Are Rookies taught how to use a clutch brake anymore?

Probably a bit of both.

 

I don't think some vetrans know what a clutch brake is.

 

They took points away from us on our qualifying routes in school if we DIDN'T use it properly

 

Let's see if I learned the right way on the farm. The training was that your older brothers would ridicule you mercilessly while you figured it out for yourself, so I could very well be wrong. I start my real trucker training this month, so it'd be good to find out what I don't know before I start though, so here's what I figured out.

With the truck at a full stop, depress the clutch all the way. Sometimes you have to play with the revs a bit (changes with the truck) so you kind of feel your way into low.

Let the clutch out until you feel the truck start to move or the clutch start to grab, then give it a little fuel...just enough to keep it from stalling...until you're moving properly, clutch all the way out.

When shifting you bump the clutch in just enough (again, how much changes with the truck) to get it out of gear and double clutch or single clutch, depending whether you're driving the non-synchro Intersmashable or the old sychro Chevy. Never shift without the clutch or Grandpa will give you the speech about how much transmissions cost, even though he never uses the clutch himself.

Okay, how'd I do?

 

Sometimes if it is hard to get the transmission into low or first, you can slip it into second beforehand, then it usually pops right into whatever gear you want.

 

I always depress the clutch about 3/4 and wait 15 seconds, or usually more, to give the heavy rotating clutch assembly time to slow on its own, then ease the pedal down to the floor. This way will not wear the pad as fast, or break the tangs that spline to the input shaft. Jamming the pedal straight down quickly will wear or break a clutch brake in short order.

 

I've done lots and lots and lots of road tests. Out of my own observations at a mega carrier, and other small carriers. Both new and old drivers have the habit of engaging the clutch to the floor before the truck stops moving when coming to a stop. A clutch brake isnt going to last long when an improperly trained or bad habit driver is in the truck.

I've tried to do my part and educate people on the WORKINGS of a clutch brake. Stranger has great technique. Add in make sure the truck is at a complete stop before depressing the clutch to the floor.

 

Are we talking about a right handed clutch brake...or a left handed clutch brake?

Please be specific...I need to know which seat to be in to access that mechanical tool!