What could cause instability and premature wear in air brake systems?

Premature wear and instability in air brake systems can occur due to various factors that affect the performance of the braking system. A 4 pounds per square inch difference between axles can result in uneven braking forces being applied. When there is a pressure discrepancy between the brake chambers on different axles, it can cause one set of brakes to actuate more forcefully than the other. This imbalance increases the risk of instability while braking, potentially leading to uneven wear of the brake components. Brakes that wear prematurely due to excessive pressure on one side compared to the other can also result in diminished braking efficiency, which compromises safety.

Factors such as air leaks or excessive vehicle speed also contribute to brake system performance, but they do not specifically illustrate how pressure differences between axles lead to instability. Similarly, while improper tire alignment can cause handling issues and potential premature tire wear, it does not directly address the braking force imbalance created by a pressure variance in the air brake system as effectively as the issue of axle pressure differences.