busride maintenance october 2015
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The go-to maintenance resource for the transit and motorcoach industries!TRANSCRIPT
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BUSRIDEMAINTENANCE.COM
THE EXCLUSIVE MAINTENANCE RESOURCE FOR THE TRANSIT AND MOTORCOACH INDUSTRY
Routine voltage checks p4 | The art of effective complaining p6
p5
FOCUS ON:HEAVY-DUTY LIFTS
The Diamond LiftBy Stertil-Koni
The Parallelogram LiftBy Mohawk Lifts
Tire storage p9 | Multiplex troubleshooting p10
2 BUSRIDE MAINTENANCE | OCTOBER . 2015 busridemaintenance.com
CEO / Director of Advertising Sales Judi Victor
Publisher Steve Kane
Associate Publisher David Hubbard
Editor in ChiefRichard Tackett
Senior Art DirectorStephen Gamble
Accounting Manager Fred Valdez
VOL. 05 • NO. 10
A publication of:
BUS INDUSTRY SAFETY COUNCIL
FROM THE EDITOR IN CHIEF
Features
Multiplex troubleshooting
is a puzzle 10A twist in thinking doesn’t hurt By Steve Kiner
See and be seen: a guide to
headlight-aiming 11 By Motor Coach Industries
Departments From the Editor in Chief 2 Products and Services 3 Ask the Experts 8
ColumnsPreparing for Winter 7 By Colin Dilley, Ph.D.
Maintenance Facility Design 9 By James Bond III
OCTOBER 2015CONTENTSOn the cover: Focus On: Heavy-Duty Lifts 4 Mohawk Lifts and Stertil-Koni talk about matching the lift to the job
Richard TackettEditor in ChiefBUSRide Maintenance Magazine
POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to:
BUSRide Maintenance Magazine4742 North 24th Street, STE 340Phoenix, Arizona 85016Phone: (602) 265-7600 Fax: (602) 277-7588 busridemaintenance.com
BUSRide Maintenance is all about optimizing the shop this month. Equipment optimization constantly rates as a top priority among our readers based on surveys BUSRide conducts annually. To that end, top maintenance experts are sharing their insight and analysis on how best to optimize shop resources and increase productivity.
Take a look at what’s inside:• On the cover: In the ongoing “Focus On: Heavy-
Duty Lifts” series, we spotlight submissions from Mohawk Lifts and Stertil-Koni that center on matching the proper lift to the desired job.
• James Bond III of Maintenance Design Group explores how innovative tire storage solutions can be utilized to optimize shop efficiency.
• We present another fantastic story from the BUSRide Maintenance archives, as Steve Kiner proposes a new way of thinking about multiplex troubleshooting.
It’s our hope that this issue of BUSRideMaintenance will help you optimize workflow and
the equipment in your shop.
Shop optimization relies on knowledge
busridemaintenance.com | BUSRIDE MAINTENANCE 3
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
IPA innovates diagnosticsInnovative Products of
America® (IPA®) introduces a new advancement in automotive diagnostics, the #9038A Relay Bypass Master Kit with Amp Loop. This set makes DC motor activation and current monitoring easier than ever before. Simply plug the relay in, flip the switch and attach an amp clamp or low amp probe to power the desired circuit and see the amperage draw in real time. This set includes six spade relays compatible with most foreign and domestic applications. Technicians can use the Relay Bypass Master Kit with Amp Loop to energize any DC motor independent of “key on” systems, i.e. fuel pumps, cooling fans, blower motors, window motors, or any other motor actuated by a relay.
Innovative Products of AmericaWoodstock, NY
Antaira provides rugged Ethernet switches
Antaira Technologies’ LMP-1002G-SFP and LMP-1002G-SFP-24 series are cost effective 10-port industrial gigabit PoE+ managed Ethernet switches, with a 48~55VDC high power input (LMP-1002C-SFP) support, and a 12~36VDC low voltage power input with a built-in voltage booster (LMP-1002C-SFP-24), of which, the unit provides a full 48VDC PoE power for any low voltage power source or mobile PoE application environment. Each unit is designed with eight 10/100/1000Tx Fast Ethernet ports that are IEEE 802.3at/af compliant (PoE+/PoE) with a PoE power output up to 30W per port and two dual-rate 100/1000Tx SFP slots for fiber connections. Antaira’s LMP-1002G-SFP and LMP-1002G-SFP-24 series have been designed to fulfill outdoor industrial automation application environments. Some of these environments include: high density traffic control equipment within ITS applications, remote PoE wireless radios, security surveillance systems, GigE vision systems and quality inspection systems within factory automation.
Antaira TechnologiesAnaheim, CA
Match the lift to the need
In this issue, BUSRide Maintenance continues the “Focus On: Heavy-Duty Lifts” series, highlighting why it’s so important to choose a heavy-duty vehicle lift based on job criteria.
Mohawk Lifts, Amsterdam, NY, speaks to efforts by lift manufacturers to ensure the product on order is the correct choice for the space it will occupy, the makeup of the fleet and vehicles and the work that will be performed. In addition to the physical and mechanical considerations, the company addresses the hidden benefits of a lift that is right for the shop, namely the factors that affect productivity and bottom line.
Stertil-Koni, Stevensville, MD, addresses fleet operators’ growing demand for new approaches in engineering and technology to advance their safety, maintenance and environmental concerns associated with legacy in-ground vehicle lifting systems. With performance and durability the determining factors in the selection of vehicle lifting equipment, companies want to feel confident that the new equipment design and innovations minimize the problems of maintenance costs, while maximizing safety on the floor.
Heavy-Duty LiftsFOCUS ON:
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busridemaintenance.com | BUSRIDE MAINTENANCE 5
Determining which lift is right for the job not only dictates which types of vehicles can be serviced in the facility, but can also ultimately affect the shop’s productivity and bottom line.
Each lift type has advantages and may be better suited for the types of vehicles and maintenance and repairs that take place most often. Evaluating the following factors will ensure you purchase the right lift for your shop.
Most lift manufacturers offer a site survey to make sure the right lift is being ordered, there is adequate concrete on the floor to safely bolt down a lift, adequate electricity to operate the lift and enough ceiling height with no obstructions (in order to fully raise all vehicles). This is important to take advantage of because, for example, once a four post lift with 30 foot tracks is delivered, it is too late to realize there is only room for 25 feet.
If the repair facility is not conducive to bolting down a lift, which is required for four posts and parallelograms, mobile column lifts are a good alternative. Not only do mobiles offer the flexibility of movement from one bay to another (or out of the way completely when not in use), they can be used for brake service with the addition of a chassis lifting beam or use of low, mid or high rise support stands. These options permit the vehicle to be raised by the frame and leave the wheels hanging free.
While mobile lifts do offer flexibility, four posts have their benefits, especially if alignments and quick preventative maintenance are done often at the facility. Additionally, as all shops are concerned with productivity, it is important to evaluate which lifts are more productive than others. Drive-on lifts offer the ability for the technician to immediately start working on the coach without having to position the forks (as would have to be done with mobile columns). Four post or parallelograms also come available with track lights, which give the technicians a clear view of potential problems. This option not only benefits the techs to help them do their jobs better, but reduces the potential
By Steve Perlstein
Parallelogram lifts must be bolted down in the shop.
for a vehicle leaving the shop with unseen issues (and having future disruptions in service). If the lift will be in a wash bay, ask about galvanization, which holds up in corrosive environments.
Also to be considered is whether the lift is certified to the current ANSI/ALI ALCTV standard, which is the one and only nationally recognized standard for vehicle lifts and options. In order for a lift to be certified, it must pass rigorous third party mechanical, electrical and load testing. To determine if a lift has received certification, go to the Automotive Lift Institute website at www.autolift.org. If a lift or lift option is not listed on the website it is not certified.
Considering the facility where the lift will be installed and possible constraints is imperative to making sure the correct lift is chosen. Most manufacturers offer drive-on lifts with varying track lengths to accommodate the layout of the shop and vehicles being worked on. If a site survey is not done, make sure to communicate any floor or other restrictions that would rule out a certain lift type. Most importantly, check www.autolift.org to make sure the lift and lift options are certified and passed third party testing!
Steve Perlstein has been with Mohawk Lifts for 34 years. His previous experience in family repair shops provided him with both technical and lift knowledge for the motorcoach industry. Visit www.mohawklifts.com
6 BUSRIDE MAINTENANCE | OCTOBER . 2015 busridemaintenance.com
New engineering addresses concerns in legacy systems
Heavy-Duty LiftsFOCUS ON:
By Dr. Jean DellAmore
In the demanding world of heavy-duty vehicle lifts for transit bus and motorcoach maintenance facilities across North America, savvy operators are increasingly mandating new engineering approaches for their in-ground vehicle lifting systems.
The goals are critical: embrace new technologies and methods that directly advance safety, structural, long-term maintenance and environmental concerns associated with legacy in-ground lifting systems.
After all, safety, performance and durability are always among the most important drivers in terms of how municipal garages and large private maintenance shops select their lifting equipment. For example, when customers opt for in-ground piston lifts and make large capital expenditures for new or retrofitted facilities, beyond lift performance, they want to make certain that the new designs
minimize corrosion problems associated with lift floor frames, reduce maintenance costs and, that the new lift pit covering systems are flush and load-bearing – thereby reducing potential hazards to the lift operator on the shop floor.
Historically, some traditional in-ground lift floor frames corroded over time, at which point the corrosion expanded and literally pushed the floor frame out of the concrete vault (which houses the lifting system). In those circumstances, the lift could become unsafe and unusable.
One solution to address these pressing market requirements in in-ground piston lifts is found in the recently introduced DIAMOND LIFT, a heavy duty in-ground telescopic piston lift that is rapidly becoming a go-to choice in the U.S. and Canada.
Here’s why:1. The upper portion of the DIAMOND LIFT containment is
hot-dipped galvanized, which provides corrosion resistance at floor level and ensures proper interlock with the foundation.
2. The containments are coated internally and externally with DiamondGuard, which protects the containments against corrosion and electrolysis.
3. The DIAMOND LIFT features flush-to-the-floor high load-bearing anodized aluminum trench covers with a skid-resistant surface utilizing a continuous hinge with no moveable parts. These covers are driven hydraulically with an inverted rack and pinion system, sliding on a corrosion-resistant, self-cleaning surface. What’s more, these covers are capable of handling a wheel load of 13,500 pounds as well as a point load of 7,500 pounds on a four-inch square contact area.
4. The DIAMOND LIFT utilizes an industry-changing mechanical locking system that includes a hardened, nitro-carburized locking rod for superior resistance to corrosion and wear.
5. Plus, each piston uses less than five gallons of biodegradable hydraulic fluid.Finally, all power units and control components are
located in an above-ground console for easy access, maintenance and service.
At the same time, some customers of in-ground lifts prefer a scissors-style lifting system. That’s why we also offer our U.S.- and Canadian-patented ECOLIFT, with a lifting capacity up to 90,000 pounds in a three-scissor configuration. It is the industry’s original, ultra-shallow, full-rise in-ground axle engaging lift, and, like the DIAMOND LIFT, provides wheels-free access. What’s more, ECOLIFT uniquely combines high pressure, low volume hydraulics and only requires 3.5 gallons of fluid per scissor – and the hydraulics and electrical components are also contained in a free standing console above ground for easy access. This lift ensures sizeable cost savings on construction and installation and can be utilized in existing workshop pits and even at locations with high water tables.
In sum, it is definitely a new era for heavy duty in-ground vehicle lifts – one in which safety, performance, durability and environmental containment are all raised to new levels.
Dr. Jean DellAmore serves as president of Stertil-Koni. He has been in the heavy duty lift industry for the last 30 years, the first 12 years with SEFAC and the last 18 years with Stertil Koni. DellAmore has several academic degrees including an MBA and MA from George Washington University and a doctorate from UMUC. He recently celebrated his 35th wedding anniversary and has a daughter who works for National Geographic. In his spare time DellAmore works as a volunteer Docent for the Library of Congress and teaches a part time graduate course at UMUC in international business. Learn more at www.stertil-koni.com
Customer-driven changes are raising in-ground piston lifts to new heights in safety, durability and performance. (Above: Stertil-Koni DIAMOND LIFT)
Axle engaging scissor lifts, like the Stertil-Koni ECOLIFT shown here, provide wheels-free access for the busy technician on the shop floor.
busridemaintenance.com | BUSRIDE MAINTENANCE 7
By Colin Dilley, Ph.D.
For the modern day fleet manager, buses on the road equate to revenue growth, while those in the shop minimize margins and put additional, unnecessary stress on the remaining vehicles. Optimizing change intervals for cooling system maintenance is one way to positively impact the bottom line, but if done incorrectly the long-term cost can significantly outweigh the short-term savings.
Before optimizing a heavy duty vehicle’s antifreeze/coolant (AF/C) change interval, it’s important to understand the critical role coolant plays in protecting an engine and the engine manufacturers’ recommended coolant-maintenance intervals.
OEs recommend specific change intervals for AF/C to ensure the system operates properly. AF/C producers work with heavy-duty engine manufacturers and standards organizations to refine their formulations, with the goal of developing a product that optimizes heavy-duty engine performance within the OE guidelines.
Further, in order for modern gasoline, diesel and/or Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) engines to meet the lofty federal efficiency, exhaust and environmental parameters, engine manufacturers have introduced new engines that are running hotter – especially those that rely on LPG and have Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
The problems these higher temperatures may cause include possible “hot spots” that can cause pre-ignition, oil degradation and thermal distortion. These conditions can have an adverse effect on engine performance and lead to premature breakdown or failure.
The ‘musts’ of cooling system maintenanceRemember these things when it comes to bus cooling
system maintenance:• Understand the engine manufacturer’s coolant
requirements and industry standard for coolant performance and change intervals.
• Always use the recommended coolant at the correct concentration.
• Test the coolant regularly for proper additive levels and freeze/boilover protection.
• Maintain proper additive levels and regularly top off coolants at regular service intervals.
Optimize antifreeze/coolant change intervalsModern AF/C formulations are engineered to deliver extended protection
If the cooling system is not operating effectively, the vehicle’s horsepower, fuel efficiency, emissions and overall durability may be compromised.
Change interval optimization The goal in optimizing a vehicle’s AF/C change interval is to
keep the vehicle on the road longer, generating revenues and avoiding costly downtime. The risk of extending the change interval beyond the recommendation is that it can impact the engine’s efficiency, health and possibly void warranties. So how do you safely optimize change intervals within guidelines? It starts by ensuring coolant quality with regular testing.
Testing the coolant concentration (mixture of glycol, water and inhibitors) is an important part of engine management. If the coolant concentration is too rich or too low, not only can freezing and boilover protection become a problem, but the correct level of inhibitors necessary to protect the essential engine components can become a concern. The correct mixture of coolant concentrate and water will deliver the proper amount and type of inhibitors, which will guard against corrosion. Corrosion, and rust in particular, can degrade the effectiveness of a cooling system, negatively affecting performance and putting the long-term health of the engine at risk.
The complete solutionAs an inventor and innovator of modern-day antifreeze/
coolant technology, Prestone remains dedicated to providing the best cooling system fluids to the heavy duty engine markets. The company’s U.S.-based technology center works closely with major engine manufacturers and standardization organizations to create technologically advanced, patented formulations and related products that are best-in-class both today and into the future.
The Prestone and Prestone Command® line of antifreeze, additives and testing products deliver the technology and innovation fleets can trust to protect engines from extreme on-road conditions and corrosion while increasing uptime.
ConclusionTo safely optimize change intervals, a thorough maintenance
plan needs to be put in place to ensure that all of the vehicle’s components are operating at their utmost efficiency and effectiveness.
Colin Dilley, Ph.D, is the Vice President of Technology for Prestone Products Corporation. Prestone Products Corporation manufactures and markets Prestone® antifreeze/coolant and related products. For more than 85 years, the Prestone name has provided customers with high-quality products, including one of the leading brands of antifreeze/coolant. Visit www.PrestoneCommand.com
8 BUSRIDE MAINTENANCE | OCTOBER . 2015 busridemaintenance.com
ASK THE EXPERTS
INCREASE UPTIME AND DECREASE MAINTENANCE COSTS.
Today’s diesel engines are sophisticated, and as a result, they run hotter and are more expensive to repair than ever before. The Prestone Command® line of heavy duty antifreeze/coolants, additives and testing products deliver the technology and innovation fleets can trust to protect diesel engines, with the proven reliability of Prestone.
Prestone Antifreeze/Coolant has protected vehicle cooling systems since 1927.
www.PrestoneCommand.com • (888) 282-8960 • Email: [email protected] PRODUCTS CORPORATION, 1900 West Field Court, Lake Forest, IL 60045, ©2015 Prestone Products Corporation
TAKE COMMAND WITH THE COMPLETE SOLUTION
Preventative maintenance is more than an oil change
By Jack FarrellService ManagerDynamic Tours, Orlando, FL
Even in a sluggish economy, preventative maintenance is the most cost effective way to maintain the fleet, since it prevents major problems down the road.
A fleet improperly maintained creates significantly more issues than one receiving regular preventative maintenance.
The most commonly neglected maintenance components are:
• Compressed air systems• Engine coolants• Transmission service• Chassis lubrication• Door handles and locks• HVAC filters
Inspect these systems at each oil change in-house or at a repair facility.
busridemaintenance.com | BUSRIDE MAINTENANCE 9
MaintenanceFacility Design
Tire storage solutions for maintenance facilitiesBy James Bond III
A bus maintenance facility is not complete without a tire shop. With the tire shop comes the need to efficiently store tires for easy access and retrieval. While the optimum solution is to store the majority of the inventory at the tire supplier’s warehouse and have them delivered on a regular basis, there will still be a need to have tire storage on hand to accommodate emergency tire replacement.
There are several solutions to tire storage, ranging from sophisticated mechanical systems to custom-fabricated storage racks. While each has its advantages, selection usually depends on the agency’s budget, space needs and number of buses that need to be supported. It is important to note that local fire codes dictate how many tires can be stored in one room. Sometimes the number of tires stored may be increased if there are increased fire protection measures. Some fire codes also dictate how high the tires can be stored.
Tire carouselTire carousel storage systems are one of the more advanced
ways to store and organize tires. They can be operated with
Tire carousel storage systems are one of the more advanced ways to store and organize tires.
minimal effort by one person for easy tire retrieval. The technician simply rotates the carrier frames, locates the desired set of tires, stops at the proper position, and then removes the tires safely and efficiently at ground level, all at the touch of a button. In addition to increased efficiency, the system reduces the risk of injuries by letting the machine do the lifting.
Tire carousels are a very efficient type of storage system, requiring minimal floor space. The small footprint of the carousel takes advantage of vertical space instead of floor space. They are also available in lockable, weatherproof models for placement outside. The tire carousel enables the agency to keep an accurate count of inventory since all tires are visible, and in one place.
There are a few downsides to tire carousels. As an automated piece of equipment, they require periodic maintenance. This means tires are not accessible during repairs or if the power is out. As with any equipment with moving parts, safety protocol is necessary to prevent injuries while the machine is in motion.
Fabricated tire racksFabricated racks are an economical, durable and low
maintenance tire storage option. They can be custom made to meet specific needs for storage capacity, space availability, and room configuration. They can be built vertically up to three tiers high for increased capacity. However, fabricated tire racks require additional equipment, such as a fork lift or pallet jack, for tire retrieval. This presents the potential for injuries due to dropped tires during the retrieval process. Depending on configuration, the racks can take up significant floor space, and racks need to be anchored in place to a wall.
Stacking tire racksStacking tire racks allow for vertical storage of entire racks
of tires rather than just individual tires, producing time savings when moving large quantities of tires at one time. The racks can be stacked as high as needed, taking advantage of the vertical volume in a shop and freeing up floor space. The stacks also make it easy and efficient to move a whole rack of tires for shipment or relocation within the shop, rather than moving tires individually.
A fork lift is necessary for retrieval and relocation of racks. Tire retrieval from higher levels of the stacking racks can pose hazards, especially if the racks are stacked full or without much room to maneuver. Because of the stacked configuration, bottom tires can get a flat spot if stored for too long.
The tire shop is an important aspect of a successful bus maintenance operation. This makes a safe and efficient tire storage solution essential. While individual agency requirements and local fire code will inform your decision, it is important to perform due diligence to make sure the selected system provides the best benefits for your agency.
James Bond III is a senior facility designer with Maintenance Design Group. He has worked with transit agencies throughout the US to help plan and design their bus maintenance facilities. To learn more about MDG’s capabilities and to gain valuable insights and information, please visit www.maintenancedesigngroup.com.
1 0 BUSRIDE MAINTENANCE | OCTOBER . 2015 busridemaintenance.com
Multiplex troubleshooting is a
A twist in thinking doesn’t hurtBy Steve Kiner
A technician needs to put a little twist in his thinking for an easier time and greater success troubleshooting coaches with multiplexing systems. Here is the step-by-step approach we teach in the MCI Technical Tune-Up sessions at the MCI Training Center in Louisville, KY, which helps explain our own twisted thinking on fast, accurate diagnostics.
Start with the basics: It is human nature to overthink the situation. Don’t overlook the obvious. Electronics first require a trustworthy power supply and secure ground connections to work properly. A low battery will just not work properly. Always check the connections to the power supply to be sure they are clean and dry. Be certain that every component is plugged in. Check the fuses, occasionally they will blow.
Approach the problem like a puzzle: More than a few experienced bus mechanics struggle with multiplexing because they approach it with the wrong mindset. Think of the diagnostics process as a puzzle and it becomes a game. Once technicians get the hang of the system, troubleshooting with multiplexing is actually easier than with older systems that use relays and wires. The electronic multiplexing modules actually assist in the process, as they literally talk to one another. If they don’t talk among themselves they don’t work.
The diagnostic LEDs on the module always provide a clue. A net light means the module is talking. A light not on or one that is flashing rapidly can only mean something is not working properly. This is the starting point to trace the cause of the problem step by step.
Take advantage of the Ladder Logic roadmap: Obtain a copy of the coach system’s ladder logic and schematics book from the
coach manufacturer. Take the time to learn the meaning of each multiplexing symbol. It is very similar to learning how to apply the plus and minus signs in math calculations. These ladder logic symbols are arranged to list the inputs that must add up to get the output. The ladder logic paves the way for the technician to trace the problem, leading them to the missing pieces of the puzzle, such as a component that is unplugged or a switch that
has failed.For example, the park
brake must be on for fast idle to work. The coach has to be in neutral and the idle switch has to be turned on. Each of these inputs activates an input LED on a module. Looking for these clues, a technician walks down the line to solve the problem. Ladder logic tells him how the system works and the schematics book illustrates the physical routing of the
wires. The two work together. It also is important to remember that some functions work in the off position.
Call for technical assistance after 10 minutes: Do not muddle through this. Sometimes it is absolutely necessary to ask for help. If the technician has taken all the necessary steps and still has not arrived at the problem, it is time to make the call. Frustration can be alleviated by having someone on the other end as a reliable sounding board. The 10-minute rule works and it keeps one from over thinking the situation.
Steve Kiner serves as senior technical solutions manager at Motor Coach Industries (MCI), Des Plaines, IL.
Take advantage of the Ladder
Logic roadmap.
busridemaintenance.com | BUSRIDE MAINTENANCE 1 1
See and be seen:a guide to headlight-aiming
By Motor Coach Industries
Drivers see this often: an oncoming vehicle coming down the highway with one headlight shining where it should, the other cockeyed, glancing to the side or in the driver’s eyes. Headlights are meant to aim at a well-defined point down the road. Here’s how to ensure headlights aim where they should.
Many shops rely on special aiming equipment. Others simply use a large, flat wall marked with proper aiming targets. The wall method can produce very satisfactory — and perhaps even the best — results. It’s a handy method, especially for coaches out on the road far away from home.
The biggest problem with the wall method is it requires a large smooth parking lot near a large wall that can be used as an aiming screen. Naturally, the wall method must be conducted at night or inside a darkened garage or parking facility.
When to aim and readjust headlightsConsider aiming your headlights under the following
circumstances:• The driver has reported poor headlight alignment on his
daily vehicle condition report.• The vehicle is cited for poor headlight aim during a safety
inspection (It is preferable to adjust headlamps before the vehicle is sent for inspection so you won’t have to get them rechecked later).
• The vehicle has had any bodywork that affects the front of the vehicle, or for any suspension adjustments that involve ride height.
• If sealed-beam type bulbs are replaced for any reason, they will need to be aligned almost immediately.
Headlamp assemblies with replaceable halogen bulbs will not usually require aiming when the bulbs are simply replaced, but it’s a good idea to check aim at the first convenient opportunity.
How to aim headlightsFirst check the correct maintenance manual for information on
the particular coach model. Headlight-adjusting hardware and brackets can vary quite a
bit between different vehicles. Some newer coach models even feature leveling bubbles built into the lamp-housing assemblies to make vertical adjustments easier and faster.
Next, always take steps to ensure that suspensions are at normal ride height (engine running) when making these adjustments.
Choose the method and equipment that works best for you. If you decide to buy headlight-aiming equipment, there are many different garage-equipment suppliers. Investigate several models, ask for demonstrations, and pick something that works best with your vehicles and with your maintenance facility.
This article originally appeared in FYI from MCI, Maintenance Matters, July 2010.
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