Brakes

Brakes
BRAKES

Reliable Brake Services for Your Diesel Truck

A diesel truck’s brakes are one of its most important safety features, and we want to make sure that RG Diesel, LLC customers stay safe. Whether your brake pads are signaling they need replacement, your brake light is on, or you’re not comfortable with how quickly your diesel truck is slowing down, call us at 423-823-9987 or visit us in Greeneville and we’ll give you a prompt diagnosis of your heavy-duty braking system’s safety and reliability.

Brake Services

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ensures your wheels keep rotating during braking, preventing skidding and providing better control, especially considering the extra weight and stopping force required by diesel trucks. If your ABS light illuminates, visit RG Diesel, LLC for a diagnosis and professional repair.

Brake Fluid Flushes

Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air over time, diminishing brake effectiveness and becoming corrosive, potentially harming the system. Regular brake fluid flushes are vital to ensure fresh fluid usage in your diesel truck. Consult our technicians at RG Diesel, LLC to determine the right time for a brake fluid flush, especially for trucks subjected to heavy hauling or towing.

Brake Hoses

A brake hose carries pressurized brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brakes. A damaged hose can lead to delayed or weak braking, and a leak may result in brake failure. While the need for a replacement brake hose isn't common, any signs of cracking or wear should prompt immediate replacement to handle the high demands of a diesel braking system.

Brake Pad & Shoe Replacement

Squealing brakes often indicate brake pad issues. When brake pads deteriorate completely, a harsh metal-on-metal grinding noise occurs during braking, indicating potential rotor or drum damage. Due to the increased stopping power needed for diesel trucks, it's best to consult a diesel repair professional promptly if you have any brake concerns.

Caliper Replacement

The brake caliper houses brake pads and clamps around the rotor to apply pressure during braking. Caliper problems can cause uneven braking, leading to skidding during braking and loss of control in adverse weather conditions. For the reliable stopping power your diesel truck requires, contact RG Diesel, LLC at your earliest convenience for assistance.

Resurface Rotors

In a disc brake system, rotors attach to your diesel truck’s wheels. The friction with brake pads over time creates grooves and cracks, especially under the heavy braking demands of diesel trucks. The process of resurfacing restores rotors to a "like-new" condition, reducing noise and wobbling. At RG Diesel, LLC, we inspect your rotors thoroughly and recommend the best course of action.
FAQs About Brakes

Why is my dashboard brake light on?

A lit brake light on your dashboard could signify a need for routine maintenance or a serious issue with your diesel truck's braking system.

Given the critical nature of reliable braking for all diesel trucks, we recommend visiting RG Diesel LLC for a quick diagnostic and expert resolution.

What percent of brake pad life is 3mm?

New brake pads for diesel trucks are typically 8 to 12 mm thick.

At 3 mm, your pads are near the end of their useful life. For a heavy diesel truck requiring maximum stopping power, it is wise to plan a replacement soon to maintain braking safety and efficiency and prevent potential damage to the rotors.

Why are my brakes making a grinding noise?

Grinding noises from your diesel truck's brakes often mean that your brake system is critically worn and requires immediate attention.

This harsh sound typically indicates that the brake pads have worn completely through, and the metal backing plate is now contacting the rotor. This can quickly cause severe damage to your rotors and compromise the safe stopping ability of your diesel truck.

Why are my brakes squeaking?

Squeaking brakes on your diesel truck might be caused by something as minor as road debris or as urgent as worn-out pads.

Regardless of the cause, it is a sign to have your brakes checked before the condition worsens and impacts the critical stopping ability of your diesel truck.

Why are my brakes vibrating?

Vibrations during braking usually point to uneven rotor surfaces, which often occurs due to the increased stress and heat put on the braking system by diesel trucks.

Our team at RG Diesel LLC can inspect and resurface or replace your diesel truck's rotors to eliminate this issue and restore smooth, reliable stopping performance.

How do I know if my diesel truck is leaking brake fluid?

Reduced braking responsiveness (the brake pedal feeling spongy, soft, or sinking slowly to the floor) can be a critical sign of a brake fluid leak in your diesel truck.

Since brake fluid is essential for all hydraulic braking systems, a leak is a major safety issue. You might also notice a thin, oily spot under your vehicle near the wheels or master cylinder.

We urge you to have your diesel truck inspected immediately if you suspect a leak to prevent a total loss of braking ability.

Why are my brakes making a burning smell?

A burning smell coming from your brakes suggests they are severely overheating, which is especially dangerous given the extra stopping mass of a diesel truck.

You should stop driving immediately and check if your parking brake is fully disengaged. If smoke is visible, the cause could be a stuck caliper or excessive friction from driving heavily loaded. Overheating can quickly lead to brake failure.

We recommend having RG Diesel LLC inspect your brakes before driving the truck again.

Why is my diesel truck pulling to one side when braking?

This pulling can be due to a faulty brake hose or caliper, which causes uneven brake application. When one side applies more pressure than the other, your diesel truck will jerk toward the stronger side.

Uneven braking is a serious safety concern, especially under heavy stopping. It's essential to get this checked at RG Diesel LLC immediately to ensure your diesel truck stops straight and safely.

What are the 3 types of brake pads?

The three primary types of brake pads used on diesel truck are:

  1. Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO): Made from organic materials, these are typically quieter but may wear faster and be less effective under the heavy load and heat of a diesel truck.

  2. Ceramic: Known for being quiet and producing less dust, ceramic pads offer excellent stopping power and thermal stability, making them a popular choice for many modern diesel trucks.

  3. Semi-Metallic: Containing 30% to 70% metals, these pads are highly durable, dissipate heat well, and provide the aggressive braking friction needed for heavy-duty diesel applications like trucks and towing vehicles.

Each type suits different driving needs and diesel truck types.

What are the 3 signs that brake pads are worn?

For your diesel truck, it is critical to recognize these common indicators that your brake pads are worn:

  1. Squeaking or Squealing Noises: A high-pitched sound (often caused by the built-in wear indicator) when you apply the brakes.

  2. Grinding or Scraping Noises: A harsh, low-pitched metal-on-metal sound, indicating the pads are completely gone and the backing plate is damaging the rotor.

  3. Brake Warning Light: The brake system warning light (often a circular symbol with an exclamation point or the word "BRAKE") illuminates on your dashboard.

If you notice any of these signs on your diesel truck, immediate inspection at RG Diesel LLC is required to maintain safety and prevent costly damage.

What is the 30-30-30 rule for brakes?

The 30-30-30 Rule is a common guideline used for the essential "bedding-in" process when installing new brake pads and rotors on your diesel truck.

This method involves:

  • 30 gentle stops from
  • 30 mph (48 km/h), with
  • 30 seconds of cooling between each stop.

This specific braking pattern helps to properly transfer a thin, even layer of friction material from the new pads onto the rotor surface, which maximizes braking performance and longevity for your diesel truck.

At RG Diesel, we fix it right the first time with expert service, dependable workmanship, and honest communication you can count on.

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Hours Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Service Area Greeneville, Mosheim, Newport
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