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Archive for the ‘Repair Procedures’ Category

HD Repair Forum Opens Registration for 2023 Collision Conference

Posted by Jennie Lepore

On April 18th & 19th, 2023, members of the heavy-duty and medium-duty collision repair industry will travel from all parts of North America to hear the latest information on collision industry trends and how technology is redefining the industry.

The two day conference returns to the historic Hilton in downtown Fort Worth, Texas and will follow a similar format as in years past, with presentations and panel discussions involving OEMs, repair experts, insurers, and other collision industry leaders. Unique to the event are a diverse set of focused learning tracks, providing more in-depth information on topics that address the industry’s repair demands and business growth opportunities.  

Similar to previous Heavy-Duty Repair Forums, the advisory board plays a critical role in developing the agenda, speakers, and content. Rodney Rowland,  Body shop manager at Lakeside Trucks in Wisconsin, “I’ve been attending the HD Repair Forum since its inception in 2018. It has become the place for the leaders in the industry to gather to share knowledge, identify trends, and drive improvement for the entire  industry.”

The HD Repair Forum is the only collision-focused event for heavy-duty and medium-duty repairers, making it a must-attend event for collision shop owners, managers, lead technicians and estimators. These stakeholders and other industry partners including executives from OEMs, insurance and appraisal companies will also not want to miss this exclusive, once-a-year in-person opportunity to gather information, network with peers and business partners, and better equip their business for the  challenges experienced by everyone in the market. 

Registration for the event is now open. Early registration discounts and group hotel rates are available for a limited time. To access registration and gather more information go to hdrepairforum.com/event-registration/

Companies and organizations interested in sponsoring the industry’s only collision-focused event may reach out to Brian Nessen @ BrianN@hdrepairforum.com or Jennie Lepore, formerly Lenk, @ JennieL@hdrepairforum.com.

April Conference to Focus on EVs, ADAS, and Calibrations for the Heavy- & Medium-duty Collision Repair Industry

Posted by Jennie Lepore

Katy, Texas, February 16, 2022 – Electric vehicles, alternatively fueled vehicles, and those equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are posing new challenges in the collision repair industry. The challenges extend beyond repair and include concerns with safety and proper handling. Collision repair shop owners and managers, particularly those dealing with Class 5-8 vehicles, are finding their technicians and insurance partners with more questions than answers. Most are not clear or are challenged with the required repair procedures, estimating accuracy, needs for scanning, diagnostics, calibrations, and more.

With vehicle production, sales, and on-the-road appearances of these types of vehicles increasing daily, accidents involving these vehicles are beginning to ramp up. This year’s HD Repair Forum will focus on the impact of new vehicle technology and prepare the heavy- & medium-duty collision repair industry for the ever increasing number of electrified and ADAS equipped vehicles on the road today. 

Taking the main stage in April is a well-known list of companies, organizations, and industry experts who will help the industry with these challenges. Organizations represented include: PACCAR, Rivian, I-CAR, the RV Industry Association, NGVAmerica (Natural Gas Vehicles for America), TEXA and many others.

Attendees of the two-day conference will gain valuable insight on the latest trends with electric, LNG and CNG vehicles, ADAS, repair safety, best practices relative to alternative fuel vehicles and new vehicle technologies, as well as provided with staffing solutions. For more information on the educational sessions, sign-up for our e-communications and visit the HD Repair Forum website to review the event agenda. 

The HD Repair Forum is the only event dedicated to serving collision repairers and their industry partners in the heavy- & medium-duty markets via education, information, and networking opportunities. The HD Repair Forum is scheduled for April 5th-6th at The historic Hilton in Fort Worth, Texas.  Early bird registration ends this Friday and sponsorship opportunities are filling up. Companies interested in having a presence at the HD Repair Forum are encouraged to book now as sponsorships are limited. More information can be found on the sponsorship page of the website or by contacting us at 281-819-2332. 

Axalta’s Commercial Transportation Team invests in Remote Training Capability

Posted by Jennie Lepore

As manufacturer of the leading and most durable coatings in the commercial transportation industry including the iconic Imron® brand, Axalta is dedicated to developing new products and processes as well as continually improving existing products to meet evolving customer needs.  As the importance of training continues to grow while the logistics of face-to-face meetings becomes increasingly difficult, Axalta is proud to introduce a portfolio of over 25 remotely accessible educational resources that aid in the professional application of Commercial Transportation Finishes. These educational resources are designed to develop and improve application skills, reinforce proper repair procedures, and enhance capability to select and mix the optimum products to exceed the expectations of vehicle owners.

Via this investment in remote learning, Axalta aims to help customers gain proficiency in the selection in use of our products and increase productivity via correct application and use of the most efficient processes. 

A comprehensive set of Commercial transportation training programs has been created as E-learning modules and Self Study Courses to allow both shop and distributor personnel to gain needed expertise at their own pace when time permits.  Our on-line learning resources can be found in Axalta’s Learning Campus at  

Axaltalearningcampus.com

For first time users, a Learning Campus profile can easily be created for free by clicking on the “Create a Learning Profile” link right below the Sign-in area. 

To find the Commercial Transportation Courses, click on “Commercial Transportation” at the top of the home screen after signing in.  

Current E-learning Modules

  • Axalta Commercial Transportation Understating Commercial Coatings
  • Axalta Commercial Transportation Undercoat National Rule
  • Axalta Commercial Transportation Undercoat Regulated
  • Axalta Commercial Transportation Topcoats National Rule 
  • Axalta Commercial Transportation Topcoats Regulated 
  • Axalta Commercial Transportation Basecoats & Clearcoats National Rule 
  • Axalta Commercial Transportation Basecoats & Clearcoats Regulated 
  • Rival Commercial Transportation System 

Current Self Study Courses

  • Axalta Commercial Transportation Air System Components
  • Axalta Commercial Transportation Spray Equipment Set-up
  • Axalta Commercial Transportation Surface Preparation
  • Axalta Commercial Transportation Abrasives & Sanding Best Practices

Current Lunch & Learn Presentations (Short training sessions designed for local Axalta reps to present to distributors and shops at their location over a lunch break) 

  • Axalta Commercial Transportation Undercoats National Rule Lunch and Learn
  • Axalta Commercial Transportation Undercoats Regulated Lunch and Learn
  • Axalta Commercial Transportation Topcoats National Rule Lunch and Learn
  • Axalta Commercial Transportation Topcoats Regulated Lunch and Learn
  • Axalta Commercial Transportation Basecoat / Clearcoat National Rule Lunch and Learn
  • Axalta Commercial Transportation Basecoat / Clearcoat Regulated Lunch and Learn
  • Axalta Commercial Transportation Rival System Lunch and Learn

Commercial Transportation Video Series

  • Commercial Transportation – Blending CT Systems
  • Commercial Transportation – Clearcoats
  • Commercial Transportation – Undercoats
  • Commercial Transportation – Spray Equipment Setup
  • Commercial Transportation – SS Topcoats / Basecoats
  • Commercial Transportation – Surface Preparation

Bendix Announces 2021 Technical Training Sessions

Posted by Jennie Lepore

ELYRIA, Ohio – May 18, 2021 – Building on decades of industry training experience, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Bendix) has restarted its long-running training programs for 2021, after the pandemic required postponement of much of the 2020 schedule. Bendix is offering in-person and online training opportunities for fleet technicians, owner-operators, and others to enhance the skills necessary for keeping vehicles on the road and in safe operating condition.

In-person opportunities on the 2021 calendar cover 10 states. They include 10 sessions of Bendix’s three-day Air Brake Training class – long recognized as setting the industry training standard – beginning June 8-10 in Rosemount, Minnesota. And Bendix will hold its two-day inperson Advanced Technology Training program – introduced in 2019 – four times, with two sessions each at Bendix headquarters in Elyria and at the company’s Sparks, Nevada, location. In addition, Bendix is holding three Virtual Training sessions of its three-day Air Brake Training class, with the first being conducted May 25-27.

Registration is open for the complete schedule of both courses, shown on the last page of this news release. All in-person training adheres to the latest safety, health, and sanitization protection protocols, as applicable, including social distancing and face masks. All state, local, and company-specific travel restrictions apply.

“Like the industry as a whole, Bendix is working to overcome the challenges of last year, and resuming our technical training sessions to meet the constant need for service training – even in a reduced capacity for now – is an important part of that effort,” said Lance Hansen, Bendix vice president – aftermarket sales, fleet, service, and field operations. “A member of the ASE-certified veteran Bendix Service Engineering Team conducts every class, which will follow all health and safety protocols. In the demanding and fast-changing commercial vehicle landscape, we have our eye firmly on helping to equip teams across the industry with the technical knowledge they require. This is essential as safety components evolve and advance at a rapid pace.”

Hansen continued, “Our training program is part of our larger post-sales support commitment. It’s just one more way we help fleets face the ongoing pressure to maintain overall safety, performance, and uptime as they strive to lower their total cost of ownership – and help address the industry’s continued shortage of qualified, highly skilled technicians.”

Safety Lessons
Bendix’s Air Brake Training course is aimed at both new and experienced technicians, and covers the description, operation, and service elements for the total range of components found within dual air brake systems. Classroom topics include the fundamentals of compressed air; tactics for air system failure mode diagnosis and troubleshooting; and components such as air compressors, valves, foundation drum brakes, and air disc brakes.

Bendix recommends that students complete the Air Brake Training course before taking the Advanced Technology Training class, which covers the operation and troubleshooting of higher-level driver assistance and safety systems, as well as diagnostic software. A must for advanced technicians as more fleets and drivers adopt complex technologies like collision mitigation systems, the Advanced Technology Training sessions will address:
• Antilock Braking Systems (ABS)
• AutoVue® Lane Departure Warning System from Bendix CVS
• Bendix® ESP® Electronic Stability Program
• Bendix® Wingman® Advanced™ – A Collision Mitigation Technology
• Bendix® Wingman® Fusion™ driver assistance systems • SafetyDirect® system by Bendix CVS
• SmarTire® and SmarTire® Trailer-Link™ TPMS by Bendix CVS

The Advanced Technology Training program includes hands-on, in-depth maintenance instruction for Bendix® air disc brakes and electrical diagnostics.

“We cover a lot of ground, in terms of quantity and complexity of the products involved,” Hansen said. “For that reason, we strongly advise each student to complete either the three-day Air Brake Training course or the System Training – Air Brake Training module at brakeschool.com before taking the Advanced Technology Training class.”

Per-person enrollment costs are $450 USD for Air Brake Training, $400 USD for Advanced Technology training, and $300 USD for Virtual Training. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis, and class size is limited. Registration may be completed online at www.bendix.com; by phone at 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725), option 3; by email at BendixTrainingSchool@hkm.dcgcentral.com; or via fax (216-651-3261). See the full listing of dates and locations below or visit www.bendix.com.

Knowledge Base
Since 2013, the Bendix On-Line Brake School has been available as an ever-expanding 24/7/365 training resource – and the site (www.brake-school.com) now offers more than 90 free courses and numbers more than 110,000 registered users. Students can access a curriculum covering the full spectrum of braking and active vehicle safety system product topics, ranging from overall education on product features and operation to troubleshooting, diagnostics, and maintenance best practices. Through the site, Bendix also develops customized training channels, offering specialized programs for organizations spanning all segments of the commercial vehicle industry.

At knowledge-dock.com, Bendix provides an archive of post-sales product support and insight, including Bendix Tech Tips, podcasts, and blogs. Additionally, the company’s YouTube channel includes a library of Bendix Tech Talks and other resources.

Through its industry technical leadership, an ever-growing portfolio of technology developments, and unparalleled post-sales support, Bendix delivers on safety, vehicle performance, and efficiency – areas critical to the success of fleets and owner-operators. Bendix strives to lower the total cost of vehicle ownership, helping strengthen return on investment in safety-enhancing equipment and technology.

For additional information visit this page.

About Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, a member of Knorr-Bremse, develops and supplies leading-edge active safety technologies, energy management solutions, and air brake charging and control systems and components under the Bendix® brand name for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, tractors, trailers, buses, and other commercial vehicles throughout North America. An industry pioneer, employing more than 4,100 people, Bendix – and its wholly owned subsidiary, R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc. – is driven to deliver the best solutions for improved vehicle safety, performance, and overall operating cost. Contact us at 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725) or visit bendix.com. Stay connected and informed through Bendix expert podcasts, blog posts, videos, and other resources at knowledge-dock.com. Follow Bendix on Twitter at twitter.com/Bendix_CVS. Log on and learn from the Bendix experts at brake-school.com. And to learn more about career opportunities at Bendix, visit bendix.com/careers.

Collision Avoidance Systems, Layered ADAS Technology, and Collision Repair Needs

Posted by Jennie Lepore

Due to the expected decrease in accidents, fully autonomous trucks often bring feelings of uncertainty to virtually anyone involved in the collision repair industry. However, as was discussed during the 3rd installment of the HD Repair Forum’s webinar series; there is a silver lining.

It’s true, collision avoidance systems aren’t new technology. The industry was exposed to early forms of these systems years ago with the implementation of anti-lock brake systems (ABS). However, truck manufacturers continue incorporating additional ADAS features into their vehicles at an accelerated rate. Understanding the technology and repairability of these technical features is extremely important for repairers to gain a foothold of, because accidents are still going to happen and your credibility and liability are on the line. 

A company heavily involved in vehicle technology and of increasing importance to the heavy-duty collision repair industry is component manufacturer, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems. Recently, administrators at the HD Repair Forum brought representative Jim Barber of Bendix, forward to speak directly with collision repairers in an one hour segment titled, “Evolve Your Business to Keep Up with ADAS Equipped Vehicles.” The newest OEM technical additions, the importance of proper repair and operation of the technological additions before returning affected vehicles to customers, as well as technological terms such as YAW, LAS, and SAS were just a few topics of importance that were discussed.

Although full autonomy seems to be the end goal of vehicle technology developments, it is not here yet and will not be incorporated exactly as some may perceive. Barber laid out clearly to those in attendance that the industry’s projected path in implementing all five levels of vehicle autonomy will take some time, “Today, we’re currently into level 1 systems and we’re crossing into Level 2 systems…The Level 5 systems (where a driverless vehicle will be implemented) probably won’t be a reality until the 2040, 2050 time frame.”  In fact, using the aviation industry as an example, he furthered this statement by adding, “We’ve had fly-by-wire aircraft for almost 30 years, where an aircraft can take off and land by itself… but yet the federal government still requires a pilot and a co-pilot.”

Still, the industry trend is to continue adding more sensors, gathering more information to achieve better performance, with driver lives and safety at the forefront. Thus, this educational episode was spent ensuring attendees understood the importance of getting acclimated with the latest additions in heavy- and medium-duty vehicle advance driver assistance systems) technology and that repair needs and processes are changing.

ADAS technology can be viewed as “building-block” technology, in which the newest ADAS technology is layered upon the pre-existing technology, or the ABS systems in this case. In other words, the ABS system serves as the foundation in which additional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are built upon. An animated diagram provided during the webinar helped participants grasp the layering effect. 

Understanding the building blocks of ADAS is an important message, because it will help diagnose and repair vehicles when it enters the shop, especially when the vehicle involved has Bendix Wingman and Fusion technology. Barber further clarified that each layer of added technology provides another message for the ECU to read, thus an action to deliver.  

Essentially, the technology depends upon each other; ground-breaking comprehension in that each feature must be observed for complete functionality post-collision. The culmination of Wingman and Fusion components and technology brings the ABS, ECU (electronic controls unit), Radar and Camera together. “The camera may see something, but the radar does not, and it tells the system, no don’t worry about it, and vice versa…The system goes active when the two components agree.”

An underlying message for this webinar and even expressed as a question asked by a participant is, does a safe and proper repair begin with scanning the vehicle? Barber confirmed that every shop should have a document outlining the condition of that truck when it arrived at the shop, and more importantly the condition it was in upon delivery. The ACom Pro Diagnostics tooling and software referenced in the webinar is one such method to achieving that goal. It provides documented proof of active engine fault codes, battery voltage, and even provides technicians with needed information, such as the proper steps to recalibrate sensors. This is the documentation and proof that you need to show the fleet owner, insurance company or vehicle owner that you performed a safe and proper repair. It could mean the difference between a comeback, subsequent accident, fatality, or lawsuit. 

Additional important messages were shared during this month’s webinar and included pre-scans and post-scans, steering angle sensor recalibration needs, proper replacement of cameras on windshields, which is OEM specific, and more. 

For a complete review of the information shared in this webinar, sponsors of the HD Repair Forum Webinar Series have made this information available to the industry on demand. Simply register to watch this episode or previous episodes by following this link. 

Rally Cries Continue for OEM Collision Repair Procedures in Heavy-Duty Industry

Posted by Jennie Lepore

The “technical tsunami” that is approaching heavy-duty collision repair bays has been described as something to prepare for “in the future.” However, that future just drove up to many repairer’s doorsteps yesterday morning. 

The heavy-duty (HD) collision repair industry has been described as being as much as 20 years behind the automotive collision repair industry. Taking a look around the market, listening to repairer experiences, and gaining an understanding of the current tools and procedures available only confirms this perception. This is not a reflection of the repairers themselves; they are doing incredible work with what they have available to them. 

To say that the need for OEM repair procedures is critical to ensuring the safe and proper repair across the heavy-duty industry may seem extreme, but it is a fact. Vehicle materials are changing, new ADAS features keep showing up on all brands of vehicles, electric vehicles are entering the marketplace, and the absence of OEM collision repair procedures and documentation continues to be a challenge faced by all.

Facilities large and small, from both the independent and dealer side are dealing with the same challenges. This current state of the industry is not due to the lack of ability or desire from the shops; they want to perform safe, proper, and timely repairs for their customers. However, the urgency in providing them access to the proper repair information is still a serious problem. 

Many heads from within the industry have been asking for guidance on repair processes, procedures, training and equipment for quite some time. In fact, it was people who serve on the HD Repair Forum’s advisory board that helped get the ball rolling on the attention needed for heavy-duty collision repair professionals throughout North America. 

These shop owners’ commitment to finding solutions for collision repair procedures and documentation, access to parts pricing and availability, and proper education and training needs for their technicians has been going on behind the scenes for many years and was a driving force behind the initiation of the HD Repair Forum. 

The HD Repair Forum started providing the industry with news, information, and increased access to networking opportunities and resources in the fall of 2017. It held its first annual conference in the spring of 2018. The growth of the program and recognizable industry collaboration that has developed these past two years is a product of those individuals who spoke up and came together with others making the need for assistance known. 

Its latest offering, a six episode webinar series was developed in place of the in-person 2020 event; a way to bring the most pertinent educational sessions to the market. The latest installment aired earlier this month, brought further awareness of the lack of available repair procedures but also provided insight into some of the available solutions out there. 

John Spoto, National Heavy Duty/Commercial Manager of 3M provided perspective on how automotive collision repair best practices are available and applicable to the HD world. The webinar covered several topics, such as the repairability of high strength steel, welding best practices, use and necessity of torque specifications, and corrosion protection. While all of these topics likely warrant their own webinar, the highlight of this episode was the guidance given in deciding when to section and when to replace the entire panel. 

Also noted to those not interested in investing the time to learn more was to please remember one thing: If the truck manufacturer doesn’t provide sectioning procedures, the best course of action is to replace the entire panel at the factory seams. The example provided in the webinar explained that sectioning structural components, that are part of a monocoque cab design, could be the difference between a proper repair and one that fails in a subsequent accident. 

In addition to the bit of relief given, that there is some guidance out there, it is important to note that there is an increased awareness amongst OEMs for this growing need. In fact, John shared several examples of OEM repair information available from Daimler. 

The trucking industry is moving forward with the implementation of ADAS, and at the same time there is the growth of electric vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles. The list of tools and additional training needed to repair vehicles with these features is within itself a tall order and an expensive task.   

Those most involved and working tirelessly to drive the needed change are hopeful this represents the continuation of engagement from all of the OEM’s as they look to companies like Daimler. 

For more information on the HD Repair Forum, its committee work, or its 2020 webinar series please visit us at www.hdrepairforum.com or contact us at 281-819-2332.