2nd week of brakes

It's been more wheel ends and bearing adjustments. I've done a couple more styles that I've never done before. Also started doing the drum out of round testing and that's new for me. I've always gotten the concept, but I've never actually done it myself. I've seen digital calipers that perform the task, but that metal tool is a lot easier and accurate in my opinion. There is less room for human error, because it either fits or it doesn't. The steering axle springs on the red Freightliner were a challenge to get off/on with the tools, so I was shown how to just use a pair of vice grips. I've learned it's a lot easier and cleaner job if you was all of your components in the parts washer. That way your not kneeling in brake dust, grease, and dirt the entire time.

1st week of brakes

I've gained so much more insight on how the air brake system works. I used to just perform tasks without knowing the functionality/purpose of components. I would build air, release the parking break, change the shoes and components, and adjust the brakes. Now I understand how the S-cam, slack adjuster, and shoes work together to stop a truck. I grasp a lot better what's actually happening when an operator applies the service brake and what could fail.