What are the Most Frequently Replaced Semi Truck Parts?

Here are some of the most frequently replaced semi truck parts and some tips on how to find a reliable replacement part for your truck’s model and year. 

Brake Components

Without proper brake maintenance, those brakes will fail you sooner. When they do, a replacement part will be needed. 

The most commonly replaced brake parts are the ones that directly experience the most friction and heat from the act of braking.  

Brake Pads:

• The brake pads create friction against the rotors/drums which inevitably wears it down. 

Brake Drums:

• Newer models have air disc brakes, but for most older models, the brake pads experience enormous friction and heat from hard braking and high-speeds.

Rotors (Disc Brakes):

• Regular breaking over long periods of time will generate  intense heat which warps or cracks the rotors, requiring a replacement. 

Brake Shoes: 

• A component of the drum brake system that acts like a brake pad. These can wear down and require replacement with frequent, aggressive braking. 

As a good driving habit, avoid aggressive braking and perform regular inspections on brake components. 

Measure the stroke and check the brakes. Hire a pro at a maintenance shop or do it yourself. 

Tires

Pretty obvious, right? Tires see the most wear and tear on the road. That’s why it’s important to get quality tires if it’s the last thing you do. Over 50% of on-the-road breakdowns are due to worn-out tires.

• Misaligned axles (the tires aren’t touching the road evenly and wear down quickly). 
• Overinflated tires wear out the center line of the tire and it doesn’t have proper tread. 
• Underinflated tires wear the outside walls of the tire. 

You can maintain your tires with aftermarket tire kits.

Tire alignments can save you thousands of dollars on tire replacements. You can use your tire tread down to the legal limit until replacement to get the most for your money. 

Cheap knock off tires aren’t a good investment. You’ll replace them too quickly - which is really expensive. 

Engine Parts 

Engines are complex. They have so many internal parts and they’re bound to break at some point during your many years of long-hauling. 

Signs there’s something wrong with your engine: shaking, clicking, and clacking sounds. 

Air Compressors

They supply compressed air to the truck’s brake system, air suspension, and other components. Because they operate under high pressure, frequently cycling on and off, they generate heat and stress.

Replace every 5-10 years. 

Fan Blades

Fan blades keep the engine cool by circulating air through the radiator. Over time, they can simply get worn down. 

Fuel Filters

Fuel filters remove contaminants from the fuel which prevents damage to the injectors and engine. 

Batteries 

Batteries get worn down due to a frequent start-stop cycle, which drains the battery over time. The battery has to exert a lot of energy to maintain accessories like refrigeration units, GPS systems, and other in-cab electronics accessories. When the engine is off, in-cab items draw battery life. 

Here are the components that you'll need to replace, aside from the battery itself: 

Battery cables and terminals: corroded or frayed cables interrupt power flow and stop proper charging of the battery

Starter motor: a weak battery strains the starter, causing it to wear out prematurely.

Alternator: essentially, a type of electric generator to charge your semi truck’s battery and electrical system. But these tend to go bad frequently.

They’re made in bulk at a manufacturing plant and there can be defects. 

Signs of a bad alternator: burning smell, dead battery, warning light, dimming lights, growling noises, and frequent stalling. 

Electrical Systems

Semi trucks have endless amounts of electrical wires. 

Each wire connects to something to perform a function. If a wire isn’t secure, the vibrations of a truck on the road can loosen and run through.

Now, you’re looking at replacing a component. Just replacing a $50 wire can save you thousands of dollars worth of future replacement components. 

Check the connections on your truck on any wire mount you see. Do it daily. 

Shock Absorbers

Shocks bear the weight of heavy loads and internal components which can naturally wear down over time. 

Replacement interval: 150,000-250,000 miles on average.

Suspension Components

• Springs: (leaf or air springs) absorb the shocks and vibrations of the road
• Bushings: flexible cushions between the frame, spring, and axles to absorb friction
• U-bolts: fasteners that secure the springs to the axle 

Exhaust System Components 

High heat and road vibrations can wear down your system over time, leading to leaks, cracks, or clogged diesel particulate filters. 

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) traps and removes particulates from the diesel exhaust.

A DPF can get cracked and clogged, which leads to inefficient fuel consumption. It then needs to be replaced. 

How to prevent it? 

Inspect the exhaust components regularly and clean out your DPFs as needed. 

Coolant and Radiator Components 

Radiators can become clogged and corroded with time. Coolants also degrade over time. You should aim for a coolant flush every 100,000 miles. 

Radiator components should be swapped out based on their condition. The most frequently replaced radiator components include: 

Radiator hoses: high-temperatures, pressure, and coolant flow can degrade the rubber material 

Signs of damage: coolant leaks, brittle texture, cracks or bulges. 

Replace the hose every 50,000 - 100,000 miles. 

Radiator core: inadequate coolant maintenance leads to wear and tear and sediment buildup over time.

Replace the core every 5 - 10 years, as needed. 

Radiator cap: the spring mechanism can wear out and cause pressure loss or a degraded rubber seal can add to leaks.

Replace every 2-3 years when and if it starts to fail. 

Thermostat: gets stuck open or closed due to high heat and pressure buildup over time; signs of damage include overheating, underheating, or massive temp fluctuations. 

Replace this part every 50,000 - 100.000 miles. 

Fan clutch: Mechanical fan clutches wear out and burn out from high use or road debris, damaging the fan blades, leading to reduced airflow through the radiator. 

Replace every 100,000 - 150,000 miles. 

Coolant reservoir: cracks or leaks occur from overuse or aging and can appear as leaks near the reservoir and surprisingly low coolant levels. 

Replace after every 5-7 years. 

Radiator drain plug: the threads or seals can degrade and then leak coolant. 

Find Aftermarket Replacement Parts at 4 State Trucks

Need help finding the right replacement part for your rig? Give us a call today and one of our specialists on staff will be happy to help!