Your heavy-duty truck is built to be an ultra-reliable machine. When you have proper preventative and factory-recommended maintenance, it can last north of 750,000 miles without major heavy-duty truck repair in Alexandria, LA. However, no vehicle is perfect, and most operators will eventually have to deal with a truck breakdown.
As the operator, it’s imperative to know the most common truck problems and the steps you can take to prevent a truck breakdown. To help, the heavy truck repair mechanics at Consolidated Truck Parts & Service have outlined some of the most common truck problems and solutions for these issues.
Continue reading to learn more and don’t hesitate to contact Consolidated Truck Parts & Service in Alexandria, LA for maintenance or heavy truck repair.
Overheating Engine
Undoubtedly, one of the worst scenarios for your truck is when you have engine problems. Even so, an overheating engine is a common scenario, and it’s often caused by:
- A fuel leak
- Blown gasket
- Neglected coolant levels
- Neglected oil changes
An overheating engine may not be immediately noticeable until you have a truck breakdown. Instead, these common truck problems occur over time when you forgo or skip proper preventative maintenance.
Fortunately, you can reduce the likelihood of an overheating engine and other heavy truck repairs by staying on top of your maintenance. The best solution is to proactively have the services your truck needs to deliver peak performance.
Brake Problems
The brakes on any vehicle are important. But the stakes are exponentially higher when you drive a heavy-duty truck.
Without cargo, your semi truck can weigh from 25,000 to 35,000 pounds. But when it’s loaded up, you can easily approach 80,000 pounds, which places your brakes under tremendous pressure.
While your brakes are up to the task, it’s important to have proactive brake inspections, brake maintenance, parts replacement, and service. Five common brake problems on semi and heavy-duty trucks include:
- Vibrations
- Brake fluid leaks
- Grinding
- Squealing
- Soft Braking
- Pulling
If not quickly addressed, these issues can lead to total brake failure. Fortunately, if one brake fails, your independent braking system may still allow you to stop using other brakes. However, proper maintenance and inspections can reduce the likelihood of brake failure and other problems.
Wheel and Tire Issues
The wheel assembly on your heavy-duty truck includes several parts and components. One crucial component is the wheel bearings, which connect the axle to the wheel.
A metal ring holds together this set of steel balls or tapered bearings. This ring allows your heavy-duty truck’s wheels to rotate with minimal friction.
But if there are problems or your wheel assembly needs service, your may let you know with the following symptoms:
- You detect a jerking sensation in your truck.
- You feel unstable road movements.
- You hear a growling or squealing noise.
- You hear a humming noise.
- You hear a clicking sound.
- You feel your wheels wobble.
- You have ABS failure.
- Your truck pulls to one side.
- You detect vibration in the steering wheel.
No matter the situation, your wheel bearings will eventually wear out. And as soon as you notice signs of wear and tear, they must be replaced. At the same time, you should have your wheel bearings replaced according to the manufacturer’s suggestions or whenever your mechanic suggests. Most wheel bearings will have a lifespan of anywhere from 85,000 to 100,000 miles.
Prevent Truck Breakdowns with the Help of Consolidated Truck Parts & Service in Alexandria, LA
When it comes to your heavy-duty truck, you don’t have to wait for a truck breakdown to have heavy truck repair. Instead, the best solution is to proactively have the necessary truck maintenance to prevent truck breakdowns from ever occurring. And the heavy-duty truck mechanics at Consolidated Truck Parts & Service can help.
Contact us at (318) 767-4287 or stop by 3333 North Bolton Ave., Alexandria, LA 71303. Or contact our other centers in Monroe and Many in Louisiana.
