My experience as a student in truck mechanics

[Vince]

Not sure if such a topic goes here, or even if I can make one. But hey, that’s about mechanics, right? 😛 If I’m making a terrible sin by talking about TRUCKS and not cars, I present in advance my most sincere apologizes and give permission to whoever takes care of this forum to burn this thread with gas, or throw it in the middle of a demolition derby, or both 😛

So I began that technical program in truck mechanics back in September, and didn’t really talk about it on this forum since then! I can say it’s been at least 95% positive, ’cause there are always those things a little more undesirable happening. But every career has them anyway LOL.

Back on topic. I really like the profession I’m learning at the moment, and it’s so much different compared to cars! Totally different world really. So far aside from the general shop work module, if I can translate it that way, and other general modules, I’ve worked on wheels (including bearings), suspensions, brake systems, steering systems, automatic transmissions, and manual transmissions/clutches which is the module I’m doing currently.

I could never believe how different it would be! For example, say you’re working on a Freightliner truck, you won’t necessarily look for a Freightliner part! Truck manufacturers often use parts from other companies. A good example is air brake systems. You have Volvo and Mack which have their own but otherwise the two major manufacturers of air brake systems are Bendix and Wabco. And many many trucks have brakes from them, no matter which emblem is screwed on the hood! That’s actually quite cool to work on a totally different truck but still be familiar with most of the different systems. It’s also true for engines, axles, fifth wheels, transmissions, etc.

As a person who prefers to make things right, I really like the fact that things HAVE to be done right when it comes to trucks! There’s a disassembly, inspection and reassembly procedure for almost everything on a truck, complete with torque specifications and all measurements to take, like end-play or other plays, mostly in thousands of an inch. Compared to what I’ve heard a few times about car mechanics, where some technicians “cut the corners” for whatever reason, with truck it’s much more strict and rigorous. Heck cutting corners isn’t even an option. Well it is in some shops, but not the good ones 😛

There still is a bunch of cool things coming in the next months, including two weeks of practicum in a Freightliner dealership and my 2nd year of school, with all teh cool stuffs! xD Like engines, welding, electrical systems…

I thought of sharing pics and anecdotes from school, either on this topic or elsewhere. In fact I would already have a few anecdotes to tell from previous months. But since this forum is mainly about CARS, I won’t go overboard with trucks 😛

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[adam savage]

I’ve been wrenching on trucks for about 5 years now. Love every minute of it It’s a hard, but rewarding career.

[Author]

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