Truck Brake Repair & Maintenance

BRAKE SYSTEMS MEANT TO LAST

Heavy Duty Vehicle Brake Systems

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 place 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 you 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 Betts, it’s always safety first, and our experienced mechanics are there to keep your brakes in tip-top shape.

Schedule your brake service at one of our eight full-service locations on the West Coast.

Also, be sure to contact us to learn more about ordering brake and wheel parts for truck repairs.

Signs That Your Truck Needs Brake Maintenance

Brake repair involves services including brake pad replacement, resurfacing rotors, and if the 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 need to be replaced.
Grinding when braking: If you hear or feel a grinding sound while braking, 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

Betts is your source for brake maintenance and wheel bearing replacement for semis and other heavy-duty trucks. 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 industry’s leading manufacturers. We provide the following brake services and maintenance at our seven West Coast truck repair shops:

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

We carry a complete line of Bendix products, as well as truck and trailer brake system components from other leading manufacturers.

3 REASONS TO CHOOSE BETTS FOR BRAKE SERVICES

Experience: We’ve been providing truck brake repair and trailer brake repair services for over 30 years, and we know our way around air brakes better than anyone.

Parts: A truck is only as strong as its weakest part. Betts supplies the best truck parts available.

Location: Regional and national fleets and O/Os depend on us for all types of brake services. We operate seven full-service truck repair centers throughout California, Oregon, and Arizona, as well as one part sales-only location. You can find our truck brake repair shops in the following locations:

Schedule Your Truck Brake Repair or Maintenance Today

You can count on Betts for high-quality parts and reliable rotor resurfacing and other brake maintenance. Schedule your brake service appointment today or contact us to learn about other parts and services for trucks, buses, and other heavy duty vehicles.