Garbage trucks can be a hassle for vehicle owners, as they often encounter issues like unexplained increased fuel consumption, engine misfires, and poor windshield wiper performance. While these may not be major problems, they leave owners wondering what to do when they arise. How can these issues be resolved?
1. Garbage Truck Pump Damage
Cause: Irrational refueling behavior can lead to pump damage.
Solution: When operating a garbage truck, try to avoid letting the fuel warning light come on—this shortens the fuel pump’s service life. Insufficient fuel can cause the pump to overheat and burn out. If the vehicle is often driven in urban areas where refueling is convenient, you don’t need to fill the tank completely. Overfilling may increase fuel consumption due to fuel sloshing, cause fuel tank deformation, or lead to fuel level sensor malfunctions. It is recommended that garbage truck drivers refuel when the fuel is nearly exhausted.
Unstable Battery (Solution)
During summer driving, the battery may be overcharged, causing the electrolyte to evaporate quickly and damage the plates. Therefore, always check the battery fluid level and concentration, and add distilled water to the battery regularly. In winter, avoid complete battery discharge, as this can cause the electrolyte to freeze.
2. Poor Wiper Performance on Garbage Trucks
Cause: Damaged wiper blades can lead to scratches and incomplete cleaning of the windshield.
Solution: For first-time garbage truck owners, it is necessary to correct the bad habit of dry wiping. Always spray water before using the wipers, as this helps protect them. Secondly, if the wipers sometimes make a squeaking noise but are still intact, it is recommended that owners who use high-pressure car washes have the wiper angle adjusted properly. Finally, if the vehicle is parked for a long time, garbage truck owners can place small items (such as foam blocks or wooden blocks) under the wipers to separate them from the windshield—this extends the wipers’ service life.
When the compressor brake generates sufficient pressure, we should first check if it can maintain the pressure. A lack of power may be due to insufficient fuel—refuel promptly if the fuel tank is low. If oil consumption is inversely proportional to the garbage truck’s operating hours, check for oil leaks and inspect the system for oil seepage.
Common Mechanical Failures
For garbage trucks equipped with non-contact eddy current braking systems, all components operate without friction. With regular maintenance, well-maintained eddy current brakes have a low failure rate. However, a more common issue is eddy current brake malfunction caused by drive system problems, analyzed as follows:
Symptom: Severe vibration occurs when the garbage truck is driving at high speed. A larger gap is found in the rotor when toggling it with a crowbar or screwdriver.
Fault: Rule out rear axle bearing failure. This type of failure often causes severe damage to the retarder stator and rotor friction dampers. Once detected, the vehicle must be serviced immediately after stopping.
Solution: Replace the bearing and tighten the flange lock nut.
Symptom: The garbage truck has vibration or impact noise, but no abnormalities are found in the air gap.
Cause: Loose secondary retarder bracket or damaged shock pads.
Troubleshooting: Replace the retarder or the shock pads. When replacing the shock pads, ensure they are compressed by 3–5 mm.