Truck Parts and Service | Heavy Duty Trucking, Aftermarket, Service Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/139395
Tech Updates STEPS FOR ADDING A VEHICLE LIFT W hen adding a lift to your service facility, Stertil-Koni advises to follow these steps to ensure you select the correct product. First, check a prospective lift's capacity and doublecheck the weight of the heaviest vehicle you intend to lift. Make certain that the vehicle lift you select is certified to meet, or exceed, that threshold, the company says. Second, carefully measure the height clearance of your facility. Specifically, prior to selecting a lifting system, measure the ceiling height in the facility and also note the height of the tallest vehicle you intend to service on the lift. Stertil-Koni says that will help operators determine if there is ample room to raise the vehicle to a serviceable height. Third, consider lift positioning. Stertil-Koni says with mobile column lifts, before you begin always lift on a firm foundation on level ground. In addition, when lifting outdoors, be aware of wind loads, the company says. Fourth, select a lifting system that prevents unauthorized access to lift operation. SAFETY RECALLS This could take the form of a locked control box or a secure key or wand necessary to activate the lift system prior to use, the company says. Fifth, select a lifting system that ensures stability. Stertil-Koni says to look for "synchronization" that starts immediately when the lift goes into motion and continues through the full range of travel — thereby ensuring safe and smooth lifting and lowering cycles, especially in cases where the vehicle weight distribution is unequal, such as three-axle fire trucks. Sixth, try wireless. For added safety when using mobile column lifts, Stertil-Koni advises to consider a system that offers wireless operation. Certain wireless mobile column lifts are powered by a 24-volt direct current system and require no interconnecting cables. Seventh, to ensure maximum performance and operational safety, select heavy-duty vehicle lifts that are third-party tested and validated. Further, make certain that all lifts are subject to a regular program of scheduled maintenance, the company says. The following are safety recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2014 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T470, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 trucks manufactured May 6, 2013, through May 17, 2013; and model year 2014 Peterbilt 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, 389K, 567, 579 and 587 trucks manufactured May 1, 2013 through May 17, 2013. An internal defect in the ignition switch causes the starter to engage when a key is partially inserted, before the key is turned. Unintended engine startup could cause injury to a person working in the engine compartment. Vehicles with standard transmissions may experience unexpected movement, which may result in personal injury or a crash. remain illuminated after the brake pedal has been released; the brake lights may be delayed in illumination after the brake pedal has been depressed. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash. Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2013 N-Series trucks manufactured March 8, 2012, through April 26, 2012 and equipped with an automatic transmission. Due to a manufacturing change, the transmission retaining ring may dislodge from the clutch drum. If the ring dislodges while the vehicle is in motion, the vehicle may lose forward driving power and become stalled, increasing the risk of a crash. Volvo Bus Corporation is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 9700 coaches manufactured from Aug. 28, 2008, through April 19, 2013. Certain conditions may cause the affected coaches to go into a software-controlled mode that would result in the throttle signal being fixed at 1750 rpms regardless of throttle pedal input from the driver. The driver may lose the ability to control the bus's speed, increasing the risk of a crash. Mack Trucks, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 CHU, CXU, GU, MRU, and LEU trucks manufactured July 16, 2012, through March 18, 2013 and equipped with drum brakes. The clevis pin for the brake slack adjuster may be missing a cotter pin. If the cotter pin is not installed, the clevis pin may loosen and fall out causing a loss of brake function on 10 the affected wheel. A loss of brake function at one wheel will lead to increased stopping distances and pulling to the left or right when braking, which may increase the risk of a crash. Blue Bird is recalling certain 2014 model year Blue Bird conventional (Vision) model school buses manufactured from March 11, 2013 through April 29, 2013 and equipped with Ford propane engines. On the subject buses, the brake light switches may not have been adjusted properly. Misadjusted brake light switches may result in one of the following occurrences: the brake lights may T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | TPS0713PG010_Tech Updates.indd 10 Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2013 Breeze and Allegro motorhomes. If the awning installation sequence was not completely followed, the awning motor may unknowingly become damaged. If motor damage has occurred, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the motorhome is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash. July 2013 6/14/13 9:57 AM