Tag: truck brakes

Expert Brake Maintenance Tips For Your Truck

Expert Brake Maintenance Tips For Your Truck

Brake maintenance in any vehicle is very important and should not be taken for granted. When driving or even parking your truck, you will need brakes. Brakes are lifesaving parts of your truck. They should therefore work effectively. Worn-out and faulty brakes are some of the common causes of road accidents. However, the role the brakes play exposes them to regular wear and tear. Regular maintenance of brakes enables them to work effectively. Here are some of the expert brake maintenance tips for your truck.

Check the Brake Rotors

When checking your brake pads, consider checking the brake rotors since the two are in regular contact whenever you press the brake pedal. Check the surface of your rotors. If you note grooves on them, it means that the brake pads are eroding the rotors. 

If the damage is mild, grinding the rotors will make them smooth. But if the damage is extensive, consider buying new rotors.

Inspect the Brake Pads

The brake pads take all the heat whenever you press the brake pedal. This should be the first thing in your brake maintenance. They, therefore, wear out at a very high rate. In some trucks, you can see the brake pads from the outside, but in some, the pads are hidden.

It is essential to check the condition of your brake pads every 6,000 miles. To check the brake pads, you have to remove the tires. The pads should have even surface wear and be 5 millimeters thick. If they are worn out, consider fixing new ones. 

Inspect the Brake Lines and Master Cylinder

The brake line and master cylinder are two essential parts of your truck braking system. Their primary role is to transfer the brake fluid from the reservoir to the brakes. When inspecting the lines, check for leaks that usually occur at the joints between the master cylinder and the lines. 

Check the Brake Fluid Levels

One of the fluids you should regularly check is the brake fluid. You must first know where your fluid reservoir is to check your brake fluid. The reservoir has marks that can help you to determine if you have the right quantity of brake fluid. 

Besides checking if you have the right brake fluid levels, knowing if you are using the right brake fluid is another crucial thing when doing brake maintenance. You can know this by checking the owner’s manual, which clearly states the right type of brake for your truck.

Replacing the Brake Fluid

Mostly, we do top up the brake fluid if their level drops. Doing this can infiltrate the brake fluid, damaging the master and the wheel cylinders.

It is thus necessary to replace your brake fluid after every two years or after covering 25,000 miles. Before changing the brake fluid, locate where the bleeder screw is, usually at the back of the brakes. 

Once you open the bleeder screw, the old fluid will drain out. Never open the bleeder screw if you do not have the right tools, as this can cause serious damage. 

Conclusion

Signs of faulty brakes, such as squealing sounds, soft brake pedals, and hard brake pedals, are clear signals that your brakes need maintenance. Truck brakes are complex, and you should consult a professional mechanic to fix them when faulty. When an expert is performing brake maintenance, be attentive to what various parts of the brake look like when worn out.

truck brakes slow down

Increasing the Life Of Your Truck Brakes

You will need your truck brakes to slow down or even stop when there is a need to while driving. In heavy traffic, brakes will assist you in controlling your truck. Therefore, brakes are essential when it comes to safety. The braking system has various parts that work hand in hand to give you full control of the speed of your truck. 

In the driver’s cabin, there is a brake pedal whose primary role is to initiate the braking mechanism when pressed. The brake booster controls the pressing mechanism, whose primary role is to regulate the pressure necessary for the driver to operate the brakes. 

There are various braking components on the wheels, such as the disks, drum, brake shoes, brake pads, and master cylinder. The main focus of this guide is to give you some essential tips for increasing the lifespan of your truck brakes.

Flush Your Brake Fluid When Necessary

The heat from braking usually wears the brake fluid, which releases moisture that can cause rust the braking system. With time, the brake fluids get contaminated with debris, rubber, and metallic contaminants. Therefore, it is essential to flush out your brake fluid. 

The process of flushing out brake fluid requires keenness for the truck brakes to function properly, but a professional mechanic will do it within seconds. Here is what happens during the brake fluid flushing.

  • The draining out of the old hydraulic fluid.
  • Cleaning the braking system to remove debris.
  • Inspection of the braking system for rust.
  • A new brake fluid is fed into the system.

Rust and corrosion damage the braking system, leading to expensive repairs. It is thus essential to flush your brake fluid after covering 30,000 miles or driving for two years, depending on how often you drive your truck. 

Ensure your Truck Brakes Disc, and Drum are Clean

Rust and corrosion cause your truck brakes, discs and rotors to wear out prematurely. Cleaning the discs and rotors can be done during routine service, and this procedure helps eliminate dust and other debris that can corrode your disc and rotors. You can clean your disc and rotors if you have basic brake maintenance skills and the necessary tools. 

Avoid Braking At High Speeds

When driving at high speed, never brake instantly. Trucks usually have brake drums and discs. Inside the drum, there are brake linings whose contact with the drums initiates friction to stop your truck. The discs also have pads that perform a similar role. 

The lining and the pads are made of materials that wear out. Instant braking causes tremendous wear out of such parts and can lead to brake failure. When such happens, you will note that your truck shakes when you brake at 60 mph. To avoid premature wear out of the brake lining and pads, it is essential that you gently apply pressure on your brakes to stop your truck gradually. 

Conclusion,

Taking care of and increasing the life span of your truck brakes is a simple task. How you drive your truck will mostly contribute to your brakes’ life span. Be gentle when braking at high speed, ensure you flush out your brake fluid, and regularly clean your brake discs and drums. Practicing what is covered in this guide will improve the lifespan of your brakes. 

important preventive brake maintenance

Importance of Preventive Brake Maintenance For Your Truck

What are some of the most important preventive brake maintenance for your truck? The braking system is a crucial feature of your truck regarding safety and control when on the road. Brake failure has led to various crashes worldwide. The brake system stops your truck while in motion, and also enables it to slow down.

When you are driving your truck, the brake system works hard to stop the truck quickly and efficiently. Whenever you apply brakes, the disc wears out. When the discs are completely worn out, your truck will not be able to generate adequate resistance necessary to slow it down, increasing the chances of you causing an accident. 

Preventive maintenance is essential for the better performance of your brakes. After reading this guide, you will understand why the brakes of your truck need preventive maintenance. 

Why It is Essential To Perform Preventive Brake Maintenance 

Performing preventive brake maintenance will enable you to determine the condition of the essential parts of your brake system. With this, you will be able to ensure that your system is in perfect condition. Here are some of the importance of preventive brake maintenance.

Offers a Safe & Comfortable Driving Experience

Brake preventive maintenance ensures your truck and the passengers in the cabin are safe. Your brakes will be in top working condition. Therefore, you will have full confidence when driving and applying the brakes in any condition.

Reduces the Chances of Costly Repairs

The Brake system has various parts like the disk, rotor, brake pad, brake pedal, and brake fluid. All these components work together to generate resistance that brings your truck to a halt. Your truck will offer a quiet and smooth ride when your system is well-maintained and in good working condition.

You must practice adequate preventive maintenance to catch up with developing braking issues in time. And this can lead to further damages that will be costly to fix. Whenever you hear strange sounds from your brakes, consider checking and fixing them as soon as possible. 

Strange sounds usually result from worn-out brake pads. Ignoring such a sound can damage the brake rotors, which are expensive to repair or replace.

Better Performance

During the preventive brake maintenance, your expert will extensively examine your truck and address various issues to prevent them from worsening. Due to the detection and prevention of various issues, you will be confident that your truck will perform fully to its potential. The better performance gives a thrilling drive and extends the lifespan of your truck. You will experience no annoying sounds and better resistance whenever you press the brake pedals.

Conclusion

Your truck’s brakes must be in a top performance to offer you a comfortable ride and safety on the road. The cheapest way of achieving this is by performing regular preventive maintenance on your braking system. 

Some braking system servicing such as changing the brake pads, are easy to fix. You can perform this role alone if you have the tools to remove the old and fix new brake pads. But ensure that your truck is thoroughly checked and a professional performs preventive maintenance. 

How does a handbrake Work

How does a handbrake Work in a Truck – Handbrake Easily Explained

How does a handbrake work? If you do not know about that, then this guide is for you. The braking system is an essential component of a truck that reduces speed, enabling you to stop. A typical truck has two braking segments – the front and the handbrake. Everyone knows the functions of the hydraulic front brake, but what of the handbrake?

What is a Truck Handbrake?

The handbrake can be called emergency or e-brake and is either mechanical or foot-operated. The handbrake connects to the rear wheels through a metallic cable. Many think that the hydraulic power system connects the handbrake to the power terrain. Such thought makes sense because the handbrake will take your truck to a standstill, even if the hydraulic brakes fail.

In most trucks, you will find the handbrake next to the driver’s seat in between the two front seats or at the left side of the brake and gas pedals. 

How does a handbrake Work

The handbrake in a truck is made to bypass the hydraulic braking system if they fail and you critically need to bring your truck to a halt. Applying the handbrake will enhance the pulling power through the metallic cable connecting the inner and outer components. It has an equalizer whose primary role is to split the power equally between the brakes.

In many trucks, you will realize that the disc or drum brakes connect to a mechanical lever. The caliper piston is connected to an extra lever and corkscrew if it is the disc brake. If you pull the brake, the lever will force the corkscrew against the piston. In case it is a drum brake, the metallic cable is directly attached to the lever at the brake shoes.

You have already known how a handbrake works. Never apply it when the foot brake is functional because it will interfere with the brake balance, making it hard to control your truck.

Functions of a Handbrake

How does a handbrake work? Knowing how a handbrake works compels us to know its functions and whether you can use it as an alternative to the hydraulic brake. The primary role of a handbrake is to remain engaged in parking mode until you push the release button, and this will prevent your truck from rolling when parked on sloping ground.

It also comes in handy to stop your truck if the hydraulic brake system fails. When driving and you realize that your brakes have become unresponsive, consider using the handbrake.

If you have a modern truck, you will have only to use the handbrake when parking since the systems in these trucks are very efficient and reliable. Modern trucks have sophisticated mechanisms like dual-circuit hydraulics and the low-brake fluid sensor, ensuring that your braking system is operational.

Conclusion

The handbrake in a truck comes in handy occasionally, and many usually use it when parking. After taking time to read this guide, you now understand how necessary the handbrake is, especially when the hydraulic brake fails and you are in dire need of stopping your truck. Inappropriate usage of the handbrake can also be dangerous to you and other road users.

Why Do Truck Brakes Lock When Driving?

Why Do Truck Brakes Lock When Driving?

Brakes are some of the most crucial safety features for your truck. You need to do regular brake system maintenance. If they decide to lock up when you need them most, it can be very dangerous. Such a scenario can make some drivers to panic. Let us look at why truck brakes lock when driving and give you details of what you need to do when it happens.

Why Do Truck Brakes Lock When Driving?

Brake locking on your truck can be a result of several causes. The problem of brake lock boils down to two scenarios. First, it happens at that moment you least expected, and second, if you press hard the brakes at once. Below are some of the possible common causes of brake locks when driving. 

The ABS

The Anti-Lock Braking System sometimes develops complications. If it happens, your brakes will lock up. Some trucks will show the ABS check light on the dashboard to signal the potential issue with the ABS. Never ignore this light whenever it appears. Instead, take your truck for a diagnostic to establish and fix the problem. 

When performing the diagnostic, some codes will be generated, which the technician will study to determine the actual problem with your ABS. 

The Brake Calipers

Sometimes, brake locks might not result from the ABS issues. Consider the brake calipers as another potential cause in such a scenario. For your brakes to function correctly, various components work together. The brake calipers squeeze the brake pads, making them cling to the brake rotors. Such action stops your truck. 

Three parts facilitate the movement of the brake calipers. The first part is the slide pins, which they move on. The hydraulic fluid is the second part, which generates pressure that pushes them, and finally, the caliper pistons.

Sometimes, the pins or the pistons can become warped or affected by the surrounding conditions. In such a scenario, your brakes will lock. In such situations, your mechanic will inspect and check the brake calipers’ state and their components. If they are faulty, your mechanic will consider replacing them. 

The Hydraulic System

The hydraulic brake system also causes the brakes to lock up. The hydraulic system is a significant component of the braking system. Whenever you press the brake pedals, the hydraulic fluid will be released and generate pressure, making the brake calipers clump the brake pads. When the brake pads are clamped, they will cause friction on the brake rotors, slowing or stopping your truck. 

The hydraulic fluids operate in tubes. If there is a breakage in the lines, it will not be able to generate adequate pressure and leak. Such instances will lead to brake lock up. If your technician realizes the hydraulic system has a problem, they will check the brake fluid first. If they find it low, they will check if the valves and the seals on the master cylinder are okay. They will also check for leaks in the lines. 

Conclusion

Most fatal accidents result from the problems of brakes locking up at the moment when the driver needs them most. If you find yourself in such an ugly situation, stay calm and consider the above reasons as the potential causes. 

Truck Braking Problems in Winter

Common Truck Braking Problems in Winter

Sometimes the cold temperatures are not friendly to your truck. If you live in areas that experience the winter season, you should be on a high alert and respond in time if you note anything weird is happening to your truck. Winter weather can damage the body, the engine, the exhaust system, and other vital parts of your truck. In this guide, we will be looking at some of the common truck braking problems in winter.

Truck Braking Problems in Winter

During winter, the truck braking system might experience various issues, but some are very common, and you should know such issues as long as you own a truck. 

Rust

Snow touches every part of your truck. When the truck is in motion, it will generate heat which changes the state of snow to liquid. In some states, the roads are cleared from snow and ice using salt. The salt comes into contact with the brakes as you drive. 

When you park your truck long, the water and the salt particles start to react with the metallic parts of the brake to form rust. 

How To Know Rusty brake

When your brakes are rusty, you will hear a squeaking sound when you press the brake pedal. You will also feel a reduction in your braking power. It is necessary to inspect your brakes when you experience any of the above signs when driving. 

Brake Line Problems

Winter increases compounds such as salts on road surfaces. Such components are likely to corrode and damage the brake lines. If the brake lines have cracks, there is a high probability of water droplets contacting the brake fluid, which might interfere with its freezing point. 

How to Know Your Brake Lines Have Problems

When your brake lines are damaged, and the brake fluid will have water droplets, you will find it hard to stop your truck. Your brakes will likely drag after removing your foot from the brake pedal.

Overheating Brakes

During winter, your brakes are likely not to function normally. You will have to exert more pressure on the brakes for your truck to stop. The more pressure on the braking system makes them overheat. The brakes generate heat when you press the brake pedals and hold them for a while. Overheating interferes with the performance of the brakes.

How to Know Your Brakes are Overheating

Your brakes are likely to produce a squeaky sound and take time to respond when you apply them. The squeaky sound and unresponsiveness result from the wearing out of the brakes due to too much heat. Generally, when the brakes are hot, they temporarily become unable to stop your truck.

To prevent overheating, stop pressing the brake pedal for a longer duration. Try braking smoothly as you keep a safer distance between you and other vehicles. 

Conclusion

These common winter braking problems must not have to happen to your truck. Consider inspecting your brakes before, during, and after winter for safety. Keeping your brakes in good condition helps you avoid braking issues and promotes safer driving.

Truck Pulls Sideways When Braking

Why My Truck Pulls Sideways When Braking

We apply brakes in many instances, like when we want to stop our trucks or even during an emergency. Brakes can save us from a truck crash. Therefore, the brake is an integral part of your truck. Whenever you apply it, some hopes of controlling your truck come. But in some circumstances, using brakes can be hell and traumatizing, especially when you feel your truck is moving either left or right. The sideways movement at high speed can be dangerous as the truck can easily veer off the road. Let us look at some of the reasons why your truck pulls sideways when braking. 

Tires Problems

When you step on the brakes, then realize that your truck is making either a left or right pull. The first culprit you should check is the tires. If your tire treads wear out uniformly, are not correctly fitted, or are even under-inflated, they can cause sideways pull.

Fitting a new tire can cause this problem if you only fit a new single tire and the rest are old. Buying new sets of tires for an axle is necessary to avoid pulling while braking. It is safer to install new tires at the rear axle and slightly older ones at the front axle because, during braking, the rear wheels feel more load and lose grip faster than the front tires. 

Braking System Problem

When your braking system is faulty, there is a higher chance of your truck pulling sideways when braking. Sticky brake calipers and faulty wheel cylinder causes uneven grab on the wheels. Some wheels may be grabbed more than others, leading to your truck pulling sideways when braking. 

When driving, your truck can usually pull sideways when the brake is dragging. Under such circumstances, your brake will heat up, and you will feel a burning smell in your truck. You must check the braking system and make the necessary repairs to fix this. 

Poor Wheel Alignment

Poor wheel alignment is another cause of your truck dragging sideways as you brake. Many truck owners usually forget about wheel alignment as they service their trucks. What is wheel alignment? We can define it as the angle of the wheels against one another and the entire body of your truck. 

Three main adjustments take place when performing a wheel alignment. First, the toe angle shows the side the wheels point at, either in or out. Second, the chamber angle is how your will is tilted against the body of your truck. Third, the castor angle determines how verticle the wheel is against the suspension. 

When your wheels are not aligned properly, you will feel the sideways pullings when braking, uneven tire wear, and handling problems. You must perform wheel alignment whenever you fix new tires or service your drum or disc brakes. 

Conclusion

The problem with the truck pulling sideways when driving is a sign of a problem that needs attention on your truck. If you note it, consider checking your wheel alignment, the condition of your tires, and the brakes. 

spongy brakes

Why My Truck Pedal Is So Soft – Causes of Spongy Brakes

As you use your truck, the way every part operates sinks into you. That part which you regularly use is the brake pedal. It might be frustrating to step on the brake pedals and feel it goes to the floor with a lot of ease. Whenever this happens, you will either realize that the wheels might not respond to the brakes or the time interval between the brake pedal and wheel response is wide. You can fix this problem, but only if you know the causes. Here are some of the causes of spongy brakes that you could experience.

Causes of Spongy Brakes

Spongy brakes are dangerous and might result in an accident. When you step on your brake pedal and feel it is too soft, it might be due to the following. 

Air In the Brake System

The brakes become spongy when the system is filled with air. The braking system relies on pressure to function. When air is in the braking system, building adequate pressure to stop your truck will not be easy. First, figure out how the air got into the braking system. Maybe you did some repairs recently. If so, this might be the cause, or there is a leakage in your system. You solve this, try to bleed your brakes. 

Damaged Brake Line

Brake lines get damaged very easily. Brake lines react to salty conditions and are experienced in trucks driven along the coastal regions and during winter. As you drive along the coastal areas on rock salt and salty roads during winter, the salt will come into contact with the brake lines rusting them with time. As the line receives corrosion, they form holes that allow the air to get into the braking system, and the brake fluids can also leak from these holes. 

Old Brake Fluid

Knowing the truth behind how long a brake can last is not easy. Some manufacturers will tell you that the brake fluid can last for a lifetime, and others will advise you to change your brake fluid after hitting 30,000 miles. 

If your brake system does not leak, the brake fluid can serve you for more than 100,000 miles. The more it works, it becomes oxidized or might also come into contact with moisture and other contaminant fluids. When the brake fluid comes into contact with moisture, the brake pedal will be spongy when you step on it. 

Damaged Brake Calipers

Brake calipers are prone to leakages. The piston has seals. The role of the seals is to ensure that the brake fluid is at its required position. Whenever there is leakage, these seals break down. Damages on the brake calipers are not common, but if it occurs, your brake pedals will be spongy. 

Conclusion

A spongy brake pedal is the worst experience one can ever get while on the road. The problem can either delay your braking or make it hard for you to brake. The above are some of the causes of a spongy brake. If you feel it on your truck, consider checking the above braking system parts.

Brake Pads Wearing Out Unevenly

Causes of Brake Pads Wearing Out Unevenly

Break pads does the role of converting the kinetic energy of a vehicle into thermal energy. It achieves this through friction. The friction surfaces of the brake pads face the brake rotor. When the brakes are applied, the caliper squeezes the two brake pads against the rotor, which rotates as the wheel rotates. The squeezing is what brings to a halt your truck. Usually, trucks have both the front and the rear brake pads. These sets of brake pads in trucks wear out unevenly. In most cases, the front brake pads wear out first, then the rear pads. Most trucks have engines in the front. Therefore, the front part is heavy and needs more friction to stop the vehicle. However, the brake pads wearing out unevenly can result from several other causes. Let us look at them one by one. 

Using Different Brands of Brake Pads

Another cause of break pads wearing out unevenly is using different brake pads on every wheel. Different companies use different materials to produce their brake pads. Whenever you use different brands of brake pads, you will realize that they vary in quality, and some will wear out faster than others. 

When replacing your brake pads, consider using the same brand with the same thickness and manufacturing material. 

Variation in the Thickness of the Disc

Mechanically it is referred to as Disc Thickness Variation (DTV). It is a condition in which all the brake rotors in your truck have different thickness levels. The difference in the thickness of the rotor can result from rust, corrosion, sticking brake caliper, and slamming of the brake frequently. Accumulating dirt and debris between the brake pads and the rotor can also lead to variation in the rotor thickness. 

If you experience this, let your mechanic iron out the flat spots, and let them clean the rotors. 

Failure of the Brake Caliper

If your caliper and the pistons fail, your brake pads will likely wear out unevenly. The pitons’ role in the caliper is to build up pressure that stops the vehicle. If the rubber which pulls the piston’s caliper fails to pull back, the pads and the rotor will be in constant contact leading to uneven wearing of the brake pads. 

If you experience this, consider visiting your mechanic to check the brake caliper and the guide pins. 

Corrosion On the Slide Pin

The role of the slide pin is to let the caliper slides back and forth to allow the brake pads to be in contact with the rotor. The caliper will not slide smoothly when the slide pin is corroded. The brake calipers will not be able to move. The stuck calipers cause uneven wear to the brake pads.

Apply some grease using a wire to remove the corrosion. 

Conclusion

The above are some of the causes of uneven brake pad wear, which you should know. Whenever your brake pads wear out in an irregular manner, consider knowing why and fix it as soon as possible. If ignored can lead to brake failure.

best brake pads for trucks

Best Brake Pads For Trucks

Brake pads are the parts of the braking system where all the braking processes end. What does this mean? When you step on the brake pedals. The brake fluids generate pressure, making the brake pads press against the brake disc rotor. The pressure generated depends on how you step on the brake pedal. It is this pressure that stops your truck. You need to have the best brake pads for your truck to get good performance.

The more you step on the brake pedal, the more the brake pads become stressed and eventually wear out. There are many brake pads at the market if you need to replace yours. The variations in these brake pads depend on the market prices, quality, and performance. The brake pads also vary depending on the specifications of your truck, and thus they are not universal. From such variations, let us focus on the best five brake pads to buy for your truck. 

The Best Brake Pads for Trucks

Akebono Brake Pads

These Japanese brake pads are suitable for trucks, cars, and two-wheel automobiles. Such pads are also ideal for high-performance vehicles like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes. Akebono offers the best braking power and low dust emission, and their affordable price market. For example, the Akebono ProAct Front Lincoln and Ford Ceramic Brake Pads, Ultra-Premium is available at affordable prices. 

Stop-Tech

The stop-Tech is a popular brake pad in the market and offers the best performance, and it will never disappoint whenever you want to slow down instantly. These brake pads will give you the best performance when driving through wind, up-country and poor roads. Due to their nature, you will find stop-tech brake pads in most police cars. 

Heavy trucks and SUVs also find these brake pads effective for stopping. Such vehicles are heavy, and thus they need brake pads that can accommodate and instantly stop the weight of a truck. For example, the StopTech 309.10780 Metallic Brake Pads are popular in the market.

Bosch

Bosch is a German brand of brake pads. Germany is renowned for making high-end engines. Bosch is famous for cars like the Audi, Nissan, Toyota, and Lexus cars. These are not the only car brands that bosch operates; they can fit in most trucks and SUVs. Bosch offers instant stopping and operates quietly, giving you a quiet ride. Bosche is a high-quality brake pad that produces minimal brake dust as it functions. 

Bosch brake pads are strong and durable, and they are thus able to stop heavy trucks at any speed. The bosch BC905 QuiteCast Ceramic Brake Pads is an example of a bosche brake pad available in the market. 

AC Delco

AC Delco is a high-quality brake pad that is affordable to every truck owner. Such brake pads are famous for their low dust emission, zero noise production, and best performance. If you buy it, you will get good value for your money. Those who own GM trucks and SUVs prefer using the AC Delco, but they are suitable for other vehicles too. At the market, consider AC Delco 14D785CH Advantage Ceramic Brake Pads. 

Conclusion

When shopping for brake pads, consider any of the above options for quality, performance, and affordability. 

When Should You Change Brake Pads of Kei Truck?

When Should You Change Brake Pads of Kei Truck?

The braking system is one of the safety features of your Kei truck. It is the part of your Kei truck that gives you complete control of it. However, the braking system is exposed to much stress, which wears it out with time. When your brakes are irresponsive, they fade quickly, or when you feel the brake pedals are softer than usual, it is high time you should buy new brake pads. Sometimes your Kei truck might drive until something else communicates that you should replace your brake pads. When should you change brake pads of kei truck? Here we will go through some of the reasons and signs that you need to do so.

When Should You Change Brake Pads of Kei Truck?

Your Kei truck will produce the following signs when the brake pads are worn out.

Screeching Sounds

When your brake pads are worn out, your Kei truck will produce a sharp sound when you press the brake pedal. The brake pads have metallic parts which are coated with organic components. When the coating wears out, the metallic part of the brake pad comes into contact with the rotor. The metal-to-metal contact is what produces the screeching noise.

Brake Check Light 

When your brake pads are worn out, your Kei truck will produce the brake check light on the dashboard. The appearance of this light might not only show that your brake pads are worn out but may also indicate other issues with your braking system. It would help if you take your Kei truck for a computer check-up whenever this light appears, doing this will help you to determine the cause of the brake light check. 

When the brake Pads are Less than Quarter Inch

The friction between the brake pads and the brake disc reduces its size with time. To know if you need to replace your brake pads, you can always do a physical inspection. To inspect your brake pads, you must remove the wheel first. Check the caliper which holds the brake pads in the brake assembly. You will see that the pads are pressed against the rotor. If you realize that the friction material is less than ¼ thick, consider replacing it. 

How Long Should Brake Pads Last?

The lifespan of brake pads varies depending on how you drive and what you use your Kei truck for. For example, when you drive primarily in urban areas or in heavy traffic, your foot will always be on the brake pedal and apply the brakes more often. 

Some drivers will press their brakes more often. This habit makes the brake pads wear out faster. When driving in an urban setup, where you press the brake pads more often, expect the brake pads to last for not more than 35,000 miles. But when driving in less demanding areas like up-country, where there is light traffic, your brake pads will serve you for 80,000 miles and more. 

Conclusion

You will only know when to replace your brake pads only when you know signs of faulty brake pads. The wearing out of your brake pads depends on the nature of traffic where you regularly drive. Apart from knowing where you drive, you should be able to know some signs associated with bad brake pads.

How To Bleed Air From Truck Braking System

How To Bleed Air From Truck Braking System

The braking system has various components which work jointly to stop your truck when needed. Have you ever known how the wheels halt when you press the brake pedals? The braking system has a hydraulic fluid whose primary role is to transfer the pressure generated when you press the brake pedal to the other parts of the brakes on your wheels. The operation of the brake fluid is airtight, but faulty hoses sometimes give air space to get into the hydraulic system. In this guide, we will focus on how to bleed air from truck braking system.

How To Bleed Air From Truck Braking System

The presence of air in the hydraulic brake system can lead to the malfunction of the brakes. To solve this, you have to bleed your brake. How do you do it? This guide will teach you the simplest way on how to bleed air from your truck brakes. 

Bleeding Air brake on a Truck

The primary purpose of bleeding your brakes is to remove air particles that may exist in your braking system and replace it with fresh brake fluid. Performing brake bleeding will help in maintaining the proper functioning of brakes. When bleeding your brakes, ensure your truck has cooled down because when driving, the braking system is some of the components which generate heat. 

Consider topping up the fluids in the master cylinder when bleeding your brakes. Performing this procedure can reduce the levels of liquids in the master cylinder. Topping it up will help to maintain the levels of fluids in the master cylinder. 

If you realize that the level of the brake fluid in your truck is low or when the brake check light appears on your dashboard, never try to do brake bleeding. Both indicate that your braking system has a problem you should consider fixing before bleeding the brakes. 

Before you bleed your brakes, check on the condition of your parking cables. After this, put a pin in your truck’s power control module (PCM) and put the brake fluid into the master cylinder reservoir. 

Steps to Bleed Air Brake

  1. Open the cap of the master cylinder and top up the brake fluid. Doing this helps maintain the minimum brake fluid level in the cylinder master reservoir.
  2. Raise your truck using a lift and remove the wheels.
  3. Locate brake bleeder fitting, which is usually located behind the brake disk.
  4. After identifying the brake bleeder, take a wrench that fits its fitting.
  5. Connect a rubber hose on the brake bleeder fitting.
  6. Connect the rubber hose to a bottle  ¾ full of brake fluid. 
  7. Have somebody help you perform this procedure by pressing the brakes to ease the bleeder fitting.
  8. Perform this procedure severally until you see no more air bubbles coming into the bottle.
  9. When all the air bubbles have left your braking system, tighten the bleeder fitting, fix your tires and lower your truck.

Conclusion

There is a procedure to follow to bleed air brakes. Besides following the above process, a hand pump can also bleed air brakes. If you are unsure of what you are doing, consider doing it under the instructions of a professional.

How Do Brake Drum and Shoes Work

How Do Brake Drum and Shoes Work In a Truck?

A standard truck uses the drum braking system, especially on the rear wheels. The drum braking system has various components which work hand in hand to bring your truck to a halt whenever you press the brake pedal. The brake drum and the brake shoes are some of the components of the drum braking system. How do brake drum and brake shoes work in a truck?

How Do Brake Drum and Shoes Work

Brake Drum

As the name suggests, the brake drum looks like a typical drum or a trough though small in size. It is a metallic substance made of iron that significantly stops your truck when you press the brake pedal. The brake drum is fitted on the wheel hub and rotates as the wheel rotates. In the brake drum, brake shoes press against the walls of the brake drum to stop your truck. 

Brake Shoes 

The pressure from the wheel cylinder forces the brake shoes to slide and press against the brake drum. The brake shoes are made of organic or sometimes metallic compounds which wear out as they create friction to stop your truck. It is the brake shoes where the entire activities of the braking system end. How brake drum and brake shoes work. Brake shoes are usually two, located inside the brake drum. They are in the opposite direction, facing the front and the other the rear part of the drum. 

How the Brake Drum and Brake Shoes Work

The working principle of the drum braking system begins right inside the truck as soon as you press the brake pedal, which will compress the fluid in the master cylinder. The pressure from the brake fluid will expand the wheel cylinder pistons. 

The wheel cylinders are directly connected to the brake shoes. Any activity on the brake cylinder must occur on the brake shoes. As the wheel cylinder receives pressure from the brake fluid, it expands outwards. The outward expansion exerts pressure on the brake shoes, which also expand outward. Remember, the brake shoes are right inside the brake drum. When they expand outward, they will press against the walls of the brake drum. 

As the lining of the brake shoes comes into contact with the brake drum, a lot of friction is generated between the drum and the shoe. Friction is responsible for two things. First, the wheels of your truck have to reduce the velocity of rotation and stop. Second, the lining of the brake shoes will tear and wear with time. 

The brake shoes have retracting rings. These rings move the brake shoes in the inward direction when you leave pressing the brake pedal. The inward motion of the brake shoes ends the friction on the brake drum and enables the brake pedal to move to its original position as you prepare to press it again. 

Conclusion

The braking process starts right when you place your foot on the brake pedals. Some activities take place, sending the pressure to the brake shoe and the brake drum. The brake drum and the brake shoes are the component of the drum braking system where the entire activities of the braking system end. It is an important safety component that can save your life if working perfectly. 

symptoms of bad brake master cylinder

Symptoms of bad Brake Master Cylinder

The master brake cylinder is that part of the braking system whose primary responsibility is to convert the pressure from the brake pedal to hydraulic pressure. It does this by releasing the brake fluid into the brake circuit in a controlled manner according to the force the driver applies on the brake pedal. Both the disc and the drum brakes have the master cylinder. In this guide, we will go through some of the symptoms of a bad brake master cylinder.

Symptoms of bad Brake Master Cylinder

The master cylinder is a mechanical part of the braking system and might experience some technical hitches which might make it malfunction. In such a case, your truck will show weird symptoms. You must know such symptoms as they will enable you to tell whether your master cylinders need a mechanical check-up. 

Check Lights on the Dashboard

The brake warning lights on your dashboard are the easiest way to realize a problem with your master cylinder, but when the light shows up, it does not necessarily mean that it is the master cylinder having trouble. The brake check light will show when other parts of the braking system are faulty.

If the brake sensors detect a drop in the pressure of the brake fluid, it will show a brake check light. In this case, consider checking the condition of the master cylinder. A bad cylinder interferes with the level of the brake fluid. 

If the master cylinder leaks fluids, the ABS check light will show up. 

Leaking Brake Fluid

There is a minimum level of brake fluid that your master cylinder will need for it to create hydraulic pressure. It is the hydraulic pressure that performs the role of slowing down your truck. If your master cylinder leaks the brake fluid, the fluid’s level will have to go down, and stopping your truck becomes difficult. In such a condition, consider replacing your master cylinder. 

A Soft or Spongy Brake Pedals

You will realize that your master cylinder is having problems when you feel your brake pads are soft when you apply maximum pressure on them. The master cylinder has rubber seals. The primary role of rubber seals is to prevent brake fluid leakages. If the rubber seals are faulty, the brake fluid will leak, leading to a spongy brake pedal.

Contaminated Brake Fluid

Another sign that your master cylinder is faulty is when you note that your brake fluid has dirt particles. The dirt gets into the brake fluid when the rubber seals are faulty. The role of the rubber seals is to keep the brake fluid in its place and prevent any contaminant from coming into contact with it.

The presence of impurities in the brake fluid interferes with the generation of adequate pressure to stop your truck. You will realize that you are pressing the pedals very hard, but you still find your truck braking as usual.

Conclusion,

The master cylinder generates the hydraulic pressure necessary to stop your truck. However, when the master cylinder is faulty, your vehicle is likely not to eliminate correctly. The brakes might fail to function or respond slowly. This guide has shown some signs that your master cylinder is faulty.

Ceramic vs Organic Brakes

Choosing Between Ceramic vs Organic Brakes for Trucks

The disc braking system has pads. These brake pads receive pressure when you press the brake pedal. Upon receiving the pressure, brake pads press against the rotors causing friction. It is the friction that will halt your truck. Ceramic and organic pads are some of the most common brake pads in the market. Most truck owners find themselves at crossroads when choosing the best brake pads during shopping. In this guide will look at these two types of brake pads to help you decide before buying any. This is the ceramic vs organic brakes.

Choosing Between Ceramic vs Organic Brakes for Trucks

Ceramic Brake Pads

Ceramic brake pads are relatively durable in comparison to their counterparts, the organic pads. Their durability is accredited to the fact that they rub less against the brake rotors when you press the pedals. When in use, they produce minimal dust and stick less on the parts of your wheel.

The ceramic brake pads are resilient to any weather. Extreme conditions such as very high or low temperatures do not affect their performance. The ceramic pads have proven reliable and affordable to middle-class truck owners.

In terms of market price, ceramic brake pads are relatively expensive compared to organic brake pads. Ceramic brake pads are stronger than organic brake pads, but semi-metallic brake pads are stronger than them.

If you only have two options, the ceramic and the organic brake pads, consider installing the ceramic pads for your truck.

Organic Brake Pads

The organic brake maker used natural materials like rubber or various organic materials to produce the organic brake pads. 

What makes organic brake pads popular is the fact that they are soft as compared to ceramic brake pads. They always give soft and quiet braking whenever you press the brake pedal.

Currently, the sky-rocketing inflation is forcing every truck owner to think of an alternative way of cutting the cost of almost all parts of their truck. Regarding market prices, organic brake pads are relatively cheaper than ceramic brake pads. They are affordable to all truck owners. 

Organic brake pads are the best for you if you only use your truck locally and do not drive long distances. Why are they preferred for short-distance drives? They wear out quickly and produce a lot of brake dust when regularly applied. 

Organic brakes heat up very fast, which can cause brake failure when driving. If your truck has organic brake pads, never over-press them, as this will make them overheat.

If you own a lightweight truck, consider installing organic brake pads, as they are suitable for small, lightweight cars. But for heavy-weight trucks, ceramic brake pads are the ideal brake pads.

Conclusion

The organic and ceramic brake pads are not ideal for heavy-duty trucks and high-performing cars. In such a scenario, consider installing metallic brake pads. It depends on the individual’s taste and preferences. You can as well pick any of the above options.

If your driving is more urban-based and you have more coins to spend on brake pads. Consider installing ceramic brake pads, which produce less noise and brake dust. Organic brake pads are cheaper than ceramic brake pads. They are meant to give you safer braking and safeguard your bank.

Brakes Shoes VS Brake Pads

Brake Shoes VS Brake Pads – Which Is Right For My Truck?

All trucks have a braking system that aids the drivers in controlling and stopping them when necessary. The braking system differs depending on the truck’s size and the wheels’ position. The most common types of brakes are the drum and disc brakes. The drum brakes rely on brake shoes to stop your truck, while the disc brake uses brake pads. From this guide, you will get to understand the difference between the two by looking at head-on comparison of brake shoes vs brake pads.

Brake Shoes vs Brake Pads – Differences

The disc braking system has brake rotors that rotate as the wheel spins. It is the role of brake pads to apply pressure on the rotors to stop your truck. On the other hand, the drum braking system has a drum brake that rotates as the wheels spin. In the drum, there are brake shoes whose roles are to apply pressure on the walls of the brake drum to stop your truck. 

The drum brakes have been the traditional braking system of vehicles since their invention, but the disc brakes are the latest technology in the braking system. The old trucks use drum brakes, but the newer ones use disc brakes. Some trucks use drum and disc brakes—the difference between the two.

Placement

You will realize that your truck has these two braking systems. At the front axle, you will find the disc brakes and the brake shoes at the rear axle. If your truck is a front-wheel drive, you will realize it has both drum and disc brakes. 

Most 4WD or all-wheel drive trucks have only disc brakes with brake discs fitted on each wheel. 

Efficiency

The brake pads resist heat and keep friction away from the brake discs making them more efficient in stopping your truck than the brake drums. The brake pads have a better response, especially during extreme weather conditions.

The ability of the brake pads to resist heat makes them perfect for the front axle and gives them a longer lifespan compared to brake shoes. In terms of replacement, the brake pads carry the day. They are easy to access, making anyone with mechanical background replace them. 

Durability

As mentioned earlier, brake pads are more resistant to heat, making them more durable than brake shoes. The main advantage of brake shoes over brake pads is that you can reuse them. Once the brake pads are worn out, you must dispose of them.

Cost

The market price brings a significant difference between the two pads. The brake shoes are relatively cheaper compared to the brake pads. The distinct features of the brake pads, such as the ability to resist heat, make them more expensive. On the other hand, brake shoes overheat very fast and can be recycled, making them relatively cheap.

Conclusion

It isn’t easy to make a final verdict on the kind of brake shoes which is suitable for your truck. Some trucks use brake pads and brake shoes, and others use the brake pads alone. Your test and preferences will aid you in choosing the correct places for your truck.