Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists - 49-3031.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul trucks, buses, and all types of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile diesel engines.

DOT Titles Included in this O*NET-SOC Code

  • Deep Submergence Vehicle Crewmember
  • Diesel Mechanic
  • Diesel-Mechanic Apprentice
  • Machinist Apprentice, Marine Engine
  • Machinist, Marine Engine
  • Maintenance Mechanic
  • Maintenance Mechanic, Engine
  • Mechanic, Industrial Truck
  • Oil-Field Equipment Mechanic
  • Tractor Mechanic

Sample of Occupations in this SOC Family

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
  • Align front ends and suspension systems.
  • Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
  • Disassemble and overhaul internal combustion engines, pumps, generators, transmissions, clutches, and differential units.
  • 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.
  • Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
  • Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery such as pumps and compressors.
  • Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, and pressure gauges.
  • Operate valve-grinding machines to grind and reset valves.
  • Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
  • Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
  • Rebuild gas or diesel engines.
  • Recondition and replace parts, pistons, bearings, gears, and valves.
  • Repair and adjust seats, doors, and windows, and install and repair accessories.
  • Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
  • Specialize in repairing and maintaining parts of the engine, such as fuel injection systems.
  • Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
  • 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.

Detailed Work Activities

  • adhere to safety procedures
  • adjust or set mechanical controls or components
  • align or adjust clearances of vehicle body parts or components
  • align vehicle frame
  • assemble, dismantle, or reassemble equipment or machinery
  • conduct tests to locate mechanical system malfunction
  • determine installation, service, or repair needed
  • diagnose malfunctioning vehicle systems
  • diagnose mechanical problems in machinery or equipment
  • estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
  • examine vehicle to detect malfunctions, damage, or maintenance needed
  • fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
  • follow safe waste disposal procedures
  • follow vehicle repair procedures
  • identify base metals for welding
  • inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
  • locate puncture in tubeless tires or inner tubes
  • lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
  • maintain or repair cargo or passenger vehicle
  • maintain repair records
  • maintain welding machines or equipment
  • move or fit heavy objects
  • operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
  • operate lathes
  • operate pneumatic test equipment
  • operate vehicle engine electrical system test equipment
  • overhaul vehicle major operating units, such as engines or transmissions
  • perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
  • read blueprints
  • read schematics
  • read technical drawings
  • read vehicle manufacturer's specifications
  • read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
  • repair commercial transportation equipment
  • repair or install tires
  • repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
  • repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
  • repair vehicle transmissions
  • service vehicle with water, fuel, or oil
  • set up and operate variety of machine tools
  • solder vehicle components
  • test mechanical products or equipment
  • test operate vehicles before or after repair
  • test vehicle computer processors to detect malfunctions
  • understand service or repair manuals
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use acetylene welding/cutting torch
  • use combination welding procedures
  • use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
  • use electronic calibration devices
  • use engine diagnostic equipment
  • use hand or power tools
  • use knowledge of metric system
  • use knowledge of welding filler rod types
  • use lifting equipment in vehicle repair setting
  • use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair
  • use oral or written communication techniques
  • use pneumatic tools
  • use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
  • use soldering equipment
  • use vehicle repair tools or safety equipment
  • use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
  • weld together metal parts, components, or structures
  • write vehicle damage repair estimates