8 Signs Your Truck Needs New Brakes

Are you hearing a strange grinding noise when braking? Does your truck shake or vibrate when applying the brakes? When was the last time you checked your brakes? If it’s been months, or even years since you had them inspected and serviced, now may be a good time to get that done. To help answer any questions or doubts you may have about the health of your truck’s brake system, we’ve compiled eight symptoms that could suggest your vehicle is in need of new brakes/brake service. Read on to ensure your safety behind the wheel!

1. Your Brake Pedal Feels Spongy When You Press It

Feeling a spongy brake pedal when pressing it can be a sure sign that your truck needs new brakes. Although sponginess in brake pedals isn’t always an absolute indication, it is often a warning that the brakes need to be serviced.

There are several possible causes for brakes to feel spongy, but air and brake fluid leaks are the two most likely culprits. Air bubbles and brake fluid leaks in the brake lines disrupt the air-tight seal that is needed for proper braking performance; reducing this air-tight seal will result in a reduced response from your brakes – making them feel spongy.

It is important to have an experienced mechanic inspect your brakes if they feel faintly spongy and unresponsive so that any air or fluid leaks in your system can be identified and addressed before further risking your safety on the road.

2. You Hear a Squealing Noise When You Brake

If you hear a loud squealing noise when you’re braking with your truck, it’s important to take note.

When you hear a loud, high-pitched squealing noise when braking, it is usually caused by worn brake pads. The brake pads are the components that make contact with your brake rotors to stop the car’s wheels from spinning. As they get worn down, they become unable to adequately grip the rotors and causing this noise. If left unresolved, worn brakes can grind down the rotors and other components of the braking system, leading to costly repairs. To avoid this issue, it is important to have your brakes serviced regularly and check for any signs of wear or damage.

3. It Takes Longer Than Usual for Your Truck to Come to a Stop

If it feels like your truck is taking longer than normal to come to a stop, that’s another sign that there may be an issue with your brakes. This could be due to a problem with the brake pad, calipers, or brake rotors. If you notice this happening, it’s best to have your brakes checked out by a professional as soon as possible.

4. Your Brake Pedal Vibrates When You Press It

If your brake pedal vibrates when you press it, it is usually a sign that something is wrong with your brakes. The most common cause of this vibration is warped rotors. When the rotors become uneven or start to have ridges on them, they cannot evenly contact the brake pads and will create slight vibrations when applied. Eventually, this could develop into more noticeable shaking that requires immediate attention from a technician.

5. You See Smoke Coming From Your Wheels

If you see smoke coming from your wheels whenever you use your brakes, that’s a sign that there is an issue with the brake pad or rotors. This usually happens when you have thin brake pads that are worn down and begin to overheat. If you see this, it’s best to have your brakes checked out by a professional as soon as possible.

6. Your Truck Pulls to One Side When You Brake

If you notice that your truck seems to pull to one side when you use the brakes, that’s a sign that there may be an issue with the brake pad or brake caliper. This can happen if the brake pads are worn down on one side or if the calipers are sticking. With that said, in most cases, this issue is caused by uneven pressure either in the brake lines or on the brake pads, typically due to a misalignment with some part of the suspension system. This misaligned suspension part can cause excessive wear and tear on one side of the brakes, resulting in your vehicle pulling in that direction when braking.

If you are experiencing this issue, take it to your local auto body shop for an inspection.

7. There Is a Strange Burning Smell Coming From Your Brakes

If you notice a strange burning smell coming from your brakes, it’s likely that the brake pads are overheating. This usually happens when the pads are worn down and need to be replaced.

8. You See Visible Damage On the Brake Pads

If you’re doing a routine check-up on your car’s brakes and you notice visible damage on the brake pads, it’s definitely time to start thinking about a replacement. Damaged brake pads can become dangerously thin, reducing their ability to effectively stop the car and putting you, your passengers, and other drivers at risk.

Your Local Truck Brake Specialists

At Straight Line Suspension, we specialize in providing the highest quality truck brake servicing in Mesa, AZ. We also offer a wide range of parts to help you benefit from a do-it-yourself approach when it comes to repairs and maintenance. Our experienced team of technicians can assist you in finding the exact brake system parts that you need for your particular model to ensure safe and efficient performance. Whether you are looking for superior service from our certified technicians or want to take advantage of our great selection of parts for self-servicing, Straight Line Suspension is here for all your truck brake-related needs.

Our wide variety of services includes:

• RV alignment
• Semi-trailer repair
• Trailer suspension repair
• Trailer repair
• Truck alignment
• Truck brake repair & replacement

Contact us today for more information about our services!