NATDA: You taught this class last year. What
was the biggest problem you found dealers faced
that you were able to address?
SNIDER: Two things, actually. First, there’s a lot of tribal knowledge
in the service industry that melds bits and pieces of information
from automotive, agricultural, marine, trailer and other resources.
Unfortunately, it’s often incomplete, unspecific, or inaccurate
with respect to trailer axles. Providing accurate information along
with the “why” makes the difference in properly and efficiently performed
service. Secondly, we were able to reduce callbacks in cases
where the technician had done the work properly but weren’t able
to instruct the customer on how to properly break in new brakes.
They didn’t set expectations. Instead, the customer brought the
trailer back because they felt it wasn’t working correctly, resulting in
the trailer unnecessarily returning.
NATDA: The advanced, afternoon class necessitates
a little more experience. What qualifies
somebody?
SNIDER: Typical students will have prior experience in the subjects
from the morning class by education or experience. However, if the
student has some automotive or truck hydraulic brake experience
and is only interested in the advanced subjects, they are welcome
to attend.
The advanced class focuses on hydraulic brakes and heavier duty
axles. These make up a large portion of trailers sold at dealerships.
Hydraulic brakes are often used on commercial and marine trailers.
The actuation systems that provide the hydraulic pressure to make
the brakes work are not nearly as widely understood. We will cover
those in detail. We will also cover troubleshooting electric brake
controllers, state brake laws and touch on air brakes.
We will also discuss “reverse engineering” an axle to determine ordering
a replacement when the original lacks a serial number or if
there is no manufacturing record. In our industry, there is a lot of
new product and manufacturer turnover, so diagnosing an unknown
problem is valuable.
NATDA: Overall, why is this a class a ‘must-attend’
for dealers looking to improve their
service centers?
SNIDER: Long term financial and operational success depends on
the service side. The customer wants to get their trailer into the
service shop, they want the dealer to fix it and they want to go use
it. The training enables the shop to make proper cost-efficient repairs,
allows the customer to get their trailer back faster, and helps
the service center reduce callbacks. It is a win-win-win.
Proper Dealer Service Techniques for Trailer Axles
and Electric Brakes sponsored by Dexter
This is a combined classroom/hands-on course taught
from an axle manufacturer’s service perspective. The
course includes practical techniques for thorough trailer
axle service and reduced repair cycle times; including
error-proofing to result in maximum customer satisfaction
and minimized returns or call-backs. The course will
include:
• Safety considerations when servicing axles and brakes
• Proper axle bearing, hub, and spindle assembly; tools
and techniques
• Electric brake theory of operation
• Drum brake burnishing and adjustment
• Electric brake controller introduction
• Brake and trailer wiring harness electrical
troubleshooting
• Servicing electric brakes
• Tow Assist system overview
• Wheel attachment considerations
Advanced Trailer Axle Service, Suspensions, Hydraulic
Brakes and Air Brakes sponsored by Dexter
This is a combined classroom/hands-on course taught
with an expanded service emphasis on axle suspensions
and braking systems. Service techniques discussed will
emphasize suspensions and brakes, but the curriculum
will also address some special purpose, rental, agricultural
and marine applications. The course will include:
• State brake law summary
• Properly specifying replacement axle assemblies
• Medium duty axle bearings and seals
• Leaf spring suspensions and service
• Torsion axle theory, ride height, and service
• Tow vehicle electric brake controller troubleshooting
• Electric/Hydraulic brake pumps
• Surge hydraulic brake systems
• Hydraulic drum and disc brake service
• Hydraulic brake system bleeding
• Air brake introduction
• Trailer alignment troubleshooting
Are you or your technician interested in attending
this year’s technical training? Reserve your seat today
by calling 727-360-0304 or email Andria Gibbon,
CEM at [email protected].
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