What are the common causes of brake failure?

Brake system checks are a critical part of truck maintenance. After all, the braking system plays a vital role in your driving, ensuring your safety. Therefore, in addition to understanding the common causes of engine failure, you should also know what factors can lead to brake failure. It's important to note that even a well-maintained braking system can gradually lose performance. Neglecting maintenance can lead to brake fade and eventually brake failure.

Therefore, in this article, we will explore some of the most common causes of brake failure. This way, you can detect signs of problems early and prevent the situation from worsening. 

Disc or drum design

The heat generated by braking must dissipate quickly. Disc brakes use an open design, making them less prone to overheating. Disc brakes are typically located on the front wheels, bearing most of the braking force, which is understandable. Lower-cost drum brakes, on the other hand, are located on the rear wheels and are responsible for braking when parked. However, in larger or high-performance vehicles, you'll find disc brakes on all four wheels.

Low tire pressure

If you press the brake pedal all the way down after pressing it, it's very likely there's a problem with the tire pressure. When you press the brake, air must build up quickly. Remember, when the tire pressure is too low, you should immediately pull over and stop; never continue driving. This situation will endanger your life, regardless of speed.

Corrosion

In most cases, brake failure is caused by corrosion of components within the brake system. Here are some key points to remember:

Ideally, cast iron is the ideal material for brake components. However, it is prone to rust.

Disc brake pads can quickly remove rust from the front wheel surface. However, rear drum brakes may not be able to do this, especially on small, light vehicles or infrequently used trucks.

Rear drum brakes typically do not experience corrosion problems.

Heavy braking can remove initial minor rust. However, if left untreated, this minor rust can worsen and lead to pitting corrosion.

Routine Wear and Tear

Eventually, the front brake discs will begin to wear down and become too thin. It's important to note that the manufacturer will indicate when the brake discs need to be replaced. It is recommended to replace them in pairs. The brake pads must also be replaced at the same time as the brake discs.

Distortion

Due to uneven cooling and heating, the shape of the brake disc can change.

When you feel the pedal vibrate, it means your brake disc has deformed.

Remember, worn or thinner discs heat up more easily.

Ideally, you should avoid slamming on the brakes when driving on long downhill sections. Otherwise, the brake discs will reach extremely high temperatures. Instead, you should use engine braking and shift the vehicle into a low gear.

Water has gotten into the brake fluid

When the brake fluid temperature rises, water begins to evaporate. This means the steam is compressed, hindering the transmission of braking force to the wheels. Therefore, the truck will be unable to brake properly.