A day in a garage

UK PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS FORUMS THE UK PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS FORUM (INTERACTIVE)
41

I think for a driver it’s a brilliant idea to work 1 or 2 days a year in the workshop with a proper mechanic.
We use to do a day of your induction training in our proper workshops, but than again we are used to change our tires and lights ourselves.
In Holland part of the Chauffeur Diploma is Technical knowledge of the vehicles, so that you know the basics and it count for 1/3 in your exams (Chauffeur Diploma = a qualification to be able to drive vehicles above 7.5 ton or with more than 8 seats the driver not included)

The reason for this technical knowledge is that the driver don’t phone the planning with the wonderful conversation:
Driver: it’s not doing it
Planning: it’s not doing what?
Driver: Don’t know, but it doesn’t go anywhere.
Planning: does it start?
Driver: yes it does make a noise when I turn the key
To find later out and a bill of GBP 500.00 of Volvo action service that a 50 pence fuse had blown or broken due to resonance.

The guys who been brought up without mobile phones, know the importance of having some technical understanding, the choice was, try to repair it or walk 9 miles to the next phone box.

And yes if you have some knowledge and understanding doesn’t mean that you have to be able to strip a gearbox or and engine, but at least you can explain to the workshop what is wrong so that they bring the right gear and tools with them.
Because we have a store full of “Thingy’s” but it’s important to bring the right thingy with us to get you going.

If they could ad it to the DCPC would be a great improvement.

And yes I’m a fully qualified mechanic and APK (Dutch MOT) inspector, it helped me over the years to explain to workshops over the world what we need, and got many a driver on the go to explain through the phone what to do.
Knowledge is power!!!

42

ShropsBri:
Spill about anchor locks then if you will be so kind.

zafr.com/trucktcom/b_chmbrs.htm

43

Mechanics fix things fitters fit new parts.

44

Ok, our firm thought it was clever to issue drivers with a box full of goodies, bulbs, airlines, suzies, abs/ebs leads, screwdrivers, adjustable spanners etc etc,( and we had to sign for them) so when i got mine i asked what they were all for, in case your up the road and you need to change something, saves calling someone out at great expense, now some drivers can, and some drivers cant, and like ive always said, you can always learn something new, no matter how long youve been in the industry. So when in the yard i discovered during my walkround checks, that a headlamp bulb needed changing, i was also told that its easier to jack up the cab ( daf cf 85 ) to do this job, and not being trained, i attempted it, and managed to change the offending bulb, and tested it, the big problem came when lowering the cab back down and snapped the gear stick, where the range change meets, clean in half, Why ? because its all very well expecting drivers to save the company money with d.i.y. but if they dont explain, that to tilt the cab on this vehicle, you have to put the gearstick almost into the reverse position, to save it getting bent afterwards, so instead of saving, it cost a lot more, plus a vehicle off the road, whilst waiting for the real mechanics to turn up and remedy my bulls up.
I did ask our transport manager to print a note to the drivers to explain this, and he didnt know anyway, and never did tell the drivers how, but still i will always phone the office and tell them i`ve got a problem, and let them sort it.

45

All drivers should watch this video to understand how a Turbo Encabulator works:

46

Oh now i know ?

47

Simple, just remember the three rules of motor maintenance:-

  1. ALWAYS use the right tool for the job!

  2. A hammer is the RIGHT tool for any job!

and most importantly:-

  1. Anything can be used as a hammer!
48

ratty_hmvf:
Simple, just remember the three rules of motor maintenance:-

  1. ALWAYS use the right tool for the job!

  2. A hammer is the RIGHT tool for any job!

and most importantly:-

  1. Anything can be used as a hammer!
  1. To prevent damage to delicate parts you should insert a thumb between the hammer and the part.
49

i’d def like to know abit more, just incase. it would be great if there was something that could be done
so it counted towards the dcpc.
i work at the same firm as the OP, and we do indeed go here, there, and everywhere, and it can be to a deadline.
it would be nice if in russia or similar, to have the basic knowledge to fix/solve/patch a problem just to enable you to make the destination or a dealers, so as to then get the problem properly sorted if need be.
i carry some tools with me, but i am bloody useless, if its beyond fuses, bulbs, or the famous hammer, i’m stuffed.

50

It doesn’t matter any more no one gives a toss and no one in the communication wilderness listens either.

Scene one, i’ve had a dicky starter motor for months on end, it finally gives up the ghost on the pumps at Stafford services, phone our breakdown people stressing 3 times that it’s the starter not engaging NOT a flat battery and will the fitter call me before leaving…yep you’re already there, fitter turns up in ■■■■■■!? with jump pack…goes back and fetches wrecker to pull start me, couldn’t get a tug from a handy bloke for a tenner cos the air lasted about 2 minutes once the engine was off.

Scene two another truck, artic car transporter with peak over cab, starter given up (eventually completely) but i’ve been able to bump start it on incline and kept it running all day long, get to home main dealer that evening, engine still running, speak to young fitter who wants me to stop engine, explain to him its a dodgy starter not batteries but i don’t realise he’s got a crystal ball and has diagnosed batteries, by now he’s getting shirty.
Shall i jack knife the truck so if it doesn’t restart you’ll be able to get the cab up?..no effin well just stop it where it is.
OK i stop the engine and he connects jump leads up, it won’t start well bugger me, so shirty now has the pleasure of changing the starter on a 3 series Scanny without the benefit of having the cab up…older fitters in background who i knew for years looking on in amusement.

See it doesn’t matter even if you have a good idea or know exactly whats wrong, those qualified to fit and in the call centres between won’t always listen anyway.

Its a treat though when a proper driver can explain to a proper mechanic exactly what is going wrong and often point them to precisely the fault by good sympton description, its not being cleverer than them its common bloody sense which is vanishing from this country faster than honesty honour integrity and loyalty.

Good mechanics appreciate good drivers and vice versa, we’ll soon be rolling up trouser legs and doing dodgy handshakes to recognise each other the way things are.

Incidentally both the above faults would have been a nightmare out on the road with satans automatic gearbox and no bump starting possible, kerching.

51

caledoniandream:
I think for a driver it’s a brilliant idea to work 1 or 2 days a year in the workshop with a proper mechanic.

And should go towards the DCPC as said above,

caledoniandream:
Knowledge is power!!!

Quite…Although I sometimes wonder how some drivers to remember to breath, never mind trust them to reline their own brakes :confused:

cieranc:
All drivers should watch this video to understand how a Turbo Encabulator works:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXW0bx_Ooq4

I’ll give him 10/10 just for keeping a straight face :grimacing: .

52

chilistrucker:
i’d def like to know abit more, just incase. it would be great if there was something that could be done
so it counted towards the dcpc
i work at the same firm as the OP, and we do indeed go here, there, and everywhere, and it can be to a deadline.
it would be nice if in russia or similar, to have the basic knowledge to fix/solve/patch a problem just to enable you to make the destination or a dealers, so as to then get the problem properly sorted if need be.
i carry some tools with me, but i am bloody useless, if its beyond fuses, bulbs, or the famous hammer, i’m stuffed.

thanks for all the replys guys there is such a varied response too… As chillistrucker here says we do work for the same firm and do indeed go everywhere… He is in the same opinion of me and many other that it would be a great idea… I began thinking about all of this when we were in st petersberg and my power stearing hose broke… Now we called out daf aid and in russia took them 7hrs to show up… luky was at the gig… Now all the bloke did was tilt the cab whip off the pipe and stik on a new 1… all with two spanners… seemed easy enough even thought it was -15 and snowing… now if id basic knowledge we could of gone to dafs got the pipes and tried ourselfs. … I think leaning how to just get you out of trouble and basic knowledge would indeed be great on the dcpc as its something alot of us may find useful one day… i to am useless unless its fuses bulbs or hammer… so goin to speak to the local deal and see if i can arrange somthing…

53

I think basic maintenance should be part of the driver cpc. As a mechanic, and i stress mechanic, not fitter i know within 2 minutes of receiving a phone call whether im talking to a driver or a steering wheel attendant.
Couple of ones received lately:
Driver:Truck wont start,
Me: Ok have you dash lights, headlights wipers etc.
Driver: Yep, think batteries are flat.
Me: No there not, is it making any clicking noise or anything?
Driver: Nope, nothing, im sure batteries are flat.
Me: No there not, describe the make and model of the truck and what gearbox it has.
Driver:It a Man 18 tonner with auto box, whats that got to do with it? Will you just get out of [zb] bed and come up and jumpstart it?
Me: Autobox? Is it in neutral?
Driver:Its in D.
Me:Ill let you figure it out from here on your own

As opposed to,
Driver: Hi there, i noticed a noise from the truck this morning, checked all wheel nuts but no rust trails and all wheels seem tight. Crawled underneath and there seems to be a lot of play up and down in the center of the driveshaft. Im not a mechanic but it doesnt look right. Its an 07 plate fm9 eight legger. Any ideas?
Me:Yep id say your bang on, sound like your center bearing is collapsed, txt me your exact location, im heading totry get the part now, ill be there asap.

Ill get out of bed at any hour to help the second driver but had i gone out to the first one i probably would have strangled him!

54

hi all
down here in africa a driver without some mechanical knowledge is an unemployed driver.
due to the vast distances travelled and dangerous areas its not a good idea for a vehicle to be parked for any length of time.

a few must know basics:
1.check your oil,water,tyres etc
2.change tyres
3.must be able to adjust/unadjust brakes in case of brakes locking,usually done after consulting with owner.
4.must be able to trace and mend leaks in airline or alternatively block off leaking valves etc
5.must be able to attend to airlock/uel line leaks
6.must be able to nurse vehicle back home without causing greater damage to component/vehicle.

i know this sound like a lot but most drivers around here are nothing short of being mechs themselves. :wink: :wink:

55

Santa:

ratty_hmvf:
Simple, just remember the three rules of motor maintenance:-

  1. ALWAYS use the right tool for the job!

  2. A hammer is the RIGHT tool for any job!

and most importantly:-

  1. Anything can be used as a hammer!
  1. To prevent damage to delicate parts you should insert a thumb between the hammer and the part.
  1. If none of the above work, use a bigger hammer.
56

Big Joe:

Santa:

ratty_hmvf:
Simple, just remember the three rules of motor maintenance:-

  1. ALWAYS use the right tool for the job!

  2. A hammer is the RIGHT tool for any job!

and most importantly:-

  1. Anything can be used as a hammer!
  1. To prevent damage to delicate parts you should insert a thumb between the hammer and the part.
  1. If none of the above work, use a bigger hammer.

And dont forget that if the hammer doesnt fix it then its obviously an electrical problem

57

kitbuilder123:
I think basic maintenance should be part of the driver cpc. As a mechanic, and i stress mechanic, not fitter i know within 2 minutes of receiving a phone call whether im talking to a driver or a steering wheel attendant.
Couple of ones received lately:
Driver:Truck wont start,
Me: Ok have you dash lights, headlights wipers etc.
Driver: Yep, think batteries are flat.
Me: No there not, is it making any clicking noise or anything?
Driver: Nope, nothing, im sure batteries are flat.
Me: No there not, describe the make and model of the truck and what gearbox it has.
Driver:It a Man 18 tonner with auto box, whats that got to do with it? Will you just get out of [zb] bed and come up and jumpstart it?
Me: Autobox? Is it in neutral?
Driver:Its in D.
Me:Ill let you figure it out from here on your own

As opposed to,
Driver: Hi there, i noticed a noise from the truck this morning, checked all wheel nuts but no rust trails and all wheels seem tight. Crawled underneath and there seems to be a lot of play up and down in the center of the driveshaft. Im not a mechanic but it doesnt look right. Its an 07 plate fm9 eight legger. Any ideas?
Me:Yep id say your bang on, sound like your center bearing is collapsed, txt me your exact location, im heading totry get the part now, ill be there asap.

Ill get out of bed at any hour to help the second driver but had i gone out to the first one i probably would have strangled him!

as a car mechanic, we get the top one all of the time,
couple of week’s ago, we had a phone call asking us to attend a flat tyre, so a go 4 mile’s down the road, armed with a jack, buzz gun and a scocket (we were doing it as a favour, so hence minimum tool’s).
got to the car nsf tyre buggered and parked on the grass, and with a extensive damage to the nsf wing as well. try’s to turn the car around, and it won’t budge, look’s at the nsf wheel to find it’s pointing at an odd angle. the inner track rod end has snapped. nothing i can do apat from take the buggered wheel back to work (8mile’s now)

get the part’s needed trackrod end, inner trackrod end, and new tyre on the old wheel. get back to the vehicle fit the new part’s and get back to work to collect a person brave enough to drive it back… (now at 16 miles)

go back to with the manager to collect the car (24 miles now), and get back to work for a full assment of the damage
all on the N/S/F
1x tyre
1x bottom arm
1x inner rack end
1x track rod end
1x inner C.V. boot
not to mention the knackered wing

it turned out the driver had over cooked it going round a corner, and hit a post that bent the wing and inner trackrod, leaving a the wheel at an odd angle, blowing the tyre out by driving it :unamused: the best of 10 miles in that condition before the track control arm snapped.

58

cieranc:
Replacement Technicians?

You speak for yourself bruv.

We prefer to repair things.

Not much repairing or mechanics done these days. We had a recent discussion about garage equipment.

Sandblast, test and regap spark plugs at £70 per hour labour or pop in a new set of pregapped plugs in for 25 quid.

Fit service exchange replacement gearbox or 16 hours labour stripping diagnosing and cleaning.

No brainers

59

Wheel Nut:

cieranc:
Replacement Technicians?

You speak for yourself bruv.

We prefer to repair things.

Not much repairing or mechanics done these days. We had a recent discussion about garage equipment.

Sandblast, test and regap spark plugs at £70 per hour labour or pop in a new set of pregapped plugs in for 25 quid.

Fit service exchange replacement gearbox or 16 hours labour stripping diagnosing and cleaning.

No brainers

Take pic of old box and flog on Ebay as used :laughing: :laughing:

60

Reason alot of dealers fit new parts can be down to cost is it cost efficent to fix the part on an hourly rate or fit a new part you have to work out the overall cost , when you have you own fitters on your fleet your only paying there wage so cost does not had up so much playing with old parts. when on roadside you get to talk direct to drivers as to what has happened so you get the full story which is a big plus, I get jobs all the time not all the info no driver details ect job is ie loss of power on way to job thinking fuel fault blocked filter, turbo fault intercooler pipe adrift , exaust brake stuck on. Get on scene to find out loss of electrical power.