Just like anything else in life, it takes time to get to know your truck’s braking system—what feels right and what doesn’t. But once you’ve been driving your truck for a while, you should have a good idea how your brakes work and should operate. So, what do you do when they’re suddenly not performing like you’re used to? How do you know when it’s time for a brake inspection, brake service, or brake repair? Here’s more on how to test the integrity of truck brakes to ensure you’re driving safely.
All About Truck Air Brakes & the Parts that May Need Brake Repair or Service
The components of truck air brakes are what make up your truck’s entire braking system, any one of which may need to be repaired or replaced if you’re experiencing braking performance problems. Basically, these components are:
- Linings
- Drums
- Shoes
The brake drum is what houses the braking mechanism, so when the truck air brakes are engaged the lining and the shoe get pushed against the inside wall of the drum. The resulting friction is what slows or stops your truck. The drum is designed to take a lot of heat, and that comes from engaging the truck air brakes. The exact amount of heat depends on the drum, but it also depends on how hard and long the brakes are applied. If too much heat builds up, your brakes would stop working entirely.</p>
Truck Brake Inspection Guidelines
Truck brakes are designed so that brake shoes or pads rub against the brake drum or discs to slow your truck. Braking creates heat, and brakes can withstand a lot of heat. However, brakes can fade or fail from excessive heat caused by using them too much or not sticking to a routine brake service schedule. Brake fade is also affected by adjustment. To safely control a truck, every brake must do its share of the work. Brakes out of adjustment will stop doing their share before those that are in adjustment, and continued overuse may increase brake fade until a truck cannot be slowed down or stopped at all. Therefore, regular brake inspection is necessary to check adjustment and identify the need for necessary brake service and/or brake repair.
Call us for Brake Inspection, Brake Service & Brake Repair
If you find that any of your braking system components is compromised in any way, our truck repair shop can take care of the brake repair or brake service you need to get back on the road in a safe and reliable rig. Call us today to schedule a brake inspection diagnostic, and we’ll get to the root of the problem that’s making you nervous about your brakes. If it’s simply been a while since you had your brakes serviced, we can also perform a brake maintenance check to put your mind at ease.