• JOB BOARD
  • POST A JOB
  • JOB SEEKERS
  • EMPLOYERS
  • TESTS
  • TRAINING
  • RESOURCES
  • CONTACT US
Menu
  • JOB BOARD
  • POST A JOB
  • JOB SEEKERS
  • EMPLOYERS
  • TESTS
  • TRAINING
  • RESOURCES
  • CONTACT US
WAGE ANALYSIS
  • LOGIN

  • JOB BOARD
  • POST A JOB
  • JOB SEEKERS
  • EMPLOYERS
  • TESTS
  • TRAINING
  • RESOURCES
  • CONTACT US
Menu
  • JOB BOARD
  • POST A JOB
  • JOB SEEKERS
  • EMPLOYERS
  • TESTS
  • TRAINING
  • RESOURCES
  • CONTACT US
  • Login
  • LOGIN

  • ARTICLES
  • 17/03/2016

School Bus Repairs

School bus repairs in the garage are different every day. The mechanic has to be prepared to diagnose and repair problems in various categories like electrical, air brakes, steering, engines and emissions. I’ve seen problems happen in groups of three and within a tight time frame. This isn’t surprising since every group of buses purchased per year has the exact same specifications.

Air brakes are a constant repair. They are worked hard every day with stop and go driving. They don’t have a heavy load like a transport truck but still have to stand up to expansion and contraction along with different loads and speeds. The bus I covered in the video getting a brake job was due for a complete rear axle brake component replacement. Everything gets a look over on top of shoes and linings. The spring brake chambers and slack adjusters are replaced every 5 years.

It’s amazing how cheap brake parts are sold for these days. You can buy a relined 7 inch wide rear brake shoe for $23.00 and the common brake drum for those shoes go for $80.00. The spring brake chambers will sell for less than $40.00 each. MGM products are superior than the other brands so for an extra 20 bucks each it’s an easy decision. Long stroke brake chambers are a nice addition to modern air brake systems because of the extra 1/2 inch of brake stroke allowed.

The Navistar conventional bus with the coolant leak in the cab has happened to 3 buses… same year and specs. Every Navistar bus we have in the fleet (18 total) have this hose and for some reason only this one year have given us grief. When the hose blows it leaks in the cab all over the floor. If the driver can run out to lift the engine hood and turn off the coolant shut off valves to the cab they may be able to drive back to home base.

The diesel engine we’re repairing is torn apart waiting for parts. Bummer…that’s a frustrating thing that you have to deal with. Normally I like to have all of the parts in my hands before beginning the dis-assembly. In this case we found more trouble along the way and had to re-order which causes a delay. The downtime has been excessive on this job but you can’t predict what you’re going to find and fleet operators realize this.

The last job on the Chevy van is all about the park brake not holding according to the commercial vehicle inspector. The driver was stopped for excessive speed on a back road and the inspector did a complete inspection. The park brake failed for not holding. The inspection manual states that with the parking brake applied and the transmission in drive at 800 rpm the brake needs to hold. I think what happened is the inspector told the driver to hit the throttle. With disc brakes on the back wheels and the tiny drum / shoes making up the parking brake there is no way it will hold.

Regardless…. we replaced the park brake shoes and checked the other components. It just needs a re-inspection. I’m sure it will pass with new linings and a tighter adjustment. These are some typical jobs that we deal with on a school bus fleet. The mechanics are kept busy and have to always be on their toes.

 

 

More Articles

How it Works – Engine Cooling Systems

  • Videos ·
  • 31/01/2020·
Video: Cooling an engine down is just as important as making power! So how is that achieved? Internal combustion engines are often cooled by circulating a liquid called engine coolant through…
SEE MORE

Troubleshooting a John Deere Tractor and Skid Steer – Welker Farms

  • Videos ·
  • 30/01/2020·
Video The guys from Welker farms have run into more heavy equipment issues! In this video, they diagnose a tractor with a bad turbo, and…
SEE MORE

Case Combine – 8.3 Cummins Swap – Episode 1

  • Videos ·
  • 29/01/2020·
Video Rick from DEBOSS Garage finds a broken down Case 2366 Combine and begins to bring it back to life. Luckily he was able to…
SEE MORE

FLO Components – BOP20 Battery Operated Pump by Macnaught

  • Videos ·
  • 27/01/2020·
Video: Check out this amazing battery operated pump from FLO Components and Mcnaught! The modular design of these pumps allows the powerhead to be easily…
SEE MORE

How it Works – Fuel Injectors

  • Videos ·
  • 23/01/2020·
Video: Fuel Injectors feed your engine the precious fuel it needs to live! But how do they work? This video explains the intricate workings within…
SEE MORE

How Much Abuse Can a RUGGED Smartphone Take?

  • Videos ·
  • 22/01/2020·
Video: For any mechanic working in any environment detrimental to the lifespan of their phones, this product may be for you. This phone surely can…
SEE MORE
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Job Board
  • Employers
  • Job Seekers
  • Tests
  • Training
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Positions We Recruit

  • Heavy Equipment Technicians
  • Heavy Truck Mechanics
  • Parts, Service & Management

Connect With Us

Toll-Free #: 1-888-620-5111

Local #: 416-620-5111

E-Mail: [email protected]

Headquarters

5409 Eglinton Ave West, Suite 108

Toronto, Ontario

Canada M9C 5K6

© Mechanics Hub Inc. All Rights Reserved

Website Managed By StableWP

Unlimited Package Inquiry

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Ask Us a Question

Hidden
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Refer a Friend

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Hidden
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Success!

Your application has been submitted to the employer successfully.

Heavy-Duty Mechanic - Trucks & Equipment

Twinsburg, OH, United States

VIEW MORE JOBS
WAGE ANALYSIS
  • LOGIN

  • Home
  • Post a Job
  • Resources
  • Job Board
  • About Us
  • Job Seekers
  • Employers
  • Tests
  • Contact Us
  • Training
  • Wage Analysis
Menu
  • Home
  • Post a Job
  • Resources
  • Job Board
  • About Us
  • Job Seekers
  • Employers
  • Tests
  • Contact Us
  • Training
  • Wage Analysis

©2023 Mechanics Hub Inc.All Rights Reserved