• Out-of-adjustment brakes are a major out-of-service violation that can lead to a 50 percent reduction of normal braking ability and possible brake imbalance leading to a side-skid during a panic stop.
• Brakes that are out-of-adjustment may lead to abnormal wear on brakes that are in-adjustment, which must do extra work, leading to excessive wear on these brakes.
• Drivers should be trained to inspect visible brake components, which includes looking for oil leakage (hub seal indicator reading low or oil/grease on the brake shoes), wear or cracks in the brake linings, cracks in the brake drums, and push rods to determine if the slack adjusters are in adjustment.

Out-of-adjustment brakes continue to be a major out-of-service violation for heavy trucks (as well as other vehicles). In addition to a potential downtime, there is a safety concern that brakes which need adjustment provide the vehicle with only 50 percent of normal braking ability.

Out-of-adjustment brakes can also create a brake imbalance that could potentially cause the vehicle to enter a side-skid during a panic stop.

As well as creating a safety hazard, brakes that are out-of-adjustment lead to abnormal wear. The brakes that are in-adjustment must do extra work when the vehicle is slowed, leading to excessive wear on these brakes. On downgrades, the brakes that are in-adjustment may overheat, damaging them.

Gearing down vs. constant braking

Are drivers aware how dangerous fanning and/or constantly applying and releasing the brakes is? Do they know that this habit can gradually reduce available air in the reservoirs and cause excessive wear? Gearing down on descents and in traffic is the better way to avoid excessive brake applications. Good braking technique really boils down to good driving. Drivers should be trained to anticipate the moves of other drivers and proceed at the speed most appropriate for existing road conditions to minimize harsh brake use.

Pre-trip inspection

Good driver brake maintenance starts with a daily pre-trip inspection. Carriers should consider training drivers to perform complete vehicle inspections that include the visible brake components, which includes looking for oil leakage (hub seal indicator reading low or oil/grease on the brake shoes), wear or cracks in the brake linings, and cracks in the brake drums. Drivers should also be trained on how to check the push rods to determine if the slack adjusters are in adjustment. All of this can be taught to a driver within a very short time.

Just like the tires, if drivers are finding potential brake problems before they become major problems, the maintenance task becomes much easier.