Fleet Maintenance: How to Spot Common Brake Problems

School buses are widely regarded as some of the safest, most reliable vehicles on the road; however, brake problems have been noted on buses manufactured by major brands. The frequent stopping of school buses can place stress on brakes, so keeping an eye out for common brake problems should be a part of your regular fleet maintenance program.

Inspect Often

Thoroughly inspecting brakes is necessary for keeping school buses running safely. The condition of the lining, rotor plate thickness, brake hose flexibility and brake fluid should be inspected on a regular basis. Follow the manufacturers’ recommendations for brake service and maintenance.

What to Look for

When inspecting brakes, look out for these common problems:

• Crumbling pads, which are often the result of chemicals such as road de-icing agents
• Uneven wear of brake pads and rotors
• Brakes which are out of adjustment

Spotting Break Problems

Maintenance staff are, of course, essential to keeping brakes properly maintained. However, drivers are often the first to spot brake problems. Drivers should always report any braking issues they experience, including:

• Feel of the pedals
• Grinding or squealing sounds
• Increased stopping distance
• Warning lights
• The presence of brake fluid on any brake components

What Should be Checked?

There are several activities that should be included as part of regular fleet maintenance procedures for the upkeep of brakes.

• Balance brake system
• Measure stopping distance
• Replace any questionable brake components
• Test drive buses to ensure smooth operation

Air brake maintenance requires additional measures, such as:

• Regular replacement of camshaft bushings and brake drums
• Proper lubrication of brakes
• Check for cracked or bulging hoses
• Ensure that automatic brake adjusters are working properly
• Annual air dryer maintenance

Upkeep of bus braking systems is an important component of school bus safety. By pairing consistent mechanical maintenance with technologies, such as transportation software, that can evaluate factors like hazardous road conditions and total planned mileages, brake wear and tear can be minimized.

To learn more about school bus safety concerns and how your district can utilize the latest transportation software to keep your students safe, contact the team at BusBoss. We would be happy to discuss the many available options for ensuring that your students ride safe.

How has your school district ensured that regular brake checks are included in fleet maintenance routines? We would appreciate your feedback.