What are the causes of brake failure in large vehicles?
4 Answers
The cause of brake failure in large vehicles is poor braking performance of the braking system leading to brake malfunction. It can be judged based on the brake pedal travel (commonly referred to as high or low), the soft or hard sensation when stepping on the brake pedal, the stability after pressing the brake pedal, and the increase in pedal height during braking. The related introduction to brake failure is as follows: Actions to take in case of brake failure: Drive into an emergency escape lane, use engine braking, apply the parking brake, and if necessary, use the vehicle body to scrape against roadside obstacles to slow down. When stepping on the brake pedal, it does not feel soft or sink, but the braking effect is poor. This phenomenon indicates a fault in the wheel brake, such as oil on the brake shoes, poor contact, aging friction pads, wear, or uneven wear of the brake drum. Introduction to brake pedal operation: Automobile brake pedal operations are divided into slow braking (i.e., anticipatory braking), emergency braking, combined braking, and intermittent braking. Generally, during slow braking and emergency braking, before the wheels lock up and the vehicle stops, the clutch pedal should be fully depressed to prevent the engine from stalling and to facilitate changing speed again.
During my years driving long-haul trucks, I encountered several instances of sudden brake failure, which was truly terrifying. The main issues usually stemmed from leaks or jams in the pneumatic braking system, such as air compressor failures causing the entire system to lose pressure and unable to provide sufficient braking force. Neglecting regular maintenance—like excessively worn brake drums, dirty brake fluid, or aging, leaking pipelines—can render the brakes completely useless. I know many fellow drivers who experienced brake fade due to overloading or continuous downhill driving, making it impossible to stop suddenly. I recommend regularly checking brake fluid levels and the air pressure system, performing simple tests before long trips, and maintaining a safe following distance. If a problem arises, immediately use engine braking or pull over. Developing good maintenance habits is key to avoiding tragedies, especially when heavy loads make brake failure extremely dangerous. I’ve made it through by sticking to regular maintenance and staying calm in emergencies.
Over the years as a mechanic, I've diagnosed numerous cases of brake failure in large vehicles, with diverse root causes that require attention to detail. First, check common points: brake pads worn too thin or deformed and jammed, making it impossible to push the disc; issues in the hydraulic system like brake fluid leaks or water ingress causing airlocks, where insufficient pressure fails to transmit commands; then there's pipe corrosion or loose fittings, where even minor air leaks can cause total system failure. I've also seen cases of electronic control unit malfunctions and valve sticking leading to brake failure. In practice, remind vehicle owners not to overlook simple maintenance, like monthly checks of air pressure and fluid levels to prevent clogging by contaminants. The key is to regularly replace consumables and update aging parts promptly. In case of failure, quickly seek a professional repair shop—don't tinker yourself to avoid greater losses. The core of safe driving is nipping small issues in the bud beforehand.
As a novice auto repair apprentice, studying large vehicle brake failure is quite enlightening. I've found the main causes include issues with the air or hydraulic systems, where leaks in pipes lead to insufficient pressure, or brake drum overheating causing friction failure. Improper modifications and overloaded conditions accelerating wear are also common triggers. During driver training, preventive measures were emphasized, such as avoiding continuous braking to prevent fade, and regularly replacing filters and brake fluid. Daily operation of large vehicles requires developing good habits—inspecting system integrity can mitigate risks. In case of failure, staying calm is crucial; simply downshift to slow down and pull over safely, then seek professional repair services.
