Truck brakes are critical components that ensure the safe operation of commercial vehicles on the road. Proper maintenance and inspection of these brakes are necessary to ensure they function correctly and safely. In this blog, we will discuss best practices for maintaining and inspecting truck brakes, common issues that arise with truck brakes and how to identify and fix them.
Importance of Regular Maintenance
The first step in maintaining truck brakes is to perform regular maintenance. Regular maintenance ensures that the brakes are in good working condition and reduces the likelihood of brake failure on the road. Some of the maintenance practices that are necessary include:
- Checking and maintaining truck brake fluid levels
- Inspecting brake pads, rotors, and callipers for wear and tear
- Checking brake lines and hoses for signs of leaks, cracks or damage
- Cleaning brake components to remove debris, dirt, and rust
- Adjusting brake shoes and drums to maintain proper clearance
- Lubricating brake components to prevent corrosion and reduce friction
Common Issues with Truck Brakes:
There are several common issues that can occur with truck brakes and it is important to be able to identify these issues to address them before they become major problems. Some of the common issues with truck brakes include:
- Brake fade: This occurs when the brakes lose their ability to stop the truck effectively due to excessive heat build-up. Brake fade can be caused by overuse or poor maintenance practices.
- Worn brake pads: Over time, brake pads can become worn down and lose their ability to grip the rotor, leading to reduced stopping power and longer stopping distances.
- Warped rotors: Warped rotors can cause vibration and pulsation when the brakes are applied and reduce the overall effectiveness of the braking system.
- Leaking brake lines: Leaking brake lines can cause a loss of brake fluid pressure, leading to reduced braking power and increased stopping distances.
Identifying and Fixing Brake Issues
Identifying brake issues early is key to fixing them before they become major problems. Regular inspection and maintenance can help to identify potential issues, such as worn brake pads or leaking brake lines, before they cause significant damage. If you do identify an issue, there are several steps you can take to fix it, including:
- Replacing worn brake pads or rotors
- Repairing or replacing damaged brake lines or hoses
- Adjusting brake shoes or drums to maintain proper clearance
- Flushing and replacing brake fluid to ensure proper brake function
Maintaining and inspecting truck brakes is essential to ensure the safe operation of commercial vehicles on the road. Regular maintenance practices and identifying common brake issues can help to prevent brake failure and reduce the risk of accidents. By following best practices for maintaining and inspecting truck brakes, you can keep your brakes in good working condition and ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.
Book a service with Trueline
Are your truck’s brakes not performing as well as they should? Call our friendly team at Trueline Truck Repair Centre & Wheel Aligners on (08) 8260 5881, and we’ll be happy to book an inspection and replace your brake pads if required. You can then drive away with confidence knowing your truck can stop quickly in any situation.