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54 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2020 TRAINING www.aftermarketonline.net Upcoming training dates and news on courses TRAINING UPDATE Through its Borg & Beck brand, First Line is sharing its experience of common clutch installation errors. “There are many factors that can contribute and cause a clutch to fail, for example driving style,” observed Global Marketing Director Jon Roughley. “Does the driver ride the clutch and unknowingly burn through it, has the vehicle been used to tow, is it regularly parked on a steep hill, or has it recently had a clutch fitted, which unfortunately could have been misaligned or over greased during installation and has therefore failed prematurely? All of these are questions that technicians should be asking the driver, as this may help lead them to a correct diagnosis. “In addition, one of the most important areas to check is the release mechanism, because, irrespective of whether it is hydraulic or cable driven, if something has seized or worn, this could certainly cause the clutch to fail.” On common installation errors, Jon said: “Clutch Judder can result from over-greasing the splined input shaft. In fact, it only requires a small amount of grease to operate correctly and if too much is applied, then this can splatter onto the plate, contaminating the surface and causing the problem. A similar effect can also occur if the cover is not bolted down evenly or seated on the dowels. If it is not correctly aligned and bolted down, the clutch plate will not clamp evenly during clutch engagement, leading to judder. “Clutch Slip can be caused by contamination such as an engine to gearbox oil leak or if the clutch cable is adjusted too tightly. It can also be triggered if there are seizing components within the hydraulic system. “Clutch drag can be generated if the hydraulic system hasn’t been bled properly, which will result in the release mechanism not achieving the right travel to totally disengage the clutch. Cable driven vehicles can suffer a similar effect if the adjustment is incorrect. Jon concluded: “Another common cause of premature failure is due to a ‘hung’ gearbox. It’s therefore vital for technicians to use the correct equipment to support it and lift it into place, as the slightest distortion created from it hanging on the engine during installation, will result in damage.” The RMI Academy of Automotive Skills Course Spotlight – MOT Tester Training (class 4 & 7) The RMI Academy of Automotive Skills provides training for all aspects of running a garage business, and is the UK’s largest provider of MOT training. This issue, we are highlighting its MOT Tester Training for class 4 & 7 vehicles. Experienced technicians who would like to become a MOT tester can take this course to become qualified, and will enable them to apply to the DVSA to become authorised. Participants will learn: Relevant acts and regulations Classes of vehicles Use of the MOT Testing Service Test standards and procedures Inspection routine Documentation and security Refusal to conduct test Safe working practices Working relationships within test centre The course runs over four days, including a practical assessment which can be taken either at one of the RMI Academies or your business premises. Once the course has been completed, DVSA VT8 demonstration tests can also be conducted at an Academy if required. RMI members receive preferential pricing as a benefit of membership. Book by calling the RMI on 0845 305 4230 or visit RMItrainingAcademy .co.uk Welcome to Aftermarket’s training section. Here you can find the latest on upcoming training dates, as well as news on courses becoming available. If you have information on training you wish to share, please get in touch with the editor via email: alex@aftermarket.co.uk Training technical tip: Common clutch installation errors