Taking apart a semi

I spent this week working with a couple of classmates to dismantle and International truck.  We tore it all the way down to the frame, axles, and motor.  I also learned how to use an inductor to heat up an individual nut.  It is way easier to use but not quite as fast as a torch.

65 hours
65 total

clutch adjustment

This week I learned how to adjust a clutch on a big rig.  I find this extremely handy to know how to do because any thing that has a manual transmission could have a manual adjusting clutch.  I also learned how to use a mag based drill and drilled a hole in a section of truck frame that was provided.
40hrs this week
340 hrs total

steering and suspension

This week I learned how to adjust the steering and suspension on a vehicle so that it drives down the road correctly and doesn't wear tires bad.  I have completed the given assignment on this and think it is an excellent way to make this adjustment.

40 hours this week

300 hours total

Abs and air line repairs

On the Freightliner the part that makes the clicking noise is the M21 abs modulator.  This part is now obsolete and was replaced by the M30 and that was replaced by the M32.  It works by sensing when the tire is going to skid the sylinoid closes the intake and opens the exaust preventing the tire from skidding.  It then reopens the intake and closes the exaust to reaply the brakes.  This system is designed so that even if the abs is not functioning correctly the brakes still work as normal the will just be able to lock up.  This is the url for the bendix site http://www.bendix.com/en/servicessupport/partnumbersearch/partnumbersearch_1.jsp
I also completed the two air line crimping repairs that you wanted us to do in class which are the first two pictures.

repairing damage

On this vehicle some damage happened that prevented the vehicle from starting.  When you would move turn the key the starter wouldn't engage and none of the electronics would turn on.  There was also no resistance when you turned the key.  I had an idea of what it might be so I pulled the dash apart and lo and behold the ignition was in about eight pieces.  (The picture is of the wiring harness that plugs into the ignition that controls the dash.  It was the only thing I could get a clear picture of with the lighting that I had.)  So I got a new ignition and installed it and everything but the fuel gauge worked.  I tracked the wire back from the gauge and found it to be broken and four others to have spots with insulation missing.  I repaired those and everything worked great.  I also learned in class what makes the clicking noises when you turn the key on on a big rig.  It is the abs system.  I will post more about it tomorrow when I turn the assignment in.
40 hours this week
260 hours total

brakes and bearings

This week I learned how to properly adjust wheel bearings.  I also practiced changing and adjusting brakes on the trucks in the shop.  I got my ten practice runs done for the assignment plus a couple extra.  

80 hours

220 hours total

wheel bearing adjustment

This is me testing the play in a wheel bearing with a dial indicator.  I got it to a half a thousanth of an inch of play.