Here are 10 brake lining and pad tips truckers should know ahead of CVSA Brake Safety Week

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) shared brake inspection tips to help truckers prepare for Brake Safety Week in August.

This year, CVSA Brake Safety Week is taking place throughout North America August 25 — 31. During Brake Safety Week, inspectors will examine commercial vehicle brake systems for violations in order to improve highway safety.

The area of emphasis for Brake Safety Week 2024 is brake lining and pad.

To help truckers prepare, the CVSA shared 10 tips from commercial motor vehicle inspectors to help ensure your brake linings and pads are able to pass.

10 Brake Lining and Pad Tips

1. Inspect visible portions of the brake lining and pads as part of your pre- and post- trip inspections.

2. Look for signs of missing lining, such as grooves in the drum from rivet contact.

3. Look at the shoe-to-drum clearance and ensure there is adequate lining on the shoe.

4. Look for any signs of leaks from the hub or other components that may be contaminating the lining/pad surface.

5. Ensure there are no missing lining blocks/pads.

6. Check for visible cracks or voids in the lining block.

7. Check for any exposed rivets or lining blocks that look loose on the shoe.

8. On disc brakes, pay particular attention to the condition of the rotor, such as heavily rusted rotors across the entire friction surface on either side or metal-to-metal contact.

9. Make sure all repairs are consistent with the brake manufacturer’s requirements and guidelines.

10. Note any issues in your driver vehicle inspection reports and report them to the motor carrier to have the defective linings/pads repaired.