Technicians' Questions
The service technician survey consisted of 25 questions requiring a total of 31 responses. Four of the questions were designed to describe the characteristics of the technician. The remaining 21 questions required 27 right or wrong responses and were designed to measure technicians’ knowledge of brakes and brake inspection and adjustment methods.
Overall, 59% of the participating technicians scored 60% or higher while 11% scored 30% or lower. Only 18% scored 80% or higher. The average score for technicians who left some of the responses blank was just 53%. For technicians who answered all the questions, the average score was 68%.
Here's a sample of 15 questions directed to technicians from that 2012 quiz. How well to you think your techs would score?
1. Indicate the conditions for properly checking brake pushrod stroke.
A) Air pressure in the reservoir must be:
_ 60 psi
_ 90 to 100 psi
_ 100 to 120 psi
_ Does not matter
B) Service brakes must be:
_ Released
_ Partially applied
_ Fully applied
C) Spring brakes must be:
_ Applied
_ Released
D) Engine must be:
_ Running
_ Shut off
_ Does not matter
2. Are tractors and/or trailers, manufactured after October 20, 1994, permitted to be equipped with Manual Slack Adjusters?
_ Yes
_ No
_ There is no age requirement
3. When performing the Federal Periodic Inspection, how many brakes are allowed to be 1/4 inch or more beyond the readjustment limit, before failing the equipment?
_ 0
_ 1
_ 2
_ 20%
4. What is the longest push rod stroke allowed for a Type 20 or 24 standard stroke brake chamber?
_ 2 ¾
_ 1 ½
_ 2
_ 1 ¾
_ No requirement
5. What is the longest push rod stroke allowed for Type 30 standard stroke brake chamber?
_ 1 ½
_ 2
_ 2 ½
6. Do worn cam shaft bushings have an effect on brake stroke?
7. Indicate whether the following statements are true or false:
A) Brake lining on a non-steering axle with air drum brakes must be at least ¼ thick.
B) Brake chambers on each end of a steering axle can be a different size.
C) Drivers can normally tell when the brakes on their tractor or trailer are out of adjustment by the feel of the brakes.
D) Automatic slack adjusters need to be adjusted manually every so often.
E) Checking the Low Air Warning device in the tractor is part of the Periodic inspection process.
8. What do you do when you find a brake having an Automatic Slack Adjuster with excessive pushrod stroke?
_ Adjust them
_ Replace the automatic slack adjuster
_ Further inspect Foundation Brakes for possible issues following a diagnostic procedure, such as TMC’s RP 609B.
_ Contact the manufacturer for trouble shooting procedures.
9. How do you perform a free stroke test?
_ Use a pry bar to determine adjuster movement until brake shoes contact drum
_ Apply the parking brakes
_ Apply brakes at 90-100PSI
10. Dragging brakes are caused by which of the following?
_ Mis-installation of the automatic slack adjuster
_ Mis-piloted brake drum
_ Worn cams/bushings and return springs
_ Partial parking brake application.
_ All of the above
11. Brake stroke that is not within the DOT requirements can be caused by which of the following?
_ Manual slack adjuster not adjusted
_ Automatic slack adjuster not working
_ Foundation brake problems
_ All listed
12. Free stroke greater than the manufacturers limit indicates a problem in what part of the brake system? (check all that apply)
_ The Automatic slack adjuster
_ The Foundation brake problem
_ The Pressure in the air reservoirs
13. A brake measured to be out-of-stroke when activated using 90-100 psi air pressure, but with a Free Stroke within the manufacturers limit, indicates a problem in what part of the brake system?
_ The Automatic slack adjuster
_ Foundation Brake Problem
14. What is the Legal stroke limit for a 3” maximum stroke long stroke chamber?
_ 0”
_ 1-3/4”
_ 2”
_ 2-1/2”
15. When replacing the brake linings, drums or servicing the hub assembly there is no need to inspect the ABS wheel speed sensor.
_ True
_ False
