Brake & Shock Repair
Enhanced Safety, Improved Handling, and Reduced Wear
Monson Truck & Trailer Repair provides complete brake and shock services for heavy-duty diesel trucks and tractor-trailers. Our ASE-certified technicians diagnose, repair, and replace brake systems and suspension components—ensuring maximum stopping power, smoother rides, and longer tire life.
Stopping Power and Ride Comfort
Stopping Power and Ride Comfort
Your truck’s braking system and shocks work together to keep you safe, maintain control, and reduce component stress. Worn brake pads, warped rotors, or leaking shocks can lead to:
- Increased Stopping Distance: Compromised pads or linings significantly raise stopping thresholds.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Bad shocks or misaligned brakes create feathering, cupping, or scalloping.
- Excessive Bounce and Body Roll: Worn shock absorbers fail to dampen suspension movements, causing instability.
- Overheated Brakes and Fade: Dragging calipers or collapsed brake chambers lead to brake fade under load.
Monson’s Brake & Shock Repair service addresses these issues through precise inspection, high-quality parts, and expert installation—keeping your truck safe, stable, and on schedule.
How Our Brake & Shock Repair Process Works
How Our Brake & Shock Repair Process Works
Initial Inspection & Road Test
- Technician performs a brake performance check: measure stopping distance, listen for noise or squeal, and gauge pedal travel.
- Conduct bounce and handling test to identify worn shocks or suspension issues.
Detailed Diagnostic & Quotation
- In-shop inspection of brake components: measure pad/lining thickness, rotor runout, drum diameter, and chamber pushrod length.
- Inspect shocks for leaks, pitting, or worn mounts; measure rod travel and rebound behavior.
- Present an itemized quote: list pads, rotors, drums, chambers, shock units, hoses, and labor.
Component Replacement & Repair
- Brake Pads & Rotors/Drums: Install new pads or linings, resurface or replace rotors/drums; torque wheels to spec.
- Brake Chambers & Slack Adjusters: Swap defective chambers; calibrate slack adjusters to proper stroke.
- ABS Repairs: Replace sensors or valve assemblies, clear codes, and retest ABS operation.
- Shocks & Suspension: Remove old shocks, install new units, replace bushings, and verify mounting hardware torque.
Air System Leak Check & Adjustment
- Test entire air system for leaks: apply soapy water to fittings, lines, and chambers.
- Adjust automatic slack adjusters and verify pushrod extension meets factory tolerances.
Final Road Test & Quality Verification
- Road-test at varying speeds and loads to confirm improved stopping power, stable handling, and quiet operation.
- Check brake temperatures and inspect for any unusual vibration or pedal softness.
- Document “before versus after” performance metrics for customer reference.
Key Benefits of Professional Brake & Shock Repair
Key Benefits of Professional Brake & Shock Repair
Enhanced Stopping Power
Properly maintained brakes reduce stopping distances by up to 20%—critical for heavy loads and highway speeds.
Improved Ride Comfort & Stability
New shocks eliminate excessive bounce, body roll, and ensure even tire contact with the road.
Extended Component Life
Fresh pads, rotors, and dampers reduce wear on driveline, suspension, and tire assemblies.
Reduced Downtime & Emergency Costs
Prevent catastrophic brake or suspension failures that can lead to roadside breakdowns or DOT violations.
Increased Safety & Compliance
Maintain all braking components to DOT standards—avoid fines, inspections failures, and cargo risks.
Why Choose Monson for Brake & Shock Repair
Why Choose Monson for Brake & Shock Repair
ASE-Certified Technicians
Our team holds Commercial Vehicle Brake (CMBT) and Heavy-Duty Certifications—ensuring adherence to strict brake inspection guidelines.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
- Brake dyno for live stopping-force measurements (if available).
- Digital runout gauges, drum micrometers, and chamber stroke gauges for precise calibration.
OEM & Heavy-Duty Parts
We source pads, linings, rotors, chambers, and shocks from top brands (Detroit, Bendix, Meritor, Tenneco, Gabriel) to meet or exceed factory specs.
Transparent, Itemized Pricing
- Brake Pad & Rotor/Drum Replacement (per axle): $550 (includes parts & labor)
- Brake Chamber Replacement (per chamber): $125 (parts & labor)
- Shock Absorber Replacement (per shock): $120 (parts & labor)
- ABS Sensor/Module Repair: Starting at $250 (parts & labor)
- Full Brake System Overhaul: Call for a customized quote based on truck configuration.
Fast Turnaround & Mobile Options
- Same-day brake pad replacements for standard setups—drop off in the morning, back on the road by afternoon.
- Mobile brake and shock service available within a 50-mile radius for fleets.
Our Brake & Shock Services
Brake System Diagnostics & Inspection
- Visual Brake Inspection
- Check pad and lining thickness, rotor/drum condition, and caliper or brake chamber integrity.
- Inspect hoses, lines, and fittings for leaks, bulges, or cracks.
- Air Brake System Scan
- Use pneumatic testing to find leaks, check governor cut-in/out, and confirm proper air reservoir pressures.
- Test brake chamber pushrod travel and measure chamber push force.
Brake Pad, Lining & Rotor/Drum Replacement
- Disc Brake Service
- Replace worn brake pads and resurface or install new rotors as needed.
- Clean and lubricate caliper slides or guide pins for smooth piston travel.
- Drum Brake Service
- Replace brake linings and adjust shoes to factory specifications.
- Resurface or replace drums to restore correct drum diameter and concentricity.
Brake Chamber & Slack Adjuster Service
- Brake Chamber Replacement
- Swap cracked or leaking chambers—restore proper diaphragm pressure and spring function.
- Re-torque mounting hardware to OEM specs.
- Automatic and Manual Slack Adjuster Adjustment
- Inspect and calibrate automatic slack adjusters; replace if out of tolerance.
- Set manual adjusters to maintain correct pushrod stroke and pedal feel.
ABS & Electronic Brake System Repairs
- ABS Sensor & Valve Service
- Test and replace faulty wheel speed sensors, modulators, or valves.
- Clear fault codes and confirm proper ABS operation under test drive.
- Trailer ABS & 4-Wheel Control
- Diagnose trailer-mounted ABS controllers; repair or replace boards, solenoids, or lines.
- Verify 4-channel coverage and dash indicator functions.
Shock Absorber Replacement & Suspension Inspection
- Shock Diagnostics
- Perform bounce test and road test to identify leaks, worn mounts, or weak damping.
- Use digital shock dynos (if available) to measure damping force under load.
- Shock Replacement
- Install premium heavy-duty shocks (gas or hydraulic) sized to vehicle GVW and axle rating.
- Replace rubber bushings, bushings mounts, or hardware as needed.
- Suspension Component Inspection
- Check leaf spring pack condition, U-bolts, hanger brackets, and bushings for wear.
- Recommend suspension upgrades (airbag assist or heavy-duty spring packs) when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my brake pads or linings?
Under normal highway use, inspect every 50,000 miles. Replace when lining thickness falls below 3/16" (4.8 mm) or if audible squeal indicates wear.
What are signs of a failing shock absorber?
Look for excessive bounce after hitting bumps, nose dive under braking, rear-end squat during acceleration, or oily, leaking shock bodies.
Can I have brakes and shocks serviced on-site?
We offer mobile brake chamber and chamber-brake-line repairs within a 50-mile service area. Full pad or rotor replacements require shop equipment but can be scheduled for minimal downtime.
What is an automatic slack adjuster, and do I need to service it?
An automatic slack adjuster maintains proper brake shoe clearance. We inspect and adjust them to ensure pushrod stroke stays within 1.5"–2.0" when the brakes are applied.
Do you test ABS modules and sensors?
Yes. We use OE-level scan tools to read ABS fault codes, test wheel speed sensors, and relay modules. Replacement or recalibration is performed on-site.
Stop with Confidence—Restore Your Brakes & Shocks Today
Don’t wait for squeals, vibration, or poor handling to become a safety risk. Monson’s expert Brake & Shock Repair team is here to inspect, repair, and replace—keeping you in control and on schedule.