to optimize performance also.
As you have seen, Twiflex Brakes provide a safe, secure breaking option for industrial machines. Installation is easy and with proper maintenance, they will last you for many years.
When you’re ready to explore Twiflex Brakes for your machines or if you need some help with maintenance of your existing system, just contact us. We’re happy to help.