Lubricate and communicate-those two words would appear to be the top two keys to an effective maintenance plan that will help eliminate the vast majority of potential complications along the driveline of a commercial truck.
At least that’s the contention of a group of driveline experts with Roadranger, the marketing organization that supports truck components and systems from Eaton Corporation and Dana Corporation, including transmissions, clutches, drive shaft assemblies, axles, safety systems and related products.
“The benefits of proper lubrication are well documented,” said Bob Langbo, service manager, Roadranger, and director of around 50 Roadranger service specialists throughout North America.
“But as important as lubrication is, it is not a standalone cure-all.” Communication also is vital to properly diagnosing vehicle problems and getting the vehicles back on the road quickly.
The driveline is defined differently, depending on who you ask. Some people define it as the drive shaft and its various components, from the rear of the transmission to the front of the rear axle. Some include the transmission, the axles and the clutch, and others define the engine as part of the driveline.
Regardless of how many definitions exist, one thing is common: All these components must work together for optimum driveline operation.
Roadranger experts defined what they consider the driveline to be, and explained how each component should be treated in order to make the driveline last.
