At Maude Diesel Service, we see it time and time again β heavy trucks coming into the workshop with major engine and drivetrain issues that could have been avoided with regular servicing.
When trucks miss their routine maintenance schedules, small problems quickly snowball into expensive breakdowns.
Here are some of the most common issues weβve noticed caused by lack of maintenance:
π§ Engine Issues
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Oil Breakdown & Sludge β Skipping oil changes leads to thick sludge, poor lubrication, overheating, and eventually a seized engine.
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Fuel System Contamination β Dirty or waterlogged diesel clogs injectors and pumps, leading to rough running or complete failure.
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Cooling System Neglect β Old coolant and blocked radiators cause overheating, blown head gaskets, and cracked heads.
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Turbocharger Wear β Dirty filters and poor oiling quickly shorten turbo lifespan, leading to loss of power and costly repairs.
βοΈ Drivetrain Issues
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Clutch Failure β Overdue adjustments or ignoring slipping symptoms often result in sudden failure.
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Gearbox Damage β Lack of fresh gearbox oil causes hard shifts, grinding, and eventual rebuilds.
- Differential & Tail shaft Wear β Without regular oil checks and greasing, diffs, bearings, and uni joints wear out or fail β sometimes dangerously on the road.
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The Importance of Greasing
One of the simplest yet most crucial steps in drivetrain maintenance is regular greasing. Heavy trucks rely on grease to protect moving parts such as:
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Kingpins
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Cross joints
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Suspension components
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Tailshafts and bearings
Without fresh grease, these parts dry out, seize, or wear prematurely. This doesnβt just mean costly component replacements β it can also lead to serious safety risks if a joint or suspension component fails while driving. Regular greasing is inexpensive, quick, and extends the life of vital components, keeping your truck safer and more reliable.
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π¨ Why Servicing Matters
Here in Australia, trucks face extreme conditions β long hauls, heavy loads, dust, heat, and rough terrain. Without proper servicing, these conditions speed up wear and tear dramatically.
At Maude Diesel Service, we know how important it is to stay on top of maintenance. Whether itβs oil changes, cooling system checks, or driveline servicing, keeping your truck in top shape means less downtime, fewer costly repairs, and more time on the road where it belongs.
π If youβre looking to protect your investment and avoid engine or drivetrain failures caused by lack of maintenance, book your truck in with Maude Diesel Service today.
