Heavy-Duty Truck Repairs: 5 Common Problems We Fix

Heavy-duty trucks form the pillar of the logistics and transportation sector. Designed to cover long distances and bear heavy loads, the trucks undergo tremendous wear and tear. Even the strongest trucks require repairs at some point. Our repair shop regularly witnesses a pattern in the problems that occur. Below are five of the most recurrent heavy-duty truck problems we repair—and why it is crucial to address them in early stages.

Engine Issues

The engine is the lifeblood of every heavy-duty truck, and with high mileage and harsh working conditions, engine troubles rank among the most common repairs we deal with. Symptoms can range from poor running, unusual sounds, and warning lights. The causes can vary from fuel injector failure and turbocharger problems to overheat and oil leaks. Whether it is a minor sensor replacement or an entire engine rebuild, prompt repair is important to prevent expensive downtime.

Transmission Failures

Heavy-duty truck transmission systems are sophisticated and always under tension, particularly in trucks carrying heavy loads or operated in mountainous terrain. Transmission failures tend to manifest themselves as rough shifting, slow acceleration, or grinding sounds. Fixing them involves replacing worn-out clutches, repairing transmission fluid system leaks, or rebalancing electronic shift modules. If not addressed, transmission problems have a tendency to snowball and lead to total failure.

Issues with the Brake System

Brakes are safety-critical on a truck, particularly considering the enormous size and mass of a heavy-duty truck. We commonly repair trucks experiencing brake fade, rough braking, or squealing on brakes. These issues can be caused by worn-out brake pads, defective air brake parts, or dirty brake lines. Proper inspections and maintenance enable the truck to safely and effectively stop, minimizing the chances of accidents and fines.

Suspension and Steering Issues

A truck's suspension and steering system get pounded on bad roads and heavy loads. Typical symptoms are a bumpy ride, poor handling, or one-sided tire wear. We often install new worn-out shocks, bushings, and ball joints, and align wheels to restore stability. Failing to repair suspension issues can cause poor gas mileage, driver fatigue, and excessive wear on other truck parts.

Failure of the Electrical System

New heavy-duty trucks depend greatly on sophisticated electrical systems to operate everything from lighting and diagnostics to engine and emissions. The issues that are most common are dead batteries, bad sensors, stuck lights, and wiring issues. Electrical faults need specialized equipment and know-how to diagnose, so many truck owners come to us when they see dashboard warning lights or a non-working component.

Heavy-duty trucks are constructed robustly, but they're not indestructible. Knowing the typical issues that occur—and fixing them before they happen—can avoid costly repairs and debilitating breakdowns. From engines to electrical systems, our expert technicians have the training and equipment to maintain your truck in top condition. Don't let a minor problem turn into a major setback. If you think something's amiss with your truck, have it inspected and repaired by a professional.