Tech Talk with TMC

RadioNemo

Executive Director of ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council Robert Braswell and special guests discuss the latest in tech and design and answer questions about truck maintenance. Informative and impartial, Tech Talk takes no sides and endorses no products. It simply talks the tech relevant today.

  1. JAN 27

    Tech Talk with TMC: Wheel End & Spindle Inspection Explained

    On this episode of Tech Talk with TMC on Road Gang Radio, host Robert Braswell is joined by Roger Maye, National Service Manager for Consolidated Metco (KMET), to break down one of the most critical—and often overlooked—areas of truck maintenance: wheel ends and spindle inspection. The conversation centers on TMC’s newly proposed Recommended Practice RP 665: Spindle Inspection Guidelines, which is currently out for ballot. Roger explains why spindle wear frequently goes unnoticed during seal or bearing service, how cone race rotation causes hidden damage, and why technicians must inspect every component once a wheel end is disassembled—not just the part that failed. Key topics include: What actually makes up a wheel end (beyond just the wheel itself) Why spindle shoulders, journals, and mounting hardware matter How cone race rotation leads to spindle wear and seal failures Proper spindle measurement techniques and acceptable wear limits Go/no-go gauges, micrometers, and inspection best practices How excessive end play contributes to tire wear, bearing failure, and ABS faults Common mistakes during seal replacement and hub reassembly What drivers can catch during pre-trip inspections before failures occur Why clean, correctly filled lubrication is critical to wheel end health Robert and Roger also explain how TMC Recommended Practices are built through industry consensus, why they are valuable to fleets, owner-operators, and technicians alike, and how RP 665 fits alongside established wheel end RPs like RP 644A. This episode is essential listening for technicians, fleet managers, owner-operators, and drivers who want to prevent wheel end failures, reduce downtime, and improve safety through proper inspection and preventive maintenance. Learn more about the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC): https://tmc.trucking.org  Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows and segments anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen live on YouTube, Facebook, iHeart, and RadioNemo.com!

    28 min
  2. JAN 20

    Tech Talk with TMC: Cold Weather Air Brake Maintenance Facts & Myths

    On this episode of Tech Talk with TMC, host Robert Braswell welcomes Brian Screeton, Manager of Technical Training Services at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, for an in-depth Tech Talk with TMC discussion focused on air brake system maintenance in cold weather. As winter conditions put added stress on pneumatic systems, Robert and Brian break down the facts and falsehoods of air system maintenance, including common misconceptions that can actually increase moisture and contamination. The conversation explains why clean, dry air is critical for safe braking, how air dryers and desiccant cartridges really work, and why draining air tanks every day may do more harm than good. Brian shares expert insight on: Proper air tank draining intervals based on duty cycle How over-draining can overload air dryers and reduce effectiveness Why airline antifreeze is not a preventive solution and can damage valves and seals Cold-weather startup tips to prevent frozen air systems Identifying contamination from water, oil, rust, and improper repairs Best practices for glad hands, seals, tractor protection valves, and fittings Why excessive Teflon tape and sealant can cause internal valve failures The discussion also highlights the importance of application-specific maintenance, working with vendors to spec the right air dryer, and following TMC Recommended Practices to extend component life and improve safety. This episode is essential listening for drivers, owner-operators, technicians, and fleet maintenance professionals who want to avoid winter breakdowns and keep air brake systems operating safely and reliably. Learn more about the Technology & Maintenance Council at https://tmc.trucking.org Learn more about Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems at https://www.bendix.com Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows and segments anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen live on YouTube, Facebook, iHeart, and RadioNemo.com!

    29 min
  3. JAN 12

    Tech Talk with TMC: Electrical Wiring, Repairs & Standards for Trucks

    This week, Robert Braswell, Executive Director of the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) is joined by Fred Kelley, America’s R&D Director for the Prysmian Group (Prestonite brand), for another in-depth edition of Tech Talk with TMC. The conversation focuses on electrical wiring, maintenance, and repair standards in today’s trucks, including why proper wire selection matters, how SAE and TMC standards were developed, and what fleets, technicians, and owner-operators need to know to avoid electrical failures and roadside breakdowns—especially during harsh winter conditions. Robert and Fred break down the differences between battery cables and primary wiring, explain why cross-linked insulation is critical, and discuss recommended SAE wire types such as SGX, SGR, GXL, TXL, and SXL. They also cover voltage drop, corrosion, preventive maintenance, and why using improper wiring during repairs can lead to major reliability and safety issues. The episode wraps with a look ahead at the TMC 2026 Annual Meeting in Nashville, including upcoming task force discussions related to ABS power supply and electrical recommended practices. Listeners also had the opportunity to call in with questions during this live Tech Talk with TMC discussion, making this episode a must-listen for technicians, fleet managers, and anyone responsible for keeping trucks on the road. Learn more about the Technology & Maintenance Council at https://tmc.trucking.org

    28 min

About

Executive Director of ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council Robert Braswell and special guests discuss the latest in tech and design and answer questions about truck maintenance. Informative and impartial, Tech Talk takes no sides and endorses no products. It simply talks the tech relevant today.