Vehicle brake systems play vital roles in helping drivers and passengers get to their destinations unscathed. It doesn’t matter whether people are riding around in cars, vans, trucks, or RVs—they need good brakes. Those that are functioning correctly slow vehicles down and allow them to stop safely. However, when something goes wrong and brake failure occurs, accidents can happen.
Nobody wants to get involved in incidents because of the potential outcomes. Your best case scenario is that you damage your vehicle but brake failure can leave participants with severe injuries, from fractures and broken bones to lacerations, punctures, and burns.
In addition, accidents can claim peoples’ lives and take them before their time. Therefore, if your RV begins presenting signs of brake failure, consider getting it looked at to avoid catastrophes.
The remaining sections will focus on several early warning symptoms that may present themselves to RV owners before their brakes give out. If one or more of them start manifesting, please don’t hesitate to give J & W Mechanical Fleet Services a call and schedule an RV service. Our team will get your recreational vehicle fixed up in a jiffy.
Spongy Brake Pedals
When a person pushes a brake pedal only to discover that it feels spongy beneath their foot, something is wrong and needs to be addressed. Perhaps the master cylinder is worn out, there is a leak somewhere, or air has gotten into the system. The dilemmas should never be left as is because they increase the risks of crashes. Of course, finding and repairing the issues can be easier said than done for people going at it alone. Thankfully, Canadian residents do not have to face spongy brake pedals on their own. Our seasoned mechanics are here to help.
Squeaking Brakes
Most brake pads come equipped with wear indicators. As they deteriorate, they become exposed and rub against the rotors. That friction produces a squeaking or squealing noise. The sounds are annoying, to say the very least, but they are also warning signs that tell drivers maintenance is needed. It is best to get service sooner rather than later. If pads wear too thin, you’ll lose the valuable friction material that causes you to stop and end up spending time and money on repairing more than just the brake pads..
RV Pulls When Braking
Sure, it is annoying when an RV pulls hard to the left or right when braking. However, the pulling can be dangerous too. The vehicle could hit another car, guardrail, pedestrian, or something else whenever the operator pushes the brake pedals. Different issues can cause these problems. Some of the more common ones include but are not limited to the following:
- Tire Pressure
- Seized Brake Calipers/slides
- Reduced friction of the braking material more on one side than the other
- Brakes out of adjustment (air brakes)
Don’t worry if you want to stop short — we have you covered. One of our technicians will fix your ride and make sure it doesn’t pull when braking.
Vibrations While Braking
When an RV vibrates when the brakes are applied, warped rotors are usually to blame. The vibrating may also be from a build-up of pad materials on rotors. As mentioned earlier, rotors can usually be turned or resurfaced to stop vibrations. On other occasions, they might need to be replaced if they are too thin. People typically try to avoid replacing them, though, as going that route is more expensive than resurfacing. Kick vibrations to the curb with a professional mechanic and rest easy knowing that your RV won’t shake when you use the brakes.