Truck Brake Repair in Vinita, OK

When it comes to hauling nearly a hundred thousand pounds, the initial reaction of many would be to focus on the heavy-duty vehicle’s powertrain. Although that’s important, we here at GKT Truck repair are more concerned about bringing that weight to a stop. Without adequate brakes, the lives of you and your fellow motorists are put at serious risk. A runaway heavy-duty truck can cause catastrophic damage, hence the importance of fully operational brake systems. Unlike the vast majority of passenger vehicles, many heavy-duty vehicles do not use fluid-based brake systems as their primary braking system. Instead, large trucks tend to use compressed air to activate their heavy-duty brake calipers. Although these air-based systems are very effective, they must be maintained regularly to prevent unexpected failure.

Symptoms of Worn Heavy-duty Brakes

Metal-on-Metal Screeching

Is there a metal-on-metal screeching sound when you brake? If so, that usually means your heavy-duty brake pads need to be replaced. When your brake pads wear down, there’s nothing left between your brake caliper and your brake rotor, hence the metal-on-metal sound. We highly recommend not using your heavy-duty truck if you hear this sound. Generally, a brake job only entails your brake pads and rotors, but if your calipers dig into your rotor for too long, you may need to replace the calipers as well. This is a lot more expensive than just pads and rotors.

Poor Braking Performance

If your heavy-duty brakes are not performing as well as they used to, we highly recommend bringing your truck in for service. Weak braking capabilities can be caused by a wide range of factors. The most common is worn-down brake pads, but other causal factors like a seized caliper, leaking air valves, and damaged air compressors may also be at fault. Don’t let poor brakes put you and others in harm. Book an appointment today.