Truck Parts keep work trucks on the road for businesses. Whether you’re a truck fleet manager, mechanic, or driver, you know that the right parts make all the difference.
The best way to purchase Truck Parts is from a dealer who uses proper remanufacturing and recycling processes. This ensures you’re getting authentic parts that will last.
The most crucial truck parts are the brakes, which control the vehicle’s stopping power. They are designed with precision and reliability in mind because, if they fail, the consequences for both drivers and other motorists could be catastrophic. This is why truckers should make sure they have the proper maintenance and replacement parts for their brakes to ensure maximum performance.
Air brakes are the most common braking system used on trucks and semi-trucks. They operate through the use of compressed air, making them efficient and reliable. This is why many truckers opt to use them.
The air pressure in the truck’s brake chambers is regulated by a set of relay valves. These are controlled by the foot pedal, and they regulate the amount of air that is sent to each brake circuit based on how much the truck is loaded and the size of its brakes. The valves also monitor the brake drums and linings for excessive wear and tear, which is why regular maintenance is so important.
This maintenance involves a series of procedures called “crack pressure.” Crack pressure is the minimum amount of air needed to be present in the brake chambers for the relay valves to send air to them when the driver steps on the foot pedal. The higher the crack pressure, the more the air is forced into the brake chambers and the faster the truck stops.
Another critical part of the truck’s brake system is the actuation valve. Also known as the dual-control foot valve, this controls the operation of both the primary and backup brake circuits. It also helps to protect air reservoirs and prevent them from being over-pressurized or bursting. It can be operated manually by the driver or remotely by the control box. The actuation valve can also be used to activate Jake brakes, which are an emergency braking system for semi-trucks that help save the service brakes during a downgrade.
Clutch
The clutch connects your engine and transmission so they can spin at the same speed, or separate to let you shift gears. It’s one of the most important parts on a truck, and it can take an incredible amount of abuse. Drive it too hard, though, and you can quickly find yourself footing a very large repair bill.
One symptom that something is wrong with the clutch is the need for more RPMs to hit the speeds you want. This is because the clutch disc is beginning to wear out. Another sign is a burning smell or grinding sound when you press the clutch pedal. This is because the friction material is being burned, and it’s time to replace the clutch.
A clunking noise when you’re shifting gears is often caused by the clutch release bearing or pressure plate slipping on the flywheel. This can be due to the working surface of the clutch disc being ablated, contaminated or greasy – all of which reduce friction. It can also be a sign that the pressure plate diaphragm spring is weak or broken, or it has lost its elasticity.
A clutch master cylinder leak can cause a spongy or spongey clutch pedal, which is usually caused by over-stretched and worn-out springs, or air in the hydraulic line that takes up space the fluid needs to build pressure. If you suspect this, it’s a good idea to replace the clutch slave cylinder and/or master cylinder, as well as the hydraulic system pipelines, hoses and release bearing. You should also check the release bearing and clutch fork for any damage or misadjustment. Horton on-highway product manager Mat Stahl demonstrates how to change out a fan clutch using the new DM Advantage repair kit, which is simpler to install and cuts down on inventory requirements.
Engine
The engine is an essential part of a truck’s system that needs regular maintenance to prevent it from failing. Commercial vehicles often travel long distances on dangerous roads and their engines experience a lot of heat and pressure. Malfunctioning truck engines can lead to costly downtime and maintenance fees. However, a few simple repairs can prevent this from happening. Several signs of malfunctioning truck engines include excessive smoke, unusual engine noises and oil deposits.
The truck engine consists of various parts such as the crankcase, cylinder block, and the valve train. The cylinder block is a large metal cylinder that has a series of holes drilled through it for fuel and air to enter the engine. The cylinder head is the top portion of the cylinder block. It holds the valves, spark plugs and fuel injectors. It is sealed with a rubber layer known as a gasket to prevent leaks. The camshaft is attached to the cylinder head and controls the opening and closing of the valves to produce power.
Another important component of the truck is the crankcase, which serves as a reservoir for lubricating oil. The crankcase also contains main bearings and journals that help maintain the axis of rotation’s alignment under different engine loads. The bottom of the crankcase is made of an oil pan that stores and protects the lubricating oil from contamination.
It is important to choose a reliable truck parts provider with quality products. A reputed dealer will provide high-quality pieces that will last for a longer period of time, which will save you money in the long run. It is also recommended to consult with the dealer before making any purchase to ensure that the piece you are buying fits your truck’s specifications.
Transmission
A transmission is one of the most expensive truck parts, but it’s also essential to your vehicle’s performance and longevity. Addressing problems with your transmission early on can prevent further damage, reduce the cost of repairs, and preserve your engine’s efficiency for years to come.
The transmission is the system that converts explosive energy from your engine into mechanical energy to drive your wheels. Fuel ignites inside the cylinders and causes a miniature explosion that drives up and down your car’s pistons. This motion turns your crankshaft, which in turn spins the drive wheels. The transmission adapts this high ratio of engine speed to the slower wheel speed so you can get where you need to go without having to work your vehicle’s engine so hard.
There are many different types of transmissions, but they all work in a similar way. A manual transmission requires a clutch and shift lever to operate the gears, but an automatic transmission has a computer that operates the clutch and shifts for you. You can also find continuous variable transmissions or CVTs that use belts and pulleys to change gears. These systems are common in cars, tractors, side-by-sides, motorcycles, snowmobiles, bicycles and earthmoving equipment.
If you’re worried about your transmission, keep an eye out for warning signs like strange noises or delayed or erratic shifting patterns. A burning smell may indicate overheating or loss of fluid, both of which can cause serious problems. A transmission fluid cooler kit can help with this problem, as it will improve heat dissipation and extend the life of your transmission components. If your transmission fluid is low, you should have it replaced as soon as possible to protect the internal gears from unnecessary friction.
Tires
The tires connect your truck to the road and allow you to steer safely on diverse terrain. They’re also critical for your vehicle’s overall performance and fuel economy. But what most drivers don’t know is that there’s more to a tire than meets the eye. One tire alone consists of more than 200 raw materials and has several components that affect how it performs.
Tires have an impact on how a truck rides, handles, and withstands wear and tear, so understanding them is crucial. Most trucks use all-season tires that are designed for highway cruising and on-road driving with some limited off-road capabilities. If you drive your truck to and from work on a regular basis, consider upgrading to an H/T (highway and terrain) tire that’s specifically designed for highway driving.
When choosing a new tire, check its load index and speed rating to make sure it can handle your truck’s load and operating conditions. The load index is an alphabetic code that indicates the tire’s strength, and it correlates to its maximum load-carrying capacity and inflation pressure. The higher the index, the more it can hold.
Most truck tires have a sidewall marking with load and pressure information that’s based on the worst-case scenario. It’s important to follow this specification, as tires that are inflated too high can suffer from hot spots, which may lead to poor handling and traction, or even fail. When determining the proper air pressure, refer to the truck manufacturer’s recommended fleet specifications and always consult a tire and rim manufacturer. They can provide specific load and pressure tables for each tire size. This is a vital piece of information for drivers and motor carriers, as incorrect pressure can cause poor Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores.