Popular Posts How smart fleets are leaving manual processes behind Medium-duty box trucks are electrifiable, NACFE reports Ten questions before adding battery electric trucks to your fleet THWART SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES WITH EXTENDED DRAIN INTERVALS The (EV)olution of vehicle maintenance Connect with us advertise with us
How smart fleets are leaving manual processes behind
Medium-duty box trucks are electrifiable, NACFE reports
Ten questions before adding battery electric trucks to your fleet
THWART SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES WITH EXTENDED DRAIN INTERVALS
The (EV)olution of vehicle maintenance
Popular Posts How smart fleets are leaving manual processes behind Medium-duty box trucks are electrifiable, NACFE reports Ten questions before adding battery electric trucks to your fleet THWART SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES WITH EXTENDED DRAIN INTERVALS The (EV)olution of vehicle maintenance Connect with us advertise with us
How smart fleets are leaving manual processes behind
Medium-duty box trucks are electrifiable, NACFE reports
Ten questions before adding battery electric trucks to your fleet
THWART SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES WITH EXTENDED DRAIN INTERVALS
The (EV)olution of vehicle maintenance
Sponsored By D-A Lubricant Company, Inc.
Coolants: What You Need to Know to Prevent Downtime
Sponsored By D-A Lubricant Company, Inc.
Did you know coolant is just as important as your engine oil when it comes to your fleet? Coolant needs to be monitored and tested because mechanical and/or chemical reactions can take place hindering the performance of the coolant. Coolant can break down and become less effective over time. Not monitoring the coolant could result in corrosion and/or sludge, which can impact proper function of the cooling system. If the cooling system becomes damaged, you risk the possibility of the engine overheating causing downtime for your business.
Want to learn more about coolants? Attend this webinar to learn about:
Speakers Emily Featherston, Product Application Supervisor, POLARIS Laboratories Joe Heitker, Senior Director of Strategic Sales, KOST USA, Inc. Jason Morgan, Editor, Fleet Equipment
Sponsored By D-A Lubricant Company, Inc.
Fleet Equipment covers all the latest industry news and in-depth features related to trucks, tractors and trailers, including detailed information on the latest equipment components. Fleet Equipment tracks industry equipment trends, focusing on the issues that help fleets run the most efficient and productive trucks on the road. Fleet Equipment’s detailed editorial focused squarely on the equipment makes it an excellent resource for every fleet. The experienced editorial staff provides insights and solutions based on their many years in the trucking industry. Access to digital editions, contests, news, and more are ready for you today!
Fleet Equipment covers all the latest industry news and in-depth features related to trucks, tractors and trailers, including detailed information on the latest equipment components. Fleet Equipment tracks industry equipment trends, focusing on the issues that help fleets run the most efficient and productive trucks on the road. Fleet Equipment’s detailed editorial focused squarely on the equipment makes it an excellent resource for every fleet. The experienced editorial staff provides insights and solutions based on their many years in the trucking industry. Access to digital editions, contests, news, and more are ready for you today!
Fuel prices are high, so naturally, you’re probably looking into integrating electric trucks into your fleet so you can save some cheddar at the fuel...
Let’s say the boss is looking for your latest total cost of ownership data. So, you start adding up all the tiniest details to get...
So, you’ve done the research to determine the right battery electric trucks for your fleet, but equally as important is knowing your charging needs.Click Here...
Let’s say a Level 4 automated truck is driving along and – oh sorry, does that make you uncomfortable? Even if data could prove to...
Let’s start here: Safety is paramount, right? If you’re a fleet manager working in the heavy-haul world, you’re certainly familiar with the safety operation requirements...
There’s no substitute for climbing into the cab of a brand new truck, taking the driver seat, sliding your hand across the wheel and taking...
It seems counter intuitive–bringing diesel fuel to your trucks to meet your sustainability goals. Yet, decarbonization starts with fuel efficiency, and what’s more efficient fuel...
Cargo theft ticked up in 2020 during the pandemic and continues to plague fleets. Even the mere threat of a trailer gone missing can cause...
The only thing worse than starting your vehicle and seeing warning lights appear on your dash is finding out about the problem while you’re on...
Weak batteries that worked fine in the warm weather all of the sudden can’t provide the energy to crank the engine when the temperature starts...
As time goes on, more and more ways of doing something are being discovered and while that sounds great, it can be hard to keep...
Medium-duty: Sono Motors unveils production design of its Solar Bus Kit
Heavy-duty: Equipment finance sector new business volume down 1% y/y, up 10% m/m
Technology: Is trucking telematics an answer to the driver shortage?
Medium-duty: Xos makes initial delivery of 100% battery-electric stepvans to Gabrielli Truck Sales
Get the latest news, insights, and more delivered directly to you inbox.
Jennifer Smith is an e-Commerce Digital Content Specialist at JIT Truck Parts in Highland Park, Ill.
Replacing wheel-end components on heavy-duty trucks may not be on the top of every fleet’s mind, but the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) warns truckers to make them a priority–and fast. The CVSA has announced that the theme of the 2022 International Roadcheck inspections will focus on wheel-ends and encourages truckers across North America to inspect and repair wheel systems prior to the 72-hour blitz that begins on May 17, 2022.
Here’s what the ultimate cost of not repairing wheel-end components, what inspectors will be looking for during this year’s International Roadcheck, and the truck parts to replace prior to the inspection.
According to the CVSA, about one quarter of vehicle out-of-service violations during past Roadcheck Inspections were due to faulty wheel-end components with wheel separation being one of the most common causes of accidents. Wheel detachments can occur during tire replacements and rushed service maintenance. The most common cause for runaway wheels is the failure of fasteners like nuts and wheel studs but is also possible if hubs are too tight or loose.
During this year’s International Roadcheck, inspectors will pull over random commercial vehicles to conduct a CVSA North American Standard Level 1 inspection: a 37-step procedure that examines large trucks and motorhomes and reviews driver’s credentials.
Truckers are encouraged to be proactive and repair damaged wheel-end components prior to the three-day inspection. The CVSA has provided a checklist on their website of items they plan to evaluate on large vehicles. Here are some things they will check:
• Check for cracks or unseated locking rings, studs, or clamps. • Check for bent, cracked or broken rims on the inside and outside wheel rims. • Check for loose, broken, missing or damaged wheel fasteners and elongated stud holes. • Check spoke wheels for cracks across spokes and in the web area or slippage in the clamp areas. • Check the hub for lubricant leaks, missing caps or plugs. • Check the inner wheel seal for leaks. • Check the tire and valve stem for leaks. • Check for proper inflation, cuts, and bulges on all tires, including the inside tire on a dual set. • Check for regrooved tires on steering axle. • Check tread wear and measure major tread groove depth. • Inspect the sidewall for improper repairs, such as tire plugs. • Check for exposed fabric or cord. • Check for tire contact with any part of the vehicle. • Check for markings on the tire that would exclude its use on a steering axle. • Check for debris between the tires. • Check for tires touching one another or any part of the vehicle.
Steps 15 and 18 of the 37-step inspection procedure focus on wheels, rims, and hubs. As such, it is recommended that truck owners and operators conduct their own inspection for these components. Truckers should not only look but listen and feel for the warning signs of failing wheel end parts.
Typical wheel end systems consist of a seal, tapered roller bearing, and hub cap. Additional components such as spindle nuts, wheel nuts, and spacers also serve important functions that help the wheel end system operate at peak performance.
Among these components, seals play one of the most important roles in the wheel end system. Seals are meant to keep grease in and dirt and other contaminants out. By doing so, bearings stay lubricated and protected from outside contaminants and reduce the risk of premature failure. If seals are installed backwards with lips not facing wet/oil sides, they could cause leaks.
Additionally, wheel bearings are usually one of the first components to need replacement in the wheel end system and are usually good for 85,000 to 100,000 miles. They consist of a cup, cage, rollers, and an inner race. The job of the wheel bearing is to offer operational consistency under heavy loads. Truckers should look at replacing bearings when they are performing maintenance work on their brake systems. Misaligned bearings can negatively affect the performance of tires and cause them to wobble.
Finally, hub caps keep lubricants in the wheel hub and offer sufficient lube to bearings. Some hub caps may feature sight glass, a center plug and/or side plug for support and protection. Since hub caps protect lug nuts and wheels from external elements such as corrosion, it is highly recommended to replace hub caps to avoid tire-related problems.
In addition to these parts, truckers will want to check on their tires for adequate tire pressure prior to long-haul trips. Tire PSI is determined by the type of vehicle application and maximum load capacity. Other factors to consider include whether truckers are driving steer or drive tires and tire size. Heavy-duty steer tires should be set at approximately 110 PSI whereas drive tire pressure can set at 85 PSI.
Are You Ready for International Roadcheck?
The CVSA is giving truckers fair warning to make the necessary repairs to their wheel end systems prior to May’s pass-fail inspections. We recommend that truckers take time over the next few weeks to study this year’s procedure checklist and repair their wheel end systems to avoid out-of-service violations that may prohibit drivers from operating their heavy-duty vehicles.
Click here to visit the JIT Truck Parts for more trucking insights.
Heavy-duty: US trailer order placement continues to be choppy
Heavy-duty: FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index fell due mostly to diesel price gains
Heavy-duty: Navistar to meet sustainability challenges head-on with truck solutions, support
Heavy-duty: Penske Logistics recipient of Novelis Global Supplier Alliance Award
Truck industry content for fleet owners and managers