Are air compressor and compressed-air system compressor the same thing?

Yes. "Air Compressor" and "Compressed-air system compressor" refer to the same car part. Other common names include Compressed-air system compressor, Compressor, compressed-air system, Compressed Air Compressor. The part is the same regardless of which name is used.

What pressure should the air brake compressor maintain?

Most air brake systems operate between 6.5 and 9.5 bar. The governor cuts the compressor out when the upper limit is reached and restarts it when pressure falls to the lower limit. Deviations outside this band indicate governor or compressor problems.

Can I fit an air compressor myself on a commercial vehicle?

The mechanical fitting is within the scope of a competent mechanic. However, work on air brake systems must be validated by a qualified technician and the vehicle subjected to a full brake efficiency test before returning to service.

What causes the air compressor to overheat?

Blocked cooling fins, low engine coolant temperature (on water-cooled compressors), excessive back-pressure in the discharge line, and worn piston rings allowing combustion gases to enter the compression chamber are the most common causes.

How often should the compressed-air compressor be serviced?

Inspect at every major service (annually or per the vehicle manufacturer's interval). Full overhaul or replacement is typically triggered by measurements of oil carry-over exceeding OEM limits, usually tested at the air dryer output.

Buy Air Compressor Online — 0+ in stock | Best Price

Air Compressor buying guide — what to know before you buy

The compressed-air system compressor — also referred to as the air compressor or brake compressor — is a belt- or gear-driven piston pump found on heavy commercial vehicles, buses, and some large SUVs. It feeds pressurised air to the pneumatic brake system, air suspension, and ancillaries such as air horns. A faulty compressor leads to extended air-tank build times, insufficient brake reserve pressure, and air suspension faults. The compressor is a safety-critical component on vehicles that rely on air brakes — a failed unit will trigger the brake warning buzzer once tank pressure drops below the minimum threshold. CarParts247 stocks replacement compressed-air system compressors for common commercial platforms.

Signs of compressed-air compressor failure

Air brake systems include pressure governors and low-pressure warning devices that alert the driver before brake performance is compromised. Recognising early symptoms avoids roadside breakdowns and prohibitions.

Long air-tank build time from cold start — healthy compressors typically build from 0 to working pressure in under 3 minutes
Air leak noise from the compressor head gasket or cracked piston
Compressor oil carry-over — excessive oil in the air dryer or wet tank
Overheating — compressor excessively hot to touch after running
Air-brake warning light or buzzer activating at operating speed

Maintenance and replacement

The compressed-air compressor on commercial vehicles should be inspected at each major service for head gasket condition, inlet and outlet valve integrity, and oil carry-over levels measured at the air dryer. Replace the compressor as an assembly when internal wear is confirmed — reconditioning is rarely economical on high-pressure units.

Drain the wet tanks daily in winter to remove condensate before it freezes in brake valves
Replace the air dryer desiccant cartridge at the manufacturer's service interval
Check the compressor drive belt tension and condition at every service
Confirm the governor cut-in and cut-out pressures are within specification after fitting a replacement