Transportation & Logistics

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Also Known as: Diesel Technician, Diesel Equipment Mechanic, Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic, Trailer Mechanic, Diesel Engine Technician

Average Earnings Over Time

$16/hr

$25/hr

Low

High

Salaries may vary per region

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.

Top Skills for this Job

Troubleshooting
Repairing
Operation Monitoring
Operation and Control
Critical Thinking
Equipment Maintenance
Quality Control Analysis
Speaking
Equipment Selection
Judgment and Decision Making

Top Tasks for this Job

Use handtools such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, and precision instruments, as well as power tools such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, and jacks and hoists.
Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, and pressure gauges.
Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
Inspect and verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to factory specifications.
Specialize in repairing and maintaining parts of the engine, such as fuel injection systems.
Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
Recondition and replace parts, pistons, bearings, gears, and valves.
Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery such as pumps and compressors.
Disassemble and overhaul internal combustion engines, pumps, generators, transmissions, clutches, and differential units.
Rebuild gas or diesel engines.
Align front ends and suspension systems.
Diagnose and repair vehicle heating and cooling systems.
Install or repair accessories.
Repair or adjust seats, doors, or windows.