Taking the plunge. My journey as an O/O.

Well, the maintenance expenses for March were pleasantly low. The only problem was the RR brake chamber of the tractor. Total cost for repairs and maintenance in March, including windshield fluid, was about $400.00

April, on the other hand, is a different story.

The clutch brake is pretty much gone in the truck. I had it adjusted last year and they said it was running out of travel for adjustment, so the clutch plate was likely getting close to replacement.

Just had a second shop confirm this. There is no longer any travel left in the clutch brake. In order to get into gear when the truck has been idling out of gear for more than a few seconds, I have to slowly press the gears together until they match speeds. This is not good for wear. Sometimes I just shut off the truck and restart it in gear if I have time. If I can't reasonably do that, I only grind it till I find it (slowly, gently, using the gear faces as a sort of clutch) in first gear, then change to 2nd or 3rd for most starts.

In short, I'm looking at a clutch replacement, with a couple other bits and whatnots added in. Replacing the input shaft and rear seal. Resurfacing the flywheel and a new pilot bearing. Sixteen hours labor for the entire job, and about $1400 in parts. Also had a B-service and a few other minor fixit-list things done.

Looking at about $5700 for this visit to the shop. OEM parts.

Not sure how long clutches should last, the truck has 613k miles on it now. I started driving it at around 193k, and started having issues with the first loss of clutch brake at around 475k miles (which was adjustable.) I don't abuse my clutch, but I also have no idea how the driver(s) who had it before me might have driven the truck.

I'm done sending data to, and signing papers for the tax company. I should be getting a copy of my full tax forms in a while. Then I'll be able to look at the numbers and try to compare to 2018.

 

To do that, I need to arrange for two separate shop visits during home time. That also means I have to wait through their line of service jobs at both shops.

I'm already looking at Monday (probably Tuesday) for this work to be done, and they will be doing the small list of other things while they wait for the clutch parts to arrive tomorrow. I might save some money, but I would lose income by extending downtime.

Also note that the engine rebuild is under warranty. If someone screws up the clutch work, and the engine suffers, I want it to be the company that did the engine work.

 

The $5700 number includes a B service, and a couple other small jobs.

I'm sure it's likely more than I would pay to a mom and pop shop, but Freightliner has nationwide locations, and I drive OTR.

 

Freightliner is quoting 16 hours labor just for the clutch replacement and associated work. That's not $1000 in any shop I've ever heard of.