Truck
A vehicle’s braking system provides the stopping power necessary to maintain critical road safety; therefore, it must always be in good condition. As a result, the braking system requires regular maintenance, particularly when dealing with EBS (Electronic Braking Systems).
Read on to learn more about the critical components and the best braking systems maintenance practices to make certain they remain in top working order.
Brake shoes/Pads and Drums
Brake shoes and pads are the parts of the brake system that press against the brake drum to stop the vehicle. Unfortunately, these components wear down over time and must be replaced before they become too worn. When replacing your brake shoes or pads, ensure they are correctly aligned with their respective drums.
Similarly, inspecting the brake drums for cracks or damage and replacing them as soon as possible is essential. Finally, opt for high-quality aftermarket parts for trucks to ensure durability and optimum performance if necessary.
Callipers
A calliper is a piece of equipment that clamps down on the brake pads and presses them against the rotor to slow you down. Callipers can be either manual or hydraulic, depending on their operation. Manual callipers use cables to activate them; hydraulic ones use fluid pressure instead of mechanical force.
In order to ensure that your truck’s brakes are working correctly, you should check the callipers regularly for wear and leaks. You should also replace worn parts using quality aftermarket parts for trucks as soon as possible.
Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings should be checked regularly and replaced if they have excessive play or have been damaged.
Hoses and Linings
Hoses should be examined for cracks and leaks. If any is detected, they must be replaced immediately.
You should also check the state of the linings. These components should be free of grease and of the appropriate thickness. If the lining is too loose or too thin, you must replace it as soon as possible
Maintaining Electronic Braking Systems
An Electronic Braking System (EBS) is an advanced technology in vehicle braking systems that uses electronic controls to enhance the performance, efficiency, and safety of traditional hydraulic braking systems. EBS is commonly found in modern vehicles, particularly heavy-duty trucks and buses, to provide better control and quicker response times during braking.
To certify the optimal performance and longevity of an EBS:
- Perform regular inspection: Periodically inspect the brake components, such as pads, rotors, and callipers, for wear and damage. Replace any worn-through or damaged truck parts as needed.
- Brake fluid maintenance: Check the brake fluid level and quality regularly. Change the brake fluid according to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals or if it becomes contaminated.
- Sensor care: Inspect the wiring and connections for any signs of damage or corrosion and truck repair or replace them as needed.
- ECU updates: Ensure the ECU software is up-to-date with the latest version from the manufacturer.
- Professional servicing: Have your EBS serviced by a qualified technician familiar with the system and its components.
Conclusion
Your braking system is one of the most essential parts of your truck or trailer. Therefore, proper and regular maintenance is critical in ensuring it can stop the vehicle, no matter the load weight or operating conditions. It is also important to use only high-quality aftermarket parts for trucks when replacing worn or damaged components.
