Brakes, Suspension & Steering
Commercial truck brakes are an essential component of any heavy-duty vehicle. They are designed to provide the necessary stopping power to bring a large truck to a halt quickly and safely. There are several different types of commercial truck brakes available on the market today, including air brakes, hydraulic brakes, and electric brakes.
Air brakes are the most common type of commercial truck brake system. They work by using compressed air to apply pressure to the brake pads when the driver presses down on the brake pedal. Hydraulic brakes work in a similar way but use hydraulic fluid instead of compressed air. Electric brakes are less common but are becoming more popular due to their ease of use and low maintenance requirements.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to commercial truck brakes is that they require regular maintenance and inspection. This is because they are subjected to a lot of wear and tear over time, which can cause them to become less effective at stopping the vehicle. Regular inspections can help identify any potential issues before they become serious problems.
Another important consideration when it comes to commercial truck brakes is their stopping distance. This is the distance that a truck needs to come to a complete stop after the driver applies the brakes. The stopping distance can vary depending on several factors, including the weight of the vehicle, the speed at which it is traveling, and the condition of the road.
In conclusion, commercial truck brakes are an essential component of any heavy-duty vehicle. They provide the necessary stopping power to bring a large truck to a halt quickly and safely. Regular maintenance and inspection are required to ensure that they remain effective at stopping the vehicle.
- Loss of Hydraulic Pressure: Brakes use hydraulic pressure to push the brake pads against the rotors, if there is a leak in the hydraulic system the brakes will not provide the proper stopping power.
- Worn Brake Pads: Brake pads wear out over time. They have a indicator that makes contact with the rotor and produces a squealing noise when they have become worn. Once the brakes start squealing it's time to replace your pads. Once the squealing turns into a grinding noise, the pads are completely worn out. If not replaced immediately they can damage the rotors and result in a much more expensive repair.
- Stuck Caliper: Calipers push the brake pads against the rotors. If a caliper gets stuck your auto transporter will pull to one side. A failing brake hose can be the cause this issue.
- Warped Rotors: If the rotors are exposed to stressful environments like towing or mountain driving - they can become warped. Warped rotors will cause your car hauler shake and vibrate during braking.
- Worn Brake Shoes: The drum brake version of worn brake pads for disc brakes. The shoes will make a squealing noise when they are worn and need to be replaced. A grinding noise indicates that the shoes are completely worn out.
- Worn Shocks / Struts: In most auto haulers the struts will inevitably wear out. Excessive bouncing on bumpy roads, or nosedives when braking are signs it may be time to replace your shocks or struts.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Failing suspension system can lead to uneven tire wear due to the wheels not being even or at the proper angle to the road. Bald spots on your tires is a definite sign of Suspension problems and should be inspected and repaired immediately.
- Bad Spring Coils: Most of the time, spring coils will last the life of the your car carrier but it is possible for them to break. If the vehicle is not driving smoothly or leaning more to one side, there could be an issue with your spring coils.
- Leaking Shocks: Shocks often have to be replaced. If there is an oil leak on the ground or a leak is visible from the shocks, it is time to replace your shocks.
- Bad Tie Rods: Tie rods connect the steering linkage to the wheels. Tire rods do wear out and will cause your car hauler to go out of alignment. This will make your tires wear faster. You may also hear a squeaky sound as well as the steering wheel can become hard to turn.
- Loose Lug Nuts: A loose lug nut can cause vibration in the steering wheel.
- Unbalanced Wheels: Can also cause the steering wheel to shake when at higher speeds which is dangerous. Have your tires balanced ASAP!
- Steering Gearbox Not Responding / Hard to Steer: If the steering wheel does not respond properly or if it's hard to steer there can be a problem with the steering gearbox. This can be dangerous and you should have your steering system inspected and repaired immediately.
- Power Steering Malfunction: There are a number of reasons you can have a power steering malfunction. Leaking fluid due to damaged seals on the power steering pump or a leak in one of the power steering hoses. A siren-like sound coming from the steering pump can also be a sign of a problem.
- Power Steering Pump: A failing power steering pump can make steering wheel hard with a groaning noise when the wheel is turned. A failing pump will in due course die and need to be replaced.
Let East Coast find you the parts you need to get your brakes, suspension and steering back in tip top condition! If you need help finding a part or require a custom order, please call our car carrier parts specialists line at 1.866.490.7278, send us a chat request below during business hours or shoot us an email via our contact page.
East Coast offers major and minor work to ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES. We are also an authorized warranty repair facility for Arvin Meritor and Cottrell Trailers. Our facility is equipped with 15 maintenance bays to accommodate our growing demand for service! Our bays are fitted with state of the art equipment and certified professionals. We have what it takes to get you back on the road! Call our service specialists for an appointment 1.800.849.2178.
