Eight ways to improve brake performance
The brake experts at ArvinMeritor offer tips to help truck maintenance professionals get the brake performance they expect. 1. Automatic Slack Adjusters: Always troubleshoot brakes when the air chamber stroke exceeds the allowable limits. When you need to replace one automatic slack adjuster, replace all the ASAs on the same axle with components that meet
Ready fifth wheels for winter
Fifth wheel manufacturer Fontaine International recommends that fleets take special precautions during cold weather to ensure that their trucks’ fifth wheels continue to operate properly. Most fleets are already aware that many lubricants become thick and binding in low temperatures, and ice and sludge can build up on the underside of fifth wheel plates. As
Preparing diesel APUs for winter
Don’t neglect proper cold-weather care for Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) with single-cylinder diesel engines. The experts at Frigette Truck Climate Systems offer these guidelines to help maximize generator performance: Oil: Use oils designed for cold temperatures that lower the pour point. For temperatures of -10 to -20 degrees F, use a multi-grade SAE 5W40 viscosity
Understanding trailer load concentration
Fleets should understand trailer load concentration in order to buy the best trailer for their application and cargo. According to the Rogers Brothers Corp., a significant price difference can exist between two “identical” capacity trailers. Trailer deck load concentration relates to the design engineering assumption behind a trailer’s stated capacity, and each trailer manufacturer sets
Help prevent wheel-off accidents
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) reminds commercial vehicle operators that improper installation procedures can lead to tragic wheel-off accidents. Every commercial vehicle operator should keep in mind: • Proper torque is not a guarantee that the wheel is secure on the hub or drum––the key is clamping force. Even with the correct torque, foreign material
Bearing cleaning and maintenance
Proper bearing cleaning can mean the difference between good performance or bearing failure says bearing supplier, SKF. If cleaning is done improperly, the bearing, shaft or housing may become damaged, creating a more costly repair job. SKF recommends these specific procedures when cleaning bearings: Step 1: To begin the cleaning process, soak the bearings in
Refrigeration unit maintenance
The experts at Thermo King Corp. offer the following refrigeration unit maintenance tips: Cleaning When performing routine maintenance on transport refrigeration units: • Always wash the condenser and evaporator coils. • Washing the condenser in the spring and summer is particularly important, as pollen and insects tend to be most extreme during those seasons. When
Tire care for parked vehicles
With freight levels down, some fleets have had to park tractors and trailers. Goodyear offers these tips to safeguard tires when they are idle: Unload vehicles as much as possible, especially trailers, so that the tires support a minimum load. If storing for more than two months, place vehicles on blocks to take the
Troubleshooting electrical alternators
The experts at Haldex offer these tips (Be sure to place vehicle in neutral and disconnect batteries before working on the electrical system): Test the batteries before installing the alternator: Batteries must be in good condition, have the proper capacity and be fully charged. Inspect all wire and battery cables: These and connections must be
Steel wheel and rim refinishing
Refinishing steel wheels and rims is a key component of good wheel maintenance. TMC Recommended Practice (RP) 240 gives a comprehensive overview of the proper procedures: Initial inspection: Prior to the refinishing process, the wheel/rim should be thoroughly inspected for any damage or out-of-service conditions (refer to TMC RP 222B, “Users Guide to Wheels and
Trouble-free wheel-end care
As much as 90% of all wheel end seal failures are a result of improper installations, according to SKF. The manufacturer offers a systems approach to wheel-end maintenance in its Trouble Free Operation program, by providing fleets with detailed instructional materials and making hands-on training available to technicians. The following tips are from the program’s
Troubleshooting water pumps
According to the experts at Haldex, broken water pump bearings or shafts are caused by one or more of the following conditions: Excessive engine acceleration: If this occurs, particularly in low gear during quick getaways, it places heavy overloads on the bearing. So do high speeds, where severe whipping can cause fractures. Defective fan: Minor