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.
Moore agreed that shops need to anticipate the further standardization of ABS systems when shopping for brake repair tools and technology. “If you’re just getting into the brake business or looking for new opportunities, the medium-duty category is by far the fastest growing segment,” Moore said. “In this category, you’ll be working on some advanced hydraulic systems with ABS, so you’ll need scan tools to interface with the ABS systems on these vehicles, even just to bleed the brakes.
“You’ll also need the proper diagnostic equipment-most likely laptop-type tools-to troubleshoot and service the air brake systems on late-model Class 7 and 8 vehicles with ABS,” he said.
Hawker also underlined the importance of electronic savvy when executing modern brake repairs. “Today, a specialist must have an understanding and working knowledge of the complete brake system, including electronics, pneumatics and mechanics. Electronics are an integral part of today’s ABS systems for tractors, trucks and trailers.”
“Becoming a specialist in ABS systems could be a competitive advantage, so the scan tools and other diagnostic equipment for this type of work will be necessary,” said Moore. “Another great piece of equipment for a high-volume shop is one of the new generation hydraulic lifts made to handle a commercial tractor, dump truck or other Class 7 or 8 vehicle. Depending on your volume, these could be a big boost to productivity,” he noted.
Both experts also stressed the importance of having service data sheets on hand for all the brake systems the shop services. Technicians should consult manufacturer bulletins to enrich their knowledge of individual components. Because of the variety and rapid development in braking system engineering, these written tools should be kept easily accessible, up-to-date and relevant, just as you would maintain the tools in your toolbox. Don’t stuff them in a dark shop corner.
Keep yourself educated about developments in braking systems and invest in the right tools for successful interfacing and repair work. By doing so, you’ll raise your shop’s productivity and profit.
Tools To Use
The following is a shortlist of suggested tools and equipment for brake shops:
- Brake spring tools
- Bushing drivers
- Dial indicator
- Torque wrench
- Calibrated duplex gauge with matching hoses and fittings
- Infrared heat gun
- Computers with installed software for the antilock braking system
- Infrared device to connect the computer to the truck
