Common Signs of Brake Issues In Heavy-Duty Trucks

Brakes take the responsibility of helping drivers avoid accidents. Imagine a heavy-duty truck carrying groceries without brakes. They wouldn’t even get to the grocery store without crashing, and even then they’d ram right into the side of your Walmart. Brakes are important to halt the truck and give the driver control at high speeds. A maintained braking system leads to life-long truck safety. 

How Do Heavy-Duty Brakes Work?

Heavy-duty trucks use compressed air, unlike automotive cars that use pressurized hydraulic fluid. The air begins brake system motion. It activates service chambers, presses against a diaphragm, and jolts the push rod to set the brake system in motion. The air goes through multiple components to compress, dry, and filter before encountering other heavy-duty systems. If the air contains any moisture or contaminants, the longevity of your heavy-duty truck decreases. Degradation and freezing become possibilities for your brake system if the air in the brake system is contaminated. 

Common Symptoms of Heavy-Duty Brake Failure

Like every aspect of heavy-duty trucks, each system focuses and dutifully performs its job to ensure peak performance, safety, and longevity. Every component works together to ensure long years to come. The lubricant within brakes reduces friction and increases lifespan, the slack adjusters consider wear and adjust for looseness, and brake shoes provide friction for that stoppage. Every part plays a role to ensure your heavy-duty truck stops when it needs to. Here are some symptoms of heavy-duty brake failure. 

Slack Adjusters for Braking Precision

Slack adjusters get calibrated in anticipation of slack, adjusting for effective and efficient truck brakes. As the brake shoe lining gradually diminishes, these adjusters step in to maintain brake responsiveness. They automatically compensate for the wear, ensuring consistent brake performance. When braking, if you notice any wheel that does not lock easily during a hard brake, your slake adjusters need calibration or turning. 

Periodic inspections are necessary, particularly checking the angle between the pushrod and the adjuster during full brake application. If it's not 90 degrees, your brakes are overdue for an adjustment. Our expert mechanics at EIP Diesel Repair emphasize the importance of maintaining these adjusters for reliable brake performance. 

Service Chambers A Force Generator

Service chambers are the driving force of your brake system. They push on the slack adjusters, setting the S-cams in motion to activate the brake shoes. But, like all components, they're vulnerable to rust and contaminants. Damaged chambers can result in air leaks. We advocate for routine examinations and replacements for compromised chambers. Rely on us to ensure your service chambers are at their best.

Damaged Air Systems

A truck's braking relies heavily on its air system. Proper air pressure is indispensable for efficient brakes. We highly recommend regular inspections of the air compressor, air dryer, and compressed air tanks. Driving on wet days may accumulate water, and we offer to drain accumulated water and oil from the tanks. Water and oil built up over time mean potential contamination and old and worn oil. Drainage cleans and replaces oil to avert potential brake issues. At EIP Diesel Repair, our exhaustive air system checks promise optimal brake health.

Brake Shoes: The Contact Point of Control

When you press your brake pedal, the brake shoes engage with the brake drum, halting the truck. The harder you slam the brake, the more friction and wear brake drums encounter. These shoes should always be in top form to offer the grip necessary for safe stops. Driver habits and time differentiate brake drum lifespans but monitoring their thickness becomes crucial. When you hear squeaking or scraping your vehicle has excessive wear. Replacements are advised when they become thin.  Count on EIP Diesel Repair for thorough brake shoe assessments and replacements.

S-Cams: Ensuring Synchronized Braking

The S-cams rotation pushes the brake shoes apart, creating contact with the brake drum. Over time, wear and tear can impact their performance. Regular lubrication is a preventive measure, extending their lifespan and guaranteeing balanced braking. If you feel unsafe when braking or your heavy-duty vehicle does not come to a full stop when you push the brake pedal, see a mechanic. At EIP Diesel Repair, we understand the S-cams' significance and offer top-tier maintenance services.

What is the most common brake line failure?

Leaks cause the most brake line failure. Even though it is made of steel and can withstand pressure it is still a victim of leaks. Time damages the brake lines as your heavy-duty vehicle drives making it common to accumulate wear and leak. 

What to do if brakes fail while driving? 

What to do if your brakes go out? Don't panic. Try the brakes again. Carefully engage the emergency brake. Downshift into a lower gear. Safely get off the road. Turn the car off when you've stopped. Signal for help. Get your brakes inspected by a professional.

Our Promise to You 

We ensure your heavy-duty truck's safety with effective brake inspections and repairs at EIP Diesel Repair. Don't wait for signs of failure. We prioritize your vehicle's longevity and performance. Book your appointment today and drive with confidence, knowing your brakes are in expert hands. Your safety is our commitment.