I go on the school bus every day, and when the bus driver stops the bus at any stop, he pulls a button, and it makes a sound like air is escaping at once. I wouldn't ask the bus driver what it does, because it really is kind of embarrassing..
Anyone know what that button does?
2007-10-24 09:49:37 · 15 answers · asked by Jeremy J. 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
The doors to the bus are hydraulically operated meaning that compressed air is used to open the doors.
2007-10-24 09:52:53 · answer #1 · answered by Einstein 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The sound you hear is the air being released from the solenoid valves that apply the brake shoes to the drum on the wheels.
The air pressure forces the spring open so the wheels on the bus can turn, but when you come to a stop either to load/unload or park you "set" the parking brake by pulling up on a switch it's also known as a plunger.
What that does is cause the air to escape from the solenoid causing a large spring to "recoil" or relax and that causes the brake shoes to clamp down on the rotors.
Don't be afraid to ask questions, the kids on my bus ask me questions all the time about it's operation and I'm always glad to explain how things work.
Hope this answers your question.
2007-10-24 17:20:00 · answer #2 · answered by kyle1fox 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Air brakes on large vehicles require air pressure to release the parking brakes. The parking brake is actuated by a large spring contained in a canister at each rear wheel. When the knob on the dash is pushed it, it charges that canisters with air and pushes a diaphragm against the spring to release the parking brake so the vehicle will move.
When you see the driver pull out on the knob, it is releasing that captured air in the canisters so the spring will apply the parking brakes. This so so the vehicle won't move while loading or unloading.
Hope this helps....
2007-10-24 13:23:32 · answer #3 · answered by Wired for Sound 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a collection cylinder under the driver's seat, and that sucks farts in so the bus doesn't smell. The sound is the release of the farts into the air.
LOLOL!!
Actually, the bus has air brakes, and the hiss is the pressure release, that's all.
2007-10-24 10:11:54 · answer #4 · answered by Fred C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That button is the parking brake and the sound is the air that applies the brakes so the bus won't move while the driver is away from his/her seat.
2007-10-24 09:55:27 · answer #5 · answered by tronary 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it is the hydrolics for the stop sign that pops out on the side of the bus letting other drivers know not to pass.
2007-10-24 09:53:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Large vehicles such as buses are equipped with Air Brakes. Then the driver pulls the knob, the driver is applying a parking brake.
2007-10-24 09:51:57 · answer #7 · answered by Mad Jack 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The twinkling thingy that said stop that which sticks out of the car so the other cars behind the school bus will stop. And next time, ask the school bus drive, he will be happy to tell you plus, i'm sure that many other people want to know the answer too so nobody will laugh at you.
2007-10-24 09:53:41 · answer #8 · answered by Master Chief 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think you mean the air brake, or either it's the sound made when he opens the door and the stop sign swings out to warn cars not to pass.
2007-10-24 09:53:21 · answer #9 · answered by arklatexrat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am guessing that it is the airbrake release button for the emergency brake. It is also possible that it is part of the emergency signal arm system that might be vacuum powered.
2007-10-24 09:52:38 · answer #10 · answered by united9198 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋