Saskatchewan Air Brake study plan

Define the three air-brake circuits (service, parking/emergency, supply) and state what each one does when the system is fully charged and when it loses pressure

Trace the path of compressed air from compressor through governor, reservoirs, and valves to a brake chamber, labeling each component and its function

Explain the relationship between psi, brake chamber size, slack adjuster length, and force delivered at the wheel, and calculate a simple pushrod force example

Distinguish between dual-circuit and single-circuit systems and describe what happens in a dual-circuit truck when one circuit fails

Identify the compressor, governor cut-in and cut-out settings, safety valve, and alcohol evaporator or air dryer, and state the normal operating pressure range for each

Describe the function of the relay valve, quick-release valve, and tractor protection valve in a tractor-trailer combination

Explain how a spring brake chamber works, including the role of the park control valve and the anti-compounding valve

List the causes of air pressure build-up that is too slow and describe how to check compressor output during a pre-trip

Perform the full pre-trip air brake inspection sequence in the correct order, from draining reservoirs to the final leakage check

State the maximum allowable air loss for an unapplied system and for a fully applied system, and explain how to time and record the test

Demonstrate the low-pressure warning test and the spring brake (parking brake) test, and state the pressure at which the warning must activate

Describe how to check slack adjuster pushrod travel and state the maximum allowable stroke for each chamber type

Adjust a manual slack adjuster to the correct pushrod stroke and explain why automatic slack adjusters should not be manually adjusted except to verify

Diagnose three common brake defects found during pre-trip (cracked drum, glazed lining, chafed hose) and state the correct action for each

Explain the brake adjustment and out-of-service criteria that apply to pushrod stroke and lining thickness

Describe how to inspect air lines, glad hands, and couplers for leaks and proper connection

Explain how to use the brakes on a long downgrade, including gear selection, snubbing technique, and why continuous light application causes fade

Describe the correct response to a low-pressure warning while driving, including stopping, parking, and securing the vehicle

Explain what to do if the service brakes fail, including the use of the engine brake, downshifting, and emergency stopping areas

Describe how to test and use the trailer hand valve and spring brakes in an emergency situation

Explain the purpose and operation of the tractor protection valve and what happens during a trailer breakaway

Describe how to check and maintain air pressure while coupling and uncoupling a trailer, including the correct order for connecting and disconnecting glad hands

Explain how cold weather affects air brake performance, including moisture, freezing valves, and alcohol evaporators or air dryers

Describe the correct procedure for testing the trailer spring brakes after coupling

Explain the maintenance schedule for air dryers, compressors, and reservoirs, including how often to drain tanks and check the safety valve

Diagnose a system that loses pressure too quickly, listing at least six possible leak points and how to isolate each one

Describe how to inspect and replace a brake chamber, including the safety precautions for spring brakes

Explain the difference between a leaking valve and a leaking line and how each is repaired

Complete a full-length practice exam under timed conditions and score at least 85 percent

Review every missed question and write the correct reasoning for each in your own words

Re-perform the full pre-trip inspection and leakage tests from memory without the checklist

Recite the key numbers (cut-in, cut-out, low-pressure warning, leakage limits, pushrod stroke limits) from memory