The heavy-duty trucking industry is well known for its overwhelming demand, and as such, it’s not surprising that many drivers fall behind on their preventive maintenance regimen for their Kenworth trucks. Whether it be due to tight delivery schedules or complex logistical problems, sometimes routine maintenance is left on the back burner. However, falling behind on preventive maintenance isn’t something to take lightly. It may result in premature wear and tear and may even cause damage to your Kenworth truck’s critical components, like your engine and transmission. For these reasons, among others, it’s important for fleet managers and drivers to be able to identify wear and tear when it happens. Catching problems early can save you a lot of money in the long run, and for those who push the boundaries of their preventive maintenance regimen, that know-how is a necessity.
Let's examine some of the most typical vehicle repairs that fleet managers encounter.
Starter Issues
As the colder months approach, the starter motor in your Kenworth truck should be checked out more often. In the winter, starter failure may become a frequent issue. The operator will likely become aware of obvious problems with a starter motor initially, and the difficulty will only grow worse as the outside temperature drops. To identify the issue, non-essential systems, like your radio and HVAC system, should be switched off during the motor start phase.
Kenworth truck starter issues are often associated with the cooler winter months. They may, however, happen at any time of the year. A broken battery or a loose or corroded battery connection is often to blame for the problem, which can usually be fixed by swapping out the offending part. However, there are times when the starter itself is the problem, such as when brushes are worn out, armatures are damaged, coil windings draw too much current, or magnets rub against other parts of the machine, increasing internal friction. The engine may thus crank slowly, noisily, or not at all, thanks to a damaged starter.
Regardless of the weather, the starting mechanism has to be checked often to prevent major ignition issues down the road. To ease the strain on the starter and battery during the motor start phase, radios and other non-essential electrical devices should also be turned off.
Engine Overheating
A Kenworth truck may have a variety of aftereffects from an overheated engine. Nevertheless, if the issue is ignored for too long, this might eventually result in engine failure. As a result, it's essential to assess and resolve any overheating symptoms with a maintenance expert. Long-term, this may save you a lot of money and avert failure at a crucial moment.
Modern diesel truck engines are incredibly effective and durable, but they are not maintenance-free. Overheating is a common issue that may be brought on by anything from a ruptured gasket to a coolant line leak. The most common causes of engine overheating are typically fan hub issues, fan clutch issues, and plugged radiators.
Tire and Wheel Bearing Wear
Wheel bearings are crucial components that enable your wheel to roll down the road with the least amount of resistance possible. The bearings may be worn if the driver detects unusually loud noise coming from the wheel wells when the vehicle is in motion. Unsteady road movements or a vehicle that seems jerky might also be signs of wear. As for your heavy-duty tires, be sure to keep an eye out for uneven tread wear. Uneven tread wear is an indicator of steering and suspension misalignment and should always be taken seriously.
Brake Adjuster Wear
Brake wear is one of the easier problems to identify, for the symptoms are very obvious. Before each trip, you should be inspecting your brake adjusters for damage. They hang quite low and are prone to damage from road debris and road-based contaminants. The signs of brake adjuster wear and damage include busted seals, boots, operating mechanisms, and visible misalignment.
Final Thoughts
In general, thorough and regular maintenance is the greatest strategy to prevent problems or stop them from becoming worse. The best practices include performing inspections before and after each trip as well as having expert maintenance performed on a regular basis. When your Kenworth truck does need new parts, always choose high-quality replacements to ensure durability and reliable operation.
