Brakes by Riteway Diesel

Why Brake Maintenance Is Important

Brake maintenance is essential for several reasons. First, it ensures that your truck's brakes function correctly, which is crucial for safe operation. Second, regular maintenance can catch minor problems before they become more significant and more expensive to repair. Finally, brake maintenance can prolong the life of your truck's brakes, saving you money in the long run.

Signs of Brake Problems

Several signs can indicate that your truck's brakes need attention. If you notice any of the following, you should bring your truck to Riteway Diesel for a brake inspection:

• Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal: If your brake pedal feels spongy or soft, it could indicate a leak in the brake lines. Trucks rely on compressed air for their braking power; without proper pressurized air levels, they can’t brake effectively. If the leak isn’t repaired, it can reduce your truck's braking power.
• Grinding or Squeaking Noise: Grinding or squeaking noises when you apply the brakes can indicate worn brake pads. If the pads wear down completely, the metal backing plate can grind against the drum, causing severe damage.
• Pulling to One Side: If your truck pulls to one side when you apply the brakes, it could indicate a problem with your slack adjusters or brake shoes. It's essential to have this problem checked out promptly, as it can affect your truck's handling and safety.
• Vibration or Shaking: Vibration or shaking when you apply the brakes can indicate a problem with the brake drums. Over time, the drums can become warped or worn, causing uneven braking and vibration.

Air Brake Maintenance

Air brakes are standard on heavy-duty diesel trucks but require specialized maintenance to ensure they function correctly. You should have these air brakes and their associated components inspected and serviced regularly to prevent any issues from developing that could compromise braking performance.

Some of the services the Riteway Diesel team can perform on your air brakes include:

• Air Dryer Service: The air dryer removes moisture from the air before it enters the brake system. Over time, the air dryer can become clogged with moisture and debris, reducing its effectiveness. Our team will thoroughly clean the air dryer and ensure all the connections and other associated parts are functioning correctly.
• Brake Chamber Inspection: The brake chambers are responsible for applying the brakes when you press the pedal. These components can wear over time, so we perform comprehensive inspections and complete replacement of any faulty parts.
• Brake Valve Service: The brake valve controls airflow to the brake system. If it becomes clogged or damaged, it can cause the brakes to fail. We’ll ensure the brake valve operates appropriately via repairs and replace it entirely if any faults can’t be addressed effectively without replacement.

Contact Us

Brake repair and maintenance for diesel trucks are critical for safe operation. At Riteway Diesel, we specialize in brake service for independent and fleet-based diesel trucks, including specific maintenance and repair services for various air brake components. If you notice any signs of your brakes beginning to fail, or if they’re giving you trouble, stop into Riteway Diesel, and our team will get your brakes working correctly again.