TECH TIPS!!

DID YOU KNOW?

 

• CORRODED OR LOOSE
  Corroded or loose electrical connections create intermittent issues.  To help eliminate many of these issues we recommend inspection of all electrical connections for corrosion, looseness or heat damage during routine maintenance of the apparatus.  Clean, Tighten or replace connectors as necessary.

 

• ELECTRICAL TESTING EQUIPMENT
  Save those old harnesses, connectors and components.  These items make great test equipment and adapters.  Saving a damaged section of data-link to utilize the 3 pin connector with a short cable to alligator clips is a great way to test the resistance of the data-link.  By saving the base of a defective fuse or circuit beader and attaching short lengths of wires to the remaining terminals and the other end to alligator clips makes a fast test point to measure the current of a specific circuit.

 

•  U-BOLT TORQUE
  Regular checks of the suspension U-bolt torque may prevent expensive repairs down the road.  Newly delivered apparatus require a U-bolt torque check within the first 500 miles of operation and then at 24,000 miles or yearly, which ever comes first.  Failure to perform these checks and required tightening may result in the U-bolts breaking.  (Refer to the Custom Chassis Maintenance and Operation Manual for details)

 

• SUSPENSION LUBRICATION
  All spring suspension pins should be lubricated monthly.  When lubrication with lithium NLGI grade EP2 grease, the truck should be raised and the load taken off the suspension.  This allows grease to flow more freely from the pin to the spring or hanger bushings.  A monthly greasing of these pins will increase the life of the springs, bushings and pins.

 

• TIRE PRESSURE
  Improperly inflated tires can cause harsh ride and potential safety hazards.  Tire inflation pressures needs to be determined by the in-service weight of the truck (loaded with water, personnel and equipment) not by the PSI markings on the tire or the federal tag.  Consult your Custom Chassis Operations And Maintenance Manual and refer to the air pressure chart for proper inflation levels to reduce handling and tire wear problems.