my truck has an air brake package installed. currently i pull a 20 foot open bed trailer with regular electronic brakes so i don't need the air brakes. I almost just removed it completely but i started wondering can i use the air brake system for other things? for instance, i participate in NASA time trials (cheaper form of auto racing). if i start my truck and find a hose to connect (which will be next question depending on answers) can i use the air pump to adjust tire pressures on my car?

Sure you can. Go to Auto supply and buy some shop fittings and a 3/8 hose and you are in business. Keep this in mind. An air tool uses air measured in CFM.Cubic feet per minute. An air compressor generates(produces) so much cfm depending on the size of the compressor. You may be able to use a small air tool off this line as well, check to see what the compressor puts out first.

Ooooooo something I know about. Work on that fun stuff daily on semi's and stuff.

Take pictures of the air brake system, tanks, etc, and i'll be able to point you exactly what you need and where to put it.

so far the only picture i have is the connection in the bed. i havn't seen any tanks yet but then again i havn't really looked. but i know the pump is right above the power steering pump and driven off the serpentine belt.

another question, there was a vacum gauge and a throttle type cable in the cabin that i ended up taking out. the vacum went to a big actuator looking thing in the engine and the throttle went to it as well, my guess is that the throttle was either a purge or a valve opener for more brakes? i figured since i'm not using them i didn't need them in there (i installed the electric brake controller there anyway)


http://www.stlsupra.com/gallery/albums/truck/123267175941_3300.sized.jpg

vacum gauge always seemed to stay as shown???

http://www.stlsupra.com/gallery/albums/truck/123255769733_3300.sized.jpg

http://www.stlsupra.com/gallery/albums/truck/truck2.jpg

I hate to break this to you, but that's a vacuum assist system, not an air brake system. Therefore the pump under the hood is the vacuum pump.









Gary

Grey Ghost is right, that is vacuum. The cable is simply the manual activation of the trailer brakes.

good to know, now i can just take the entire thing out.


thanks

good to know, now i can just take the entire thing out.


thanks


you stink! i need to get you OUT OF THE HOUSE.

I would leave the system in place. You have the most expensive part of a good trailer brake system already on your truck. Hydraulic brakes on a trailer are a lot better than electric.