Stearing Gear

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7Ar1VxE4JU

Alignment

Last week i spent most of my time studying and trying out alignments on the different vehicle in the shop. Alignment was always a bit intimidating to me for some reason due to the fact we always sent out alignment jobs to actual alignment shops. I guess i just wasn't positive on how things got to be exactly correct in the procedure yet the tool jeff had shown us with the aluminum bars and string made things simplified and took away all of the intimidation. Its basic measurements is all it is. Having been in the construction line of work for many years as well as architectural metals at this point in life, measurements and a tape are things I use on a daily basis and feel very comfortable with. Not a problem this last week in class at all..

Hours: 35

2nd air brake week

This week I finished up my air brakes, and did a lot of book study learning about the air system and how it all works. I learned an expensive lesson as well this week about correct torque specs. I did brakes and wheel bearings on my 93 dodge and decided toque for the lug nuts was good at 95 lbs/ft. Guess it wasn't...
Classroom/shop hours: 35

Moving On!

Now that electrical has run its coarse... Its time to move onto brakes, and drivetrain! Last week was a good successful week. I spent most of my time doing the 7 different brake jobs on all three of the trucks in the shop.
Below are the videos i made going through the process of a brake job. The rest of my time was continued with CAT Basics Drivetrain portion of the learning as well as spending some time studying through the Heavy Duty truck systems getting acquainted with the functions of an air brake system.
Hours (classroom/shop): 35

Hours

Last week I put in a full week with mostly Internet study and caterpillar basics. I watch a video explaining the sequence to remove an replace drum brakes and wheel bearings. I finished up the drivetrain section of cat basics except for the test.

Hours: 35

Torque Converters.... VERY COOL!

Doing some studying today and came across a video that was pretty informative on explaining how and lock up torque converter works. After watching this, the cat basic videos made a whole lot more sense. Being able to see the real thing torn apart and put back together solidifies the info I have read.

Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2fRCITXn4o&feature=player_detailpage

Quick question for Jeff

I could always ask ya in class tommorow but i thought you may take a look at blogs tonight so here was a question that crossed my mind.

I know alot of parts on vehicles as well as commercial are flat out replaced if gone bad. It was rare as an auto mechanic to ever rebuild a part, it was always replaced. In fact i dont think i have ever "rebuilt" a part or an engine for someone who was paying for service at a shop. Is there anything on these commercial tractor or trailers that are rebuilt or is it like auto shops and everything is just replaced?