Brakes & Wheels
26
Chapter 7– Brakes & Wheels
HAzARDOUS MATERIAL WARNING
Most brake linings no longer contain asbestos fibers. However, if working with any component which
does contain asbestos, follow OSHA safety requirements. The recommended work practices for servic
-
ing brakes with asbestos or non-asbestos fibers are virtually the same.
Non-Asbestos Fibers Warning
The fibers in the brake linings may contain glass fibers, mineral wool,
aramid fibers, ceramic fibers, and silica that can present health risks if
inhaled.
Scientists disagree on the extent of the risks from exposure to these substances. Nonetheless, exposure
to silica dust can cause silicosis, a non-cancerous lung disease. Silicosis gradually reduces lung capacity
and efficiency and can result in serious breathing difficulty. Some medical experts believe other types
of non-asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can cause similar diseases of the lung. In addition, silica dust and
ceramic fiber dust are known to the State of California to cause lung cancer. U.S. and international agen
-
cies have also determined that dust from mineral wool, ceramic fibers and silica are potential causes of
cancer.
Accordingly, Meritor and Gillig recommend that workers use caution to avoid creating and breathing
dust when servicing brakes. Specific recommended work practices for reducing exposure to non-asbes
-
tos dust follow. Consult your employer for more details.
Recommended Work Practices
• Whenever possible, work on brakes in a separate area away from other operations.
• Wear a respirator at all times during brake servicing,
beginning with the removal of the wheels
.
Wear a respirator equipped with a high-efficiency (HEPA) filter approved by NIOSH or MSHA.
•
Procedures for Servicing Brakes
a) Enclose the brake assembly within a negative pressure enclosure. The enclosure should be
equipped with a HEPA vacuum and worker arm sleeves. With the enclosure in place, use the
HEPA vacuum to loosen and vacuum residue from the brake parts.
b) As an alternative procedure, use a catch basin with water and a biodegradable, non-phos-
phate, water-based detergent to wash the brake drum or rotor and other brake parts. The solu-
tion should be applied with low pressure to prevent dust from becoming airborne. Allow the
solution to flow between the brake drum and the brake support or the brake rotor and caliper.
The wheel hub and brake assembly components should be thoroughly wetted to suppress dust
before the brake shoes or brake pads are removed. Wipe the brake parts clean with a cloth.
Summary of Contents for LOW FLOOR
Page 18: ...Specifications 18...
Page 58: ...Preventive Maintenance 58...
Page 110: ...Engine 110...
Page 138: ...Transmission Driveline Rear Axle 138...
Page 182: ...Suspension 182...
Page 260: ...Air System 260...
Page 420: ...Electrical System 420 Deutsch DT Series Connectors...
Page 421: ...Electrical System 421...
Page 422: ...Electrical System 422 Deutsch HD 10 Series Connectors...
Page 423: ...Electrical System 423...
Page 424: ...Electrical System 424 Deutsch HD 30 Series Connectors...
Page 425: ...Electrical System 425...
Page 442: ...Heating Air Conditioning 442...
Page 492: ...Body and Interior 492 Figure 11 33 USSC Seat Assembly...
Page 493: ...Body and Interior 493 Figure 11 34 USSC Seat Suspension Assembly...
Page 495: ...Body and Interior 495 Figure 11 37 Seat Air Connections...