Whether used for domestic or commercial means, vans rack up high mileage, spend long hours on the road and need to withstand heavy loads constantly. As such, vans will tend to develop a distinct set of mechanical, structural and electrical issues over time. Therefore, understanding these common problems and knowing how to address them can prevent breakdowns, extend the lifespan of a vehicle and save money. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common van problems and how you can resolve them, including calling the professionals here at VanServ.
1. Van brake wear & failure
Van brakes are more susceptible to failure and wear because of their weight and the additional loads they’re expected to carry. Additional weight means increased stress on things like brake pads, rotors, callipers and even brake fluid. Stop-and-go driving in cities or on delivery routes will only accelerate the brake wear further. Common symptoms of van brake wear include:
- Squealing or grinding noises
- Vibrations through the brake pedal
- Longer stopping distances
- The vehicle pulls to one side when braking occurs
There are, however, some simple ways of resolving brake wear and failure on vans. You can replace brake pads and rotors frequently, inspect callipers for sticking or corrosion, flush brake fluid every 2-3 years and upgrade to heavy-duty braking components if the van is constantly laden. You should have regular brake inspections every 10,000-15,000 miles to catch issues before they become a major problem.
2. Van suspension & steering wear
Constant payloads, uneven weight distribution, potholes and rough roads will take their toll on van suspension components, such as struts, shocks, leaf springs, ball joints and bushings. You will know if there’s a problem with your van suspension when the rear end is sagging, there’s excessive bouncing or body roll, there are clunking noises over bumps, and there’s uneven tyre wear. If you begin to experience these issues, then you should ask VanServ to:
- Replace worn shocks or struts with load-rated units
- Inspect lead springs for cracks or flattening
- Replace worn bushings and ball joints
- Consider air suspension helpers for heavy-duty use
3. Van transmission problems
Vans often tow trailers or carry heavy loads. This puts significant strain on transmissions, especially automatic ones. Heat buildup and neglected fluid changes will only accelerate the wear experienced. There are some signs of van transmission problems that you should look out for, including delayed or rough shifting, slipping gears, transmission overheating warnings and a burning smell coming from the fluid. In order to resolve the problem, you should:
- Change transmission fluid and filter at shorter intervals
- Install a transmission cooler if towing or hauling regularly
- Address warning signs early to avoid full transmission failure
4. Van engine overheating
High mileage, heavy loads and long idling times can stress the cooling system. Radiators, hoses, thermostats and water pumps are common failure points. To spot if there’s a problem, look out for the following signs: rising temperature gauge, coolant leaks, steam from under the bonnet and reduced engine power. Choose VanServ for van engine repair and replacement services if you want your van engine issues to be resolved efficiently and effectively. Here’s how to solve the problem with help from VanServ:
- Replace ageing hoses and thermostats proactively
- Flush and replace coolant at recommended intervals
- Clean or replace clogged radiators
- Repair leaks immediately
5. Van electrical issues
Vans will often power additional equipment when compared to more conventional passenger vehicles. This can include things like lighting, refrigeration units, inverters, onboard tools and more. Extra electrical demand will do nothing but strain the battery, alternators and wiring overall.
But how do you know that your van is suffering from electrical issues? The signs include a dead battery, flickering lights, faulty dashboard warnings and accessories that no longer function. There are, however, some straightforward ways to resolve van electrical issues, including:
- Upgrading to higher-capacity batteries
- Test the alternator output regularly
- Inspect wiring for corrosion or chafing
- Use proper fuses and relays for added equipment
6. Van rust & body corrosion
Vans are often more exposed to moisture, road salt and even grime. Cargo areas will trap moisture and accelerate corrosion in the process, especially on older van models. There are some warning signs to look out for that will indicate rust and body corrosion, including: rust spots on doors and wheel arches, soft or bubbling paintwork, corrosion under the van and sticking or misaligned doors, to name a few. So, how do you resolve issues with van bodywork and rust? Let’s take a closer look:
- Wash the undercarriage regularly
- Treat early rust with inhibitors
- Repair and repaint damaged areas promptly
- Apply underbody protection coatings
- Keep drainage holes clear in doors and cargo areas
7. Van clutch wear (manual vans)
Heavy loads and frequent stop-start driving place extreme pressure and stress on the van clutch assembly. Some of the signs that your van clutch is failing or wearing include a slipping clutch, difficulty changing gears, a burning smell and a high clutch pedal engagement point.
The great thing is that here at VanServ, we can repair and replace van clutches and van gearboxes. To resolve the problem, the best thing to do would be to undergo van clutch repair services and van gearbox repair and replacement services from us here at VanServ. Some of the things we will do to resolve van clutch problems include:
- Replacing the clutch before total failure occurs
- Resurface or replace the flywheel during the clutch service
To prevent van clutch problems from arising in the first place, do not ride the clutch when driving and use lower gears when the van is fully-laden. Together, this helps to reduce clutch strain.
8. Van exhaust system problems
Condenstion buildup, road salt and constant heat cycles cause exhaust components to rust or crack over time. But how do you know that you’re having problems with your van’s exhaust? Some of the common signs to look out for include: loud exhaust noise, rattling sounds, reduced fuel efficiency and failing emissions tests. But don’t worry, because there are a few ways in which those van exhaust problems can be fixed, including:
- Replacing rusted exhaust sections
- Repairing exhaust leaks promptly
- Inspecting hangers and mounts regularly
9. Van door & lock failures
Sliding van doors, in particular, can experience a lot of issues, as well as rear cargo doors. This is because they’re frequently subjected to dirt, wear and misalignment. There are some easy ways to tell whether or not your van door or locks are failing or experiencing excessive wear.
These signs include: doors sticking, doors failing to latch, broken handles, broken rollers or faulty central locking. Here at VanServ, we can carry out professional van key cutting and key programming services. However, if your van doors and locks are experiencing a more serious problem, then there are some other things you can do, such as:
- Clean and lubricate door tracks and hinges
- Replace worn rollers
- Replace worn cables
- Adjust the overall door alignment
10. Van tyre & alignment issues
Uneven loading and worn suspension components can lead to irregular tyre wear. While this isn’t a rare situation to be in, there are still a few signs that you should look out for to tell whether or not your van is experiencing tyre or alignment issues, including rapid tyre wear, steering pulling to one side and even vibrations at speed. But how can you resolve the problem?
- Rotate tyres regularly
- Perform wheel alignments annually
- Use load-rated tyres that are specifically designed for vans
VanServ specialises in van repairs and part replacements. Offering expert van engine, clutch, brake and gearbox repairs and replacements, among van servicing, remapping and more, we’re your one-stop shop for every single one of your van needs and requirements. No matter what the issue is, you can count on us to restore your vehicle to a condition that is safe and reliable every single time. If you’d like further information, get in touch with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable team today – we’re always pleased to hear from you.