Truck And Trailer
Brake Repair

Air brake inspection at Torpedo begins with a full system pressure test — checking supply tank pressure, line pressure drop rates, and application timing across all axles. We perform a pushrod stroke measurement on every brake chamber to verify adjustment within DOT compliance limits before any truck is cleared for road service.

Beyond pressure and stroke, we inspect all air line fittings, valves, glad hands, and air dryer operation. A leaking or contaminated air dryer is one of the most common causes of moisture-related brake valve failure, and it is an item routinely missed in basic inspections.

• Brake balance verified across all axles before release
• Parking brake and spring brake operation confirmed
• DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation compliance documented

Drum brake service covers full removal and inspection of brake shoes, drums, rollers, and return springs. We measure drum diameter at multiple points to identify out-of-round conditions and taper wear that accelerate shoe wear and reduce stopping performance. Drums are turned on-site where within specification, replaced when beyond limits.

Brake shoe lining thickness is measured and recorded before and after service. We match lining material to the axle application — steer, drive, and trailer axles have different heat and load profiles, and using incorrect lining compounds is a common cause of premature brake fade and uneven wear patterns.

• All new hardware installed with every reline — springs, rollers, and pins
• Brake chamber push rods adjusted to correct free stroke
• Post-service brake burnish inspection performed before release

ABS fault codes on commercial trucks are diagnosed using OEM-compatible diagnostic software connected to the vehicle’s ABS electronic control unit. We pull active and stored fault codes, monitor wheel speed sensor signals live, and verify modulator valve operation — giving a complete picture of the system before any component is condemned.

Wheel speed sensor replacement is one of the most common ABS repairs on Class 8 trucks. We inspect tone ring condition, sensor mounting depth, and wiring harness continuity before replacing the sensor to ensure the new unit will operate correctly. Faulty or shorted tone rings are identified and replaced to prevent repeat failures.

• Modulator valve testing and replacement
• ECU communication verified after all repairs
• ABS warning light confirmed clear before truck is returned

Automatic slack adjusters that fail to maintain proper brake adjustment are a leading cause of DOT out-of-service violations. We test automatic slack adjuster function under brake application to confirm they are adjusting and holding correctly. Adjusters that creep or fail to respond are replaced — not adjusted manually and returned to service.

S-cam and camshaft tube inspection covers bushing wear, lubrication condition, and lateral play. A worn S-cam bushing allows the cam to shift during brake application, reducing lining contact and creating uneven wear across the shoe face. We replace cam tubes and bushings as a set to restore correct brake geometry.

• Foundation brake geometry verified after slack and cam service
• Brake spider and torque plate inspected for cracks and wear
• All grease fittings lubricated and confirmed accepting grease

Trailer brake service covers the complete system — glad hands, supply and control lines, relay valves, spring brakes, ABS, and brake chambers. We test trailer brake application pressure at the glad hand and at each chamber port to identify restrictions, failed relay valves, and leaking brake lines throughout the trailer frame.

Spring brake service on trailers involves inspection of the piggyback brake chamber for external leaks, correct spring brake release, and safe caging procedures. Corroded or damaged spring brake chambers are replaced as a complete assembly — spring brake internals are never field-repaired due to the stored energy hazard.

• Landing gear operation checked as part of trailer service
• Trailer ABS codes pulled and resolved before release
• Full air leak-down test with trailer isolated from tractor

Brake chamber inspection covers the mounting bracket, clamp ring, diaphragm condition, push rod seal, and external corrosion. Chambers with cracked clamp rings, damaged diaphragms, or leaking push rod seals are replaced — not resealed — to ensure reliable operation under full system pressure in emergency stop conditions.

Air line routing inspections trace all nylon and rubber brake lines for chafing, kinking, and heat damage. Lines routed near exhaust components or axle pivot points are particularly vulnerable to damage and are inspected and rerouted or sleeved as needed. Leaking fittings are replaced rather than retightened to ensure seal integrity.

• All air lines tagged and pressure tested after repair
• Anti-lock brake system air lines and sensor harnesses inspected
• Final brake application and release cycle performed before release