Kenworth T860 truck drivers have all sat on the side of the road or in a parking lot at some point in their careers, unsure why their rig isn't running correctly. However, regardless of the cause of the failure, the costs of towing, repairs, and downtime may soon pile up. It's also aggravating for the drivers, who must rearrange their schedules while dealing with the stress of a broken-down vehicle.
Whether you're a Kenworth T860 contract trucker or a fleet manager, you're probably well aware that any Kenworth T860 truck will eventually develop mechanical or electrical issues. Fortunately, many of these issues are repairable or may be avoided, or at least alleviated, with proper maintenance. This tutorial will go through the most common causes of Kenworth T860 truck troubles and how to avoid them.
The braking system is perhaps the most frequent repair on a vehicle. Modern vehicles' braking systems are more prone to fluid or air leaks due to greater cargoes putting enormous strain on the brakes. Corrosion and contamination from dirt or moisture may also cause brake components to wear out or fail more quickly, and these may ultimately lead to complete brake failure if not treated properly.
A faulty brake is one of the last things a truck driver wants to think about while driving; therefore, routine maintenance and inspection are essential. Even while many brake components are meant to wear out over time, good maintenance and driving habits may help them last longer.
Tire-related issues account for more than half of all roadside breakdowns. The tires are under-inflated in many of these situations, causing the tire to bend and heat up. When a tire becomes overheated, the rubber begins to weaken and finally explodes. Uneven tire tread wear may be caused by a misaligned or damaged suspension, resulting in poor ride quality and greater risk of flats.
Tires are subject to harm from the road itself and tire pressure and tread degradation. If you hit a pothole or an obstruction at 60 miles per hour, the tire will bear the bulk of the impact. The tire's sidewall will compress against the wheel flange if the force is strong enough. This "pinch shock" action might result in a fracture forming within the tire or perhaps tearing a chunk of the rubber.
When the treads wear down, the tires, like the brakes, will need to be replaced. However, keeping correct tire air pressure and changing it as required, maintaining good wheel alignment, and driving cautiously to avoid potholes and other road hazards can help you get the most mileage out of each one. A considerable bulge on the side of the tire typically indicates this, and it should be replaced.
While modern semi-Kenworth T860 truck engines are very efficient and long-lasting, they are not impervious to breakdowns. Overheating is a frequent problem, and it may be caused by anything from a leak in the coolant line to a burst gasket. Another typical source of diesel engine difficulties is oil oxidation, which occurs when the vehicle is motionless for an extended period of time. Other specific engine failure causes include worn or faulty fuel injectors, pumps, gasoline, and the EGR valve.
The more miles your truck has, the more critical it is to maintain the engine. Working with a maintenance specialist to analyze possible causes of overheating and malfunctions is also vital to avoiding long-term failures.
Starter difficulties are often linked to the colder winter months. However, they may occur at any time of year. In many situations, the issue is caused by a loose or corroded battery connection or a damaged battery, which may be resolved by replacing the afflicted component. However, in some instances, the issue is with the starting components, such as worn brushes, broken armatures, coil windings that cause an excessive current draw, or magnets rubbing against other elements, producing increased internal friction. As a result, the starter may crank the engine slowly, loudly, or not at all. A starting point of failure may also engage for a short time before slipping.
Regardless of the weather, the starting mechanism should be inspected regularly to avoid significant ignition difficulties in the future. The operator nearly always detects clear indicators of starter failure, especially when starting the engine after a lengthy period of inactivity. Radios and non-essential components should also be switched off during the motor start phase to reduce the pressure on the starter and battery.
Wheel bearings are intended to let wheels travel with as little friction as possible, yet they are still subjected to the same forces. The bearings will ultimately fail, indicated by a roaring sound coming from the wheel well. Brake failure might also be detected by sudden jerking motions or significant wheel play.
When a wheel bearing fails, it prevents the wheel from moving freely, putting more strain on the hub, CV joint, axle, and other powertrain components. If the bearing is severely damaged, the wheel may completely lock up. Early diagnosis and replacement of worn or broken wheel bearings are critical to avoid catastrophic traffic accidents.
Overall, comprehensive and frequent maintenance is the best approach to avoid vehicle issues or keep them from growing worse. Best practices include doing Kenworth T860 truck inspections before and after each journey and getting regular tune-ups and preventative maintenance from a professional. Use only high-quality replacement parts when the vehicle does need new components to guarantee longevity and dependable operation. Kenworth T860 is one of the most durable trucks that you can find out there. Make sure that you pay attention to early signs in order to identify these problems to stay away from trouble.
JE-CO was founded by Jim Egli over 40 years ago. Over the years, diesel maintenance and repair became the primary revenue stream, with ancillary services in metal fabrication (Trailer Flatbeds, Pup Trailers, and Racks).
Austin White and Mike Schwarz purchased the business in 2019 with an aim to build a brand based genuine customer service, honesty, and quality.
