Can one hard brake create damage to a truck?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by chrisX, Jun 2, 2023.

  1. chrisX

    chrisX Bobtail Member

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    I am a new owner-operator. Yesterday was my third trip with my 2020 cascadia.
    There was a car in front of me driving wired on the highway. I had to break hardly once. The duration of the hard brake was just 1 second or so.

    After that, I started feeling my steering pull to the left. I tried to apply the foot brake a few times lightly and hard. The issue was gone. The truck goes straight perfectly.
    But, sometimes, after I apply the brake, the issue will be back. Then, I have to break a few times to get it right.
    The same thing happens when I am bobtailing.

    By the way, I did an alignment for the truck when I picked it up from the dealer last month.

    What is the problem could be?
     
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  3. brian991219

    brian991219 Road Train Member

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    Front brakes did not adjust equally, check the adjustment. A hard application of the brakes will cause the automatic slack adjuster to adjust, and if both didn't move the same distance it can cause an imbalance. Also check the spring centering pin on the steer axle, look for signs of the spring or axle shifting. Likely it is just your brakes out of balance and a good adjustment will correct the issue.
     
  4. Short Fuse EOD

    Short Fuse EOD Road Train Member

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    What @brian991219 advised. Most likely slack adjuster needs adjusting. Do check break linings for damage and follow up with breakfast at waffle house.
     
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  5. dibstr

    dibstr Road Train Member

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    If after hard breaking and you have released the brakes, then with no brakes applied it’s pulling then that indicates the brake on the side it’s pulling toward is not releasing. Several things can cause this. Since you stated the problem went away after applying the brakes both light and hard I would lean toward a bad release valve but don’t rule out a mechanical problem.
     
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  6. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    I'd be more concerned about the hard braking,,
     
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  7. roundhouse

    roundhouse Road Train Member

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    None of y’all every had to
    Stab the brakes to
    Avoid some moron on the highway?
     
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  8. silverspur

    silverspur Road Train Member

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    Do you have an adequate amount of grease on fifth wheel?
     
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  9. Last Call

    Last Call Road Train Member

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    I'd be more concerned about being in a Volvo
     
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  10. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    When I had my union job, the OBR would record a "hard braking" and you had to explain what happened. Like 3 "hard brakings" indicated trouble and you lost your bonus. They took it very seriously. Of course I've had my share of close calls, I figured it was part of the job. The safety schmucks behind the desk didn't see it that way.
     
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  11. Tb0n3

    Tb0n3 Road Train Member

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    It depends on where you drive. Sometimes you don't have the luxury of choice. Make a good space cushion? Somebody decides to use that to cut over brake, and take the next exit right in front of you.
     
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