Brake & Air System Specialists in Lakeland, FL
RVs and buses are heavy vehicles that demand properly maintained brake systems. A loaded Class A diesel pusher can weigh over 40,000 pounds. A commercial transit bus, over 30,000. At those weights, worn brake linings, a lazy slack adjuster, or an air system leak is not just a maintenance issue—it is a life-threatening hazard. Brake failure on a heavy vehicle does not give you a second chance.
Whether your rig uses air brakes (Class A diesel pushers, commercial buses, school buses) or hydraulic brakes (Class C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels), our ASE-certified technicians have the training and equipment to deliver safe, DOT-compliant brake service. We work on all major chassis platforms including Freightliner, Spartan, Ford, and commercial bus manufacturers.
We do not cut corners on brakes—ever. Every brake job at Nationwide Haul starts with a thorough inspection of the entire system, not just the component you called about. Because brake systems are interconnected—a worn drum affects shoe wear, a leaking air line affects stopping pressure, a failing compressor affects everything—and patching one symptom while ignoring the root cause puts you right back in danger.
Brake & Air Services We Provide
Air Brake Service
Air brake systems on diesel pushers and commercial buses operate under extreme demands, and the margin for error is zero. Our technicians perform complete foundation brake inspections including S-cam and automatic slack adjuster service, brake drum measurement and replacement, and brake shoe replacement with premium linings rated for heavy-vehicle duty cycles. For coaches and buses equipped with air disc brakes, we handle pad replacement, rotor measurement and resurfacing, and caliper service. Every air brake service includes brake stroke measurement to verify compliance with FMCSA/DOT adjustment limits—because a brake that looks fine visually can still be out of stroke and fail an inspection. We measure, we document, and we make sure every wheel end is within specification before your vehicle leaves our shop.
Hydraulic Brake Service
Class C motorhomes, travel trailers, and many towable RVs rely on hydraulic brake systems that face unique challenges. The combination of heavy loads, infrequent use, and exposure to the elements means that brake components can deteriorate faster than you expect. We perform disc brake pad and rotor replacement, drum brake shoe and hardware service, master cylinder diagnosis and replacement, brake line inspection and replacement, and wheel cylinder rebuilds. We also perform complete brake fluid flush and bleed procedures—critical maintenance that many shops skip. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture over time. Contaminated fluid lowers the boiling point and can cause brake fade or complete failure during sustained downhill braking—exactly the scenario where you need your brakes most.
ABS & ESC Diagnostics
Modern RVs and buses are equipped with sophisticated electronic braking aids that require equally sophisticated diagnostic capability. Our technicians use factory-level scan tools to read anti-lock braking system (ABS) fault codes, diagnose wheel speed sensor failures, and troubleshoot ABS modulator valve and ECU issues. We service ABS systems from Bendix, WABCO, Meritor, and Bosch across all major RV and bus platforms. For vehicles equipped with electronic stability control (ESC) systems, we perform full system diagnostics including yaw sensor calibration, steering angle sensor verification, and roll stability parameter checks. These systems are your last line of defense in an emergency maneuver—when an ABS or ESC warning light comes on, it needs to be addressed immediately, not ignored.
Air Compressor & Dryer
The air compressor is the heart of your air brake system. If it cannot build and maintain adequate pressure, nothing else in the system works correctly. We perform compressor rebuild and replacement, governor testing and adjustment, pressure regulator service, and complete air system pressure and leak-down testing. Air dryer maintenance is equally critical—a failed dryer allows moisture into the system, which corrodes valves, damages seals, and in cold weather can freeze air lines solid. We service Bendix AD-9, AD-IP, and AD-SP dryers as well as WABCO System Saver series units, including desiccant cartridge replacement, purge valve service, and heater element testing. We also perform air tank drain and inspection, because sediment and moisture that collects in tanks over time will eventually work its way through the system and cause failures downstream.
Air System Leak Repair
Air system leaks are one of the most common and most dangerous problems on air-brake-equipped vehicles. A slow leak might not seem urgent, but it causes the compressor to cycle constantly (shortening its life), reduces the air reserve available for emergency braking, and can cause brake fade under sustained use. Our technicians perform systematic leak detection using soapy solution testing at every connection point, fitting, valve, and chamber. We replace deteriorated air lines, repair or replace leaking fittings, service or replace relay valves, quick-release valves, and spring brake valves. We do not just find one leak and call it done—we test the entire system because where there is one leak, there are usually more. A properly sealed air system should hold pressure with the engine off and lose less than the FMCSA-mandated limits over a timed test.
Trailer & Tow Vehicle Brakes
If you are towing a fifth wheel, travel trailer, or any towable RV, your trailer brakes are just as important as your tow vehicle brakes. In a panic stop, properly functioning trailer brakes can mean the difference between a controlled stop and a jackknife. We perform electric brake controller diagnostics and calibration, electric brake magnet and drum inspection and replacement, breakaway system testing and battery replacement, and proportional braking adjustment to ensure your trailer brakes are working in harmony with your tow vehicle. We also inspect wiring harness connections, ground points, and brake controller output to make sure the electrical signal from your tow vehicle is reaching each axle at the correct amperage. Uneven or weak trailer brakes are not just an inconvenience—they are a towing hazard that puts every vehicle around you at risk.
Signs Your Brakes Need Service
Do not wait for a brake failure to find out your system needed attention. If you notice any of the following, bring your RV or bus in for an inspection immediately:
- Brake warning light or ABS light illuminated — these are not advisory lights, they indicate an active fault that is reducing your braking capability right now
- Spongy or soft brake pedal — indicates air in the hydraulic system, a failing master cylinder, or low brake fluid from worn pads or a leak
- Grinding or squealing noise when braking — metal-on-metal contact means your pads or shoes are worn past their service limit and are damaging drums or rotors
- Vehicle pulls to one side under braking — indicates uneven brake application caused by a sticking caliper, contaminated lining, or air system imbalance
- Air pressure drops when parked — a clear sign of an air system leak that needs immediate attention before you lose braking reserve
- Compressor runs constantly or cycles too frequently — the system is losing air faster than the compressor can replace it, indicating leaks or a failing compressor
- Longer stopping distances — if your vehicle is not stopping the way it used to, something has changed, and that something needs to be found and fixed before it fails completely
DOT Brake Compliance
Commercial vehicles and buses operating under FMCSA regulations require annual brake inspections as part of their DOT compliance obligations. Out-of-adjustment brakes are one of the most common violations found during roadside inspections, and they will put your vehicle out of service on the spot. At Nationwide Haul, we perform comprehensive DOT brake inspections that include brake stroke measurement at every wheel position, slack adjuster and pushrod travel verification, brake lining thickness measurement, drum and rotor condition assessment, air system pressure and leak-down testing, and complete documentation for your maintenance records.
We measure and record every data point so you have the documentation to prove compliance if you are ever inspected. For fleet managers operating school buses, transit buses, or commercial coaches, we can set up scheduled brake inspection programs to keep your entire fleet compliant year-round. A proactive inspection is always cheaper than a roadside violation—and infinitely cheaper than the alternative.
Why Choose Nationwide Haul for Brake Service
- ASE-Certified Brake Technicians with specialized training in heavy-vehicle air brake and hydraulic brake systems across all major RV and bus platforms
- DOT-Compliant Service — every brake job includes measurement, documentation, and verification to FMCSA standards, not just visual inspection
- Heavy-Vehicle Expertise — we understand that stopping a 40,000-pound diesel pusher is fundamentally different from servicing a passenger car, and we equip and train accordingly
- Factory-Level Diagnostics — Bendix ACom, WABCO Toolbox, and chassis-specific scan tools for accurate ABS, ESC, and air system fault diagnosis
- No Shortcuts on Safety — we inspect the entire brake system on every visit, not just the part you called about, because your safety depends on every component working together
- Warranty-Friendly — we work with extended warranties and RV protection plans, handling the claims process so you can focus on getting back on the road safely
- Honest, Transparent Pricing — detailed written estimates before any work begins, with no surprises on your final invoice