December 2020

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021 AFTERMARKET 39 Above: Delphi Technologies training in action a challenging time, the training therefore not only exists for garages and technicians to enable them to essentially futureproof their knowledge, but they can rest assured that what is available to them is getting better all the time. What’s more, with rapidly emerging technologies, new vehicle launches and extensive online learning support, there’s never been a better time for those in the aftermarket to enhance their skillsets.” Safety Training does not just cover technical developments in the car though. Due to the nature of work conducted in sector, staff are exposed to a number of high-risk hazards on a daily basis. Inspire International offer health and safety, environmental and quality management training for the commercial vehicle repair market. Jagjeet Singh Virdee, Managing Director at Inspire International UK commented: “If staff are not adequately trained to conduct their work safely these hazards can cause serious accidents and injuries which may also have a legal and financial cost. “It is essential that all staff, from managers to apprentices, have a level of information, instruction and training to carry out their jobs. Due to the variety of job roles, the level and type of training can vary significantly depending on tasks that you are required to conduct. For example, front of house or admin staff will be required to carry out different training to technicians, this can change further depending on what tasks each technician may do. Staff may also have additional responsibilities such fire warden or first aid which will require further training.” Jagjeet added: “Managers are required to ensure that all staff receive the relevant training for their roles and responsibilities and to ensure that this training is in date with refresher training conducted at appropriate intervals.” Video Training comes in all shapes, sizes and formats. On the online video front, REPXPERTs Andrew Vaux and Tim Adams have collaborated on a new Schaeffler technical video that covers the correct installation of the timing belt tensioner on the popular 2.3-litre diesel engine in the Fiat Ducato and Iveco Daily. Commenting on the thinking behind their new opus, Schaeffler UK Marketing Communications Manager Jeff Earl said: “It’s not unusual for VMs to change the design of certain components during the production life of a vehicle, and this is the situation with the timing belt tensioner used on this engine, which was first produced in 2003. However, this design change has led to confusion as to the correct tensioner set-up procedure, with potentially catastrophic consequences for the units that have not been set correctly.” Principles Jeff continued: “Technicians should always follow INA’s 4T installation principles; Temperature/Tools/Torque /Tension; first ensuring the engine is at an ambient temperature of between 18-20ׄ°C, then tighten the nuts and bolts to the VM’s torque specifications before correctly tensioning the belt, always using the correct tool of course. “As they undertake the two procedures, which are both due every 144,000 miles or five years, whichever is soonest, the REPXPERTs explain that it is only the tensioner set-up that is different, the rest of the process, including the number of complete engine rotations carried out between setting the high and nominal tension (eight) and when checking the final valve timing following the installation (two), remain the same.” Jeff added: “By following the appropriate procedures for these tensioners, made clear by the REPXPERTs during the video, technicians can now tackle either installation with complete confidence. To find out more about INA’s 4T guidelines and to download VM installation instructions including torque settings, plus labour times and loads more info, visit the REPXPERT knowledge portal at www.repxpert.co.uk , or simply use the REPXPERT app, available as a free download for iOS and Android devices.” There’s never been a better time for those in the aftermarket enhance their skillset... ”