When to Replace the Brakes On Your Semi Truck

When you’re hauling heavy loads, dependable and well-maintained brakes are key to staying safe on the road. Mechanical failures are a leading cause of truck accidents, so make sure your brakes are always in working order to avoid a collision.

How long do brake drums last on a semi truck?

There is no industry-wide standard for replacing brakes on semis because there are a lot of different factors that can contribute to the lifespan of the brakes on your rig. What type of truck do you drive? The manufacturer may have recommendations in the manual that you should follow.

Consider how much you use your brakes. If you drive mostly local and are therefore stopping frequently at traffic lights, stop signs, and route stops, you will likely need to replace your brakes sooner than a trucker who drives mostly OTR on long stretches of empty highway. The weather can also affect the longevity of your brakes. Extreme heat and cold can both take a toll on your brakes. When driving in the mountains, do your best to not rely on your brakes too heavily while still maintaining safe driving habits. Otherwise you may find yourself replacing your brakes sooner than you would like.

How do you check drum brakes on a semi truck?

With no rule for brake replacements on semi trucks, regular inspections are critical. You should check your brakes every day as part of your regular inspection checklist. You will need chalk to mark the push-rods, a small ruler, blocks for behind the tires, and a friend or helper to apply the brakes while you do the inspection. You need to check for damaged components, cracked or worn pads, cracked drums, and chaffing. You also want to measure push-rod travel stroke and make sure the air pressure gauges are 90psi to 100psi.

It is legally required in the United States that you complete a Driver-Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) every time you conduct an inspection of your truck. Inspect your brakes and other critical parts of your truck, record any issues, and then immediately make any repairs that are needed.

Professional inspections are the best way to make sure your brakes are in good condition. It is good practice to have the brakes professionally inspected every time your truck is in for any kind of maintenance (oil changes, etc.).

Should you drive a semi truck with bad brakes?

Absolutely not. If you suspect that your truck’s brakes are not up to snuff, you should not drive it. If you get into an accident due to a mechanical issue that you failed to address, you could be liable. Driving a semi truck loaded with 40,000 lbs of goods with brakes that could fail at any time is incredibly dangerous for you as well as all of the other motorists on the road with you.