Autoshifts, M-Drives and I-Shifts

We have the tools and experience to work on most heavy and medium-duty automated transmissions. In most cases, it’s best to send us the whole vehicle, unless you have the ability to diagnose the codes yourself, and you’re certain the problem lies within the transmission itself.

We can work on Fuller/Eaton Autoshift transmissions, Mack M-Drive and Volvo I-Shifts. If you do bring us the vehicle, please do not clear the codes. Those codes, even inactive ones, can help us diagnose the problem.

Call us at (562) 921-7754 to make an appointment.

Which Ratio is Faster: 4.11 or 3.90?

ringandpinionAn axle’s ratio describes the number of turns required by the driveline to turn the wheels once. Technically, ratios should be written as 3.90:1 , which means the driveline turns 3.9 times  for every one turn of the wheels.

So, the lower the axle ratio, the faster the truck will move.

An axle’s ratio is determined by the number of teeth on the ring gear and the pinion gear. If you divide the ring gear tooth count by the pinion gear tooth count, you get the ratio of that gear set.

 

Which Axle Drives the Truck?

tandamaxleMany heavy-duty truck have what is referred to as tandem axles. That is, there are two axles with differential assemblies, one is just an ordinary differential and the other has a power divider attached.

There is a lot of confusion about which differential is working when. We’ve heard arguments from people saying it’s the front, or the rear. The answer is: both of them are working all the time.

Both axles drive the truck, just like both the left and right tires drive a rear-axle pickup truck — as long as there is no loss of traction.

When the differential or power divider lock is engaged, each axle now drives the truck whether the other axle has traction or not.

Later axle models may also include wheel differential locks so that each wheel will turn, regardless of traction conditions.

A not of caution: driving on a surface with good traction (like a road) with the differential lock engaged is a sure-fire way to dust one or both of your differentials.

The power divider contains a nest assembly that compensates for minor variances in tire wear. Locking the axles disables this compensator, which will cause damage to one or both of your axles.

And never lock in your axles when one wheel is free-spinning. In fact, it’s safest to lock in your axles when the truck is stopped.

Make Clutch Pedal Freeplay Part of Your Routine

clutchpedalProbably the most common cause of a clutch replacement is running a clutch out of adjustment. As the clutch discs wear, the throw out bearing assembly moves forward, and eventually begins to press against the clutch release fork.

Eventually, the fork will actually prevent the clutch from fully engaging, increasing the chance of the clutch discs slipping. Once the discs beging slipping, the resulting heat quickly deteriorates the clutch friction material.

Including a regular and frequent clutch pedal freeplay check in your maintenance schedule will go a long way to ensure long clutch life. Also, show your operators how to check the clutch pedal freeplay themselves, as they may notice a hard clutch pedal before you do.