Brake problems are the last thing any fleet operator or driver wants to deal with. Not only do they cause downtime and repair costs, but they're also a serious safety risk. Understanding the most common brake issues — and how to diagnose them — can save you time, money and possibly lives.
Here are the 7 most common brake problems we see in commercial trucks and trailers, along with their likely causes and solutions.
What it sounds like: High-pitched squeal when braking, or a deep grinding noise that means metal is grinding on metal.
Common causes:
Solution: If the squeal goes away after the first few brake applications, it's likely just surface rust — nothing to worry about. If it persists, check pad wear first. Quality disc brake pads with proper chamfers and slots are designed to minimize noise.
What it feels like: Steering wheel vibration, brake pedal pulsation, or the whole truck shaking when braking at highway speeds.
Common causes:
Solution: Measure the brake disc thickness variation with a micrometer. If it's more than 0.05mm, the disc needs to be turned or replaced. Also check that you're using quality brake pads — cheap pads often cause uneven material transfer that leads to pulsation.
What it feels like: You press the brake pedal harder and harder but the truck doesn't slow down as expected, especially after a long downhill stretch.
Common causes:
Solution: Brake fade is usually a sign that your friction material can't handle the heat load. For heavy haul and mountain driving, choose a more heat-resistant formulation. Read our guide to semi-metallic vs low-steel vs ceramic brake pads to choose the right material for your duty cycle.
What it feels like: The truck pulls to the left or right when you apply the brakes.
Common causes:
Solution: Always replace brake pads and linings in sets (both sides on the same axle). Never mix brands or formulations on the same axle — this is a very common cause of pulling.
What you see: One inner pad wears much faster than the outer pad, or pads on one axle wear out way before others.
Common causes:
Solution: When you replace brake pads, always lubricate the caliper slide pins with proper high-temperature brake grease. For drum brakes, make sure all brakes are adjusted evenly. Quality brake shoe assemblies with proper riveting also help ensure even wear.
What it feels like: The brake pedal goes further down than usual, feels soft or spongy, or you have to pump it to get good braking.
Common causes:
Solution: For hydraulic systems, bleed the brakes and check for leaks. For air brake systems, check the air compressor and air dryer. If the pedal feels normal after pumping, it's usually air in the system or a master cylinder issue.
What you see: The ABS warning light or brake system warning light stays on the dashboard.
Common causes:
Solution: Read the fault codes with a diagnostic scanner first. Most ABS light issues are simple sensor problems, not expensive control module failures. If it's the brake pad wear sensor, it's time to replace the pads.
As a general rule:
We supply ECE R90 certified disc brake pads, drum brake linings and brake shoe assemblies for all major commercial vehicle and trailer applications. Contact us for wholesale pricing.
We supply quality brake pads, linings and shoe assemblies to fleets, distributors and repair shops worldwide. ECE R90 certified, factory direct pricing.