Tips for diagnosing intermittent electrical issues
Diagnosing performance problems is often challenging, especially when the concern doesn’t happen all the time. Intermittent problems tend to be time consuming and frustrating to diagnose. The diagnostic process for such issues sometimes amounts to trying a replacement part stored in the toolbox for just such occasions. That can work, but not always. For instance,
Checking truck electrical connections: Multimeter do’s and don’ts
As the spring season starts to thaw winter’s freeze, it’s a good time to give your trucks and trailers a good once-over to ensure that all components are operating properly. The lighting system is a good place to start. Check for any loose connections, broken wires or excessive corrosion at the connections, since, of course,
How to identify and repair an issue with a spring suspension
Durability is one of trailer spring suspensions’ claims to fame, with spring suspensions often outlasting the life of the trailer. That’s not to say it’s a “spec it and forget it” component. On the contrary, according to Collin Parker, engineering project manager for Hutchens Industries, the number one reason for premature spring suspension failures is
Maintaining bearing maintenance practices
Stemco’s product manager for engineered products, Vincent Purvis, said that in addition to TMC’s RP618A, “Wheel Bearing Adjustment Procedures,” fleets should also consider proper lubrication of wheel end bearings and systems as referenced in TMC’s RP631B. He highlighted the use of Stemco’s Pro-Torq or Zip-Torq nut to ensure proper wheel end play, and recommended the
The importance of keeping your axle vents in good condition
Axle vents are something few people ever think about, but they play an important role in keeping the axle in operating condition. Axles generate a lot of heat running down the road. As the axle increases in temperature, the air pressure inside the axle likewise increases. To accommodate the increase in air pressure resulting from
Truck tire inflation tips
The biggest challenge ensuring that you maximize your tire life is maintain proper inflation. According to Tiona Campbell, program manager for the Hendrickson controls business unit, underinflation is the biggest threat to tire life. Underinflation results in sidewall deflection, which generates excess heat and, in turn, weakens the internal tire structure, called the carcass. When
Common wheel-end service misconceptions
In servicing commercial vehicle wheel-ends, fleets and operators sometimes rely on industry practices that are accepted, trusted—and may no longer be valid. This installment of the Bendix Tech Tips series from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC and Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC (BSFB) addresses five common misconceptions, offering the facts behind each to help industry
Preventing fuel gelling in the common rail engine
The efficiency of fuel filters has come a long way over the past decade. In fact, most common rail engines being produced today include a factory fuel filter rated at a 2-5 micron efficiency, while just a few years ago they were being produced with a 10-20 micron rating. Although the tighter tolerances of
Maintaining good air quality in your truck’s cab
A long-haul truck driver can spend up to 24 hours in his or her cab and/or sleeper. The air quality in that small space is important to the driver’s health. Almost all trucks, today, come with a cabin air filter designed to clean all air entering the truck. The device using a filter media much
Preparing wheel-ends, air dryers for winter
Across North America, it’s getting to be that time of year: Temperatures are dropping, and fleets and owner-operators are prepping for chilly conditions and wintry roads. Before things get too harsh out there, the Bendix Tech Tips series from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC and Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC (BSFB) offers some simple steps
Preventative maintenance to ensure stiction removal
Today’s engines rely heavily on proper lubrication to run at maximum efficiency. Even a properly maintained engine can lose up to 4 HP per year. Of course, some of the loss is due to component wear such as worn cylinder rings. Other losses are due to sludge or varnish build up that degrades performance. Sludge
Bendix outlines recommended procedures for flood-damaged air brake systems
In countless ways, this hurricane season’s extensive and severe flooding has been devastating for people and property. With truck drivers and the trucking industry so vital to the recovery and rebuilding efforts in these areas, it’s important to keep tractors and trailers in safe operating condition and help avoid future issues if they’ve been exposed
