Braking systems on medium- and heavy-duty trucks have undergone fast and furious changes in recent years. The emergence of antilock braking systems (ABS) and the increasing prevalence of electronic controls have kept technicians on their toes.
Most would agree that you need the right tools and diagnostic equipment to isolate a problem and execute a solid repair. But the brake manufacturers Truck Parts & Service spoke with all underscored the fact that good training is a brake shop’s best foundation.
“More important than any physical tool, professionals in today’s brake shop should be trained to work on today’s brake systems,” said John Hawker, service engineer, Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake. “This knowledge will go far toward ensuring these professionals can employ the necessary tools and expertise to deliver the highest-quality repair services.”
The best way to become well-trained is to consult brake manufacturers; many of them offer training classes, either person-to-person or online. “We have a team of very knowledgeable field representatives who travel throughout North America to provide detailed training clinics and other support to our distributors’ customers,” said Jerry Moore, heavy-duty technical support representative, Abex Brakes, Federal-Mogul Corporation. Also, Bendix offers interactive training through its Air Brake Training CD, which can be completed in three hours, either in one sitting or multiple sessions when time is tight.
Once you establish a well-trained staff, make sure you have both basic tools and a good mixture of more advanced tools available.
According to Hawker, tools supplied should include brake spring tools, bushing drivers, a dial indicator and a torque wrench. “In addition, specialty tools are extremely important when diagnosing a brake problem,” he said. “These tools should include a calibrated duplex gauge with matching hoses and fittings, an infrared heat gun, a computer with the software installed for the ABS system and an interface device used to connect the computer to the vehicle.
“Brake shops should invest in safety equipment such as jacks, stands and wheel chocks,” continued Hawker. “They also should consider equipment such as dial calipers, drum micrometers, spider alignment verification tools, slack adjuster removal tools, wheel dollies, wheel seal installation tools, spring brake disposal tools/chambers and snap ring pliers. These tools are becoming standard in the service and repair of today’s braking system technologies,” he said.
