february2021 - 30

global supplier for commercial vehicle manufacturers for specialty industries with a wide
range of aftermarket solutions from drivetrain
to brake systems.
Though most drivetrain systems are closed
systems, meaning they are designed to operate
for the life of the vehicle, Pillai explains, the key
to keeping these drivetrain components properly
functioning is lubrication.
" We have a lot of recommendations in our maintenance manuals, " Pillai says. " What oils should
be used for what application, what's the first oil
change, what's the [next] oil change, [et cetera]. "
If a component does end up needing to be
replaced, Mooney stresses the importance
of installing quality parts that are " virtually
maintenance-free and offer one-for-one replacement, " such as the Spicer three-piece driveshaft.
Because Dana pre-balances the Spicer driveshafts, it cuts down on replacement time since
technicians no longer need to use a balancing
machine, she explains.
Brakes
The high frequency of stopping during LMD operations can quickly wear brakes down.
" Unlike Class 7 and 8 trucks that tend to have
longer brake service intervals, last-mile delivery
vehicles may require two or three brake jobs per
year, " Raybestos' Reamsnyder says. " In addition, because last-mile vehicles frequently drive
through neighborhoods, the brakes not only need
to have a long life, but they need to be quiet, too. "
Justin McCoy, senior product manager for
disc brakes for Meritor, provides a list of items
to check in order to maintain the braking systems
on LMD vehicles.
Ü Check the brake fluid to make sure that it is free
from moisture and grit.

" Maintenance practices are not
only important to extend brake
system life on last-mile vehicles,
but they help ensure the safety of
the driver, passengers, drivers of
other vehicles, and pedestrians. "
Chris Reamsnyder, vice president of sales, commercial vehicle for Raybestos

Ü Check the wheel bearings for excessive movement.
Ü Check the rotors for irregular wear from side
to side, tapering, and cracks.
Ü Check the brake pads for cracking or missing
friction.
" Maintenance practices are not only important
to extend brake system life on last-mile vehicles,
but they help ensure the safety of the driver,
passengers, drivers of other vehicles, and pedestrians, " Reamsnyder says. " Safety is paramount. "
Tires
LMD also has an accelerated effect on the tread
life of tires.
Chris Novak, business leader, urban mobility
for tire manufacturer Michelin North America,
provides a list of qualities fleets should be looking
»Brake rotors are one part of the braking
for in LMD vehicle tires.
system that should always be examined
Ü Durability over extended mileage
for irregular wear or cracking to ensure
Ü Ability to haul heavy loads with confidence
there are no system failures.
Ü Improved protection from impacts, punctures,
Photo courtesy of Meritor
and aggressions
Ü All-weather (or all-season) performance for rough, year-round work
conditions, as well as wet braking in
high-stress applications
Regardless of the tires a fleet chooses, all vehicles need to go through the
appropriate tire maintenance checks.
Introducing the HD Pro III, our latest all-in-one,
The number one item on that list
do-it-all scan tool, covering class 4-8 commercial
vehicles and off-highway machinery, such as
should be checking the tires for the
mining and farming equipment. The HD Pro III is
correct pressure.
a wired Android tablet, perfect for those in a budget,
" A tire that is 20 percent below the
looking to perform bi-directional controls and change
optimal air pressure is considered a
& set parameters, diagnose hydraulic systems, brake
flat tire, " Novak says. " A tire that is run
systems, and perform VGT calibrations and DPF resets/
under these conditions will experience
regeneration. What's even better is that it now comes with
casing fatigue that could lead to a cataTwo years of Motor's FleetCross Service - a premier
strophic failure or a zipper rupture.
repair information database accessible from within the
If the tire has been run 20 percent
HD Pro III. Two years of software updates and all cables
underinflated, it should be removed
and connectors are included.
from the vehicle and scrapped. Under
CSA guidelines, a tire that is found to
be operating with less than 50 percent
of the maximum pressure (sidewall) is
in out of service condition. "
On top of always checking tire pressure,
visual inspections should be
S!
ARE UPDATE
2 YRS OF SOFTW TORS INCLUDED
conducted
to look for signs of irregular
EC
CABLES & CONN
wear in the tread or shoulder areas of
the tires. Tires should be kept clean by

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30 Fleet Maintenance | February 2021

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february2021

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