At Rocky Mountain Spring & Suspension in Colorado Springs we provide brake service, repairs, maintenance, replacement, and even brake parts on semi-trucks, heavy duty trucks and trailers. We use Dayton brake parts and carry a full line of shoes, drums, rotors, slacks and more.
AIR BRAKE MAINTENANCE FOR SEMI-TRUCKS AND TRAILERS
Semi-trucks and trailers are fitted with air brakes, which are different than the braking systems you see on standard vehicles. These systems rely on air instead of hydraulic fluid for braking, meaning they can never run out of fluid or lose function due to leaks. This makes for a more reliable braking system that can easily be connected to one or more trailers.
Even with a reliable braking system, the weight and design of a semi-truck and trailer alone places a large amount of strain on brake components. A brake problem on any vehicle is dangerous, but when a truck or tractor trailer has an issue, the danger increases tenfold. Regular brake maintenance is critical for keeping your brakes in good operating condition and preventing issues that can place yourself and others in extreme danger on the road.
As a professional driver, you know when something’s not right with your truck brakes or trailer brakes but choosing the best mechanic for the job isn’t always easy. At Rocky Mountain Spring & Suspension, it’s always safety first, and our experienced mechanics are there to keep your brakes in tip-top shape.
SIGNS THAT YOUR TRUCK NEEDS BRAKE MAINTENANCE
Brake repair involves services including brake pad replacement, resurfacing rotors, and if damage is severe, full replacement of brake system components. In general, brake pads need replacing every 50,000 miles. The rate of wear can vary, however, based on several factors including how often you drive, the weight of your cargo, and road conditions. Exposure to dirt, grime, and road salt can also cause corrosion on rotors and other truck brake components.
Signs of brake pad and rotor wear can vary but typically include:
Things You Might Hear
- High pitched squealing: This noise is an indicator that your brake pads needs to be replaced.
- Grinding when braking: If you hear or feel a grinding sound while breaking, your brake pads are likely worn to the point where the metal calipers are grinding against your rotors. Not seeking service immediately will result in damage to your rotors and costlier repairs
Things You Might Feel
- Pulling: Feeling your truck pull to the left or right can indicate issues with the calipers, air brake hose, or other components. It can also indicate issues with your truck alignment or tires. Either way, you should have your truck serviced as soon as possible.
- Vibrations: If you experience vibrations when braking normally, it could be caused by warping or another issue with your rotors. Warping can occur over a period of time and as a result of heat and friction or from carrying heavy loads.
- Changes in brake pedal: If you have to press down harder than normal to engage the brakes or brake pedal feels loose, you could have a leak or other issue with the brake line.
DETERMINING WHETHER YOUR TRUCK NEEDS WHEEL BEARING REPLACEMENT
Wheel bearing replacement is another important part of truck repairs and maintenance. Seals on wheel bearings can break or become damaged and when they do, you will notice a rumbling, whirring or helicopter-like noise when your truck is in motion. This noise may be subtle at first but can worsen over time. It may also be more noticeable at higher speeds.
Other signs that you might need wheel bearing replacement for your truck can include:
- Shuddering or vibrations at constant speeds
- Evidence of uneven wear on rotors and brake pads
- Wobbling or vibrations coming from the wheels
- Clicking, clunking or knocking noises when making turns
- Vehicle pulling to the side when you brake (this can also be caused by worn rotors)
- Uneven wear on brake pads, brake rotors or tires
BRAKE MAINTENANCE AND WHEEL BEARING REPLACEMENT FOR HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS
Rocky Mountain Spring & Suspension is your source for brake maintenance and wheel bearing replacement for semis and other heavy-duty trucks, trailers, rv’s and more. Whether you need complete brake pad replacement, or any other truck repair service, we have the tools and expertise to get the job done right.
Our brake service is performed by mechanics who specialize in large vehicles and we only use high quality parts from the Dayton Parts. We provide the following brake services and maintenance at our truck repair shop here in Colorado Springs:
- Valves
- Re-surface rotors
- Brake shoe
- Brake hardware
- Air brake hose
- Air brake fittings
- Brake chambers
- Turning brake drums
- Wheel seals
- Wheel bearings
- Air tanks
- Brake installation
- System troubleshooting
- and more
Give us a call today for all your brake service, maintenance and repair needs!