ABSTRACT

This Industrial training report presents the experience garnered during my 6 months of

industrial training undertaken at Lambic Technical and General Service, Port

Harcourt.

My training was on the diagnosis, repairs, maintenance in automobile vehicles

ranging from cars, SUVs, light trucks and pick-ups. During this period, I acquired

practical knowledge on how to repair, replace and install some mechanical parts and

systems also assisted in providing the units the functionality they need. This report

discusses the technical skills gained during the training period and justifying the

relevance of the scheme in equipping students with needed technical competence to

thrive in the real world.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My commendation goes to god almighty who in his wisdom m through the

ministration of the Holy Spirit has inspired me to choose mechanical engineering as

my course of study in the Rivers State University.

There are so many people to thank, Nevertheless, I will like to thank the Industrial
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Training Fund (ITF) for their foresight in putting this program to place and also to the

Mechanical Engineering department, Rivers State University, for providing the

platform on which was engaged in the training through the I.T. Recommendation

letter.

With great joy I say a big thank you to my industrial based supervisor, Engr. Gabriel

and the technicians in my unit, Mr. Ugochukwu Anyanwu, Mr. Ita, Mr. Obinna

Ukadike, Mr. Benjamin, Mr. Akio, Mr. Promise and the others who helped with

solutions to my numerous questions.

I am using this opportunity to thank my father for his effort ensuring I get a placement

and his encouragement all through my Industrial Training period and also appreciate

my Mother, Uncle and siblings for their support.

Finally, to my Institution based supervisor Engr. A. K. Rex for his advice and support,

to my other friends and colleague like Allen P. Chituru, Salawudeen A. Opeyemi,

Philip S. Chinemerem, I say thank you all.

Am highly grateful.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page

Abstract………………………………………………………………………………1

Acknowledgement……………………………………………………………………2

Table of Content………………………………………………………………………3

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Chapter 1

Introduction to industrial training

program………………………………………..5

1.1 Objectives of Student Industrial Work

Experience………………………………..6
1.2 The Search for a Place of
Attachment……………………………………………..7
1.2.1 History of Lambic Technical and General Services……………………………
7
1.2.2 Management Structure…………………………………………………………
8
1.2.3 The Different Sections in the Mechanical Workshop………………………….9
1.3 Workshop Practice Relevant Terms, Safety and Fire Precaution And House
Keeping…………………………………………………………………………9

Chapter 2

Industrial Experience…………………………………………………………………15

2.1 Description of Work Done……………………………………………………….15

2.2 Automotive Mechanical
System………………………………………………….15
2.2.1 Engine ………………………………………………………………………..15
2.2.2 Lubricating System…………………………………………………………18
2.2.3 Cooling System……………………………………………………………..19
2.2.4 Transmission System……………………………………………………….21
2.2.5 Fuel System…………………………………………………………………23
2.2.6 Suspension System…………………………………………………………..25
2.2.7 Steering System……………………………………………………………..27

Chapter 3

New Skills Acquired………………………………………………………………….30

3.1 Technical Skills Acquired……………………………………………………….30

3.2 Challenges Encountered During of Training……………………………………31

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Chapter 4

Recommendations and Conclusions………………………………………………….33

4.1 Recommendations………………………………………………………………33
4.2 Conclusions………………………………………………………………………34

Reference……………………………………………………………………………35

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 CHAPTER ONE

NTRODUCTION TO STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE

At the early stages of the development of education in Nigeria, there was a problem of

the gap between theory and practical skills of students. Therefore, there arise the need

to give students the opportunity to get real work experience.

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) was initiated in 1973 by

the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) through the Federal Government. This program

was adopted by the Ministry of Education to enable the students acquire the necessary

skills and practical knowledge relating to their field of study in the University,

Polytechnic and College of Technology. It was aimed at bridging the gap between the

theoretical knowledge acquired in classes and practical knowledge in the field of

Engineering, Science, Agriculture, Medicine and other professions by providing

students with the opportunities to apply their educational knowledge in real work

situations.

Over the years, SIWES has contributed immensely to building the common pool of

technical and allied skills available in the Nigeria economy which are needed for the

nation’s industrial development. Furthermore, the place and relevance of SIWES is

underscored by the fact that the scheme contributes to improving the quality of

technical skills generally available in the pool from which employers’ source technical

manpower. Its gives student the opportunity to blend the theoretical knowledge

acquired in the classroom and with practical hands on application of knowledge

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required to perform work in the industry. Also, it prepares students for employment

and makes the transition from school to the world of work easier after graduation.

I undertook my SIWES at Lambic Technical and General Services which is located at

59 Aba road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State from September 2021 to February 2022.

1.1 OBJECTIVES OF STUDENTS’ INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE

SCHEME (SIWES)

The programs of SIWES are designed to achieve the following objectives:

 Provision of avenue for students to acquire industrial skills and experience

during their course of study

 To prepare students for the work situation they are likely to meet after

graduation

 To expose students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment

and machineries that they may not be available in the universities

 To make the transition from the university to the world of work easier and thus

enhance students contacts for later job placement.

To provide students with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in real

work situations, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice.

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1.2 THE SEARCH FOR A PLACE OF ATTACHMENT

Getting a place of attachment was quit a challenging assignment this year as many of

multinational companies like; TOTAL E&P, SHELL, AGIP, NLNG, etc. turned down

application letters written to then and some of this companies did not respond to

applications some of this experience were due to the corona virus legislation to

maintain social distance and curb with the virus.

Finally, I applied to Lambic Technical and General Services through my dad friend

Mr. Ita who was one of the supervisors in the company workshop department to serve

my six (6) months industrial training in the mechanical workshop where I was

accepted and given the opportunity to work in the mechanical workshop.

1.2.1 History of Lambic Technical and General Services workshop.

For over 25 years Lambic Technical and General Services workshop have been

providing quality Services in the areas of Equipment Leasing and Vehicle Leasing,

Vehicle Maintenance, they have become established as an industry leader with a

thorough understanding of the global and local industry needs and specifically the

requirements of Their clients. The workshop is known for partnering with their clients

and pursue their success with unrelenting passion in solving various vehicle

challenges.

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 1.2.2 MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

The workshop is staffed with highly professional and skilled personnel with

considerable experience in engineering/craft works. Employment into the workshop is

done by the Company. The administrative structure of the workshop begins with the

Managing Director as the head of the Company, followed by the General Manager to

the Personnel Manager. She is supported by the Workshop Manager who oversees the

activities that go on in the Mechanical workshop. Next in command are the sectional

heads who head the various sections of the workshop while carrying out their various

tasks. Next to them is the workshop senior and junior staff. The staff strength is about

forty.

Managing Director

Personnel Manager General Manager

Sale Manager Workshop Manager Head of security HSE Department

Section head Sectional head Sectional head Sectional head

Panel beat section Paint section Vulcanizing section Electrical section

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Sectional head Sectional head
Mechanic section Driver section
1.2.3 THE DIFFERENT SECTIONS IN THE MECHANICAL WORKSHOP

The different sections in the Mechanical department are;

 Mechanic Section

 Electric section

 Welder/panel beater section

 Painting section

 Vulcanizer section

1.3 WORKSHOP PRACTICE RELEVANT TERMS, SAFETY AND

FIRE PRECAUTIONS AND HOUSE KEEPING

Mechanical workshop safety rules are important to follow because workshop rules

and regulations not only ensure worker safety but also bring efficiency to the work

process. Safety guidelines, fire precautions, and general work rules ensure that a

symmetrical work process is observed in workshops.

Most engineering colleges across the globe include workshop training in the first year,

which is common for all engineering disciplines, be it mechanical engineering or

electrical engineering. The basic aim of such courses is to make students familiar with

industry practices and help them understand the basics of working in a workshop.

When new employees start working in a workshop, they will see that certain

guidelines are often posted on the walls. These guidelines might not suit a young

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engineer or a new worker but they are very important to follow, to understand, and to

implement in the daily work schedule. Improved efficiency, reduced security threats,

and symmetrical proceedings of work are some of the advantages of following the

workshop practices.

(A) Common Mechanical Workshop Safety Rules

Different workshops have different work practices and different machines; however,

there are certain rules that apply to any mechanical workshop of the world.

 Always wear safety PPE while working in the workshop. Hand gloves, safety

shoes, helmets and eyeglasses are mandatory for workshops jobs like Painting,

Mechanic, Welding or Vulcanizing For instance, some people do not wear

welding glasses while dealing with welding works. This might result in

temporary or permanent blindness because welding sparks can destroy the

tissues of the human eye.

 Disengage or remove gear before starting a vehicle. It could lead to accident

and result in fetal injury or death.

 Malfunctioning machines can occur any time. It could happen during the

process of screw tightening or replacing the parts of the vehicle. Irrespective

of the type of break down, never try to work on it while the vehicle is on and

running. Electrical components always have a scope of error, irrespective of

their design, make or technology. Even if the break down is normal and

requires just screw tightening, it is always advisable to switch off the vehicle

and then do the repair.

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 While dealing with vehicles, always ensure that common safety guidelines are

observed. Pull the hand brake, choke the rear wheels, and fit fender covers.

Always jack the vehicle on a hard surface else use spreading blocks for load

spreading.

 Maintain all the service records of machines and equipment. It will not only

save time but also help you to take care of repetitive break downs.

 All the tools and accessories must be kept back at their relevant places.

Placing them anywhere will lead to chaos and inefficient working.

 Smoking and drinking should be prohibited in the workshop.

 The gangway through the workshop must be kept clear. Any grease or oil

spillage must be cleaned on a regular basis.

 Always listen carefully to the teacher and follow instructions.

 Do not run in the workshop, you could ‘bump’ into another pupil and cause an

accident.

 Know where the emergency stop buttons are positioned in the workshop. If

you see an accident at the other side of the workshop you can use the

emergency stop button to turn off all electrical power to machines.

 Always wear a coverall as it will protect your clothes and hold loose clothing

such as ties in place.

 Wear good strong shoes. Training shoes are not suitable.

 Bags should not be brought into a workshop as people can trip over them, and

some criminals can steal vehicle parts.

 When learning how to use a machine, listen very carefully to all the
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 instructions given by the teacher. Ask questions, especially if you do not fully

understand.

 Do not use a machine if you have not been shown how to operate it safely by

the teacher’s be patient, never rush in the workshop.

 Always use a guard when working on a vehicle.

 Keep hands away from moving/rotating machinery.

 Use hand tools carefully, keeping both hands behind the cutting edge.

 Report any damage to machines/equipment as this could cause an accident.

(B) Safety and Fire Precautions

Workshops are prone to accidents in general but fire can be the deadliest. Injury drills

are an integral part of workshops and they help employees avoid them, and I n the

case that there is one having a prepared staff is the best way to minimize the damage

done. These are some of the rules and guidelines that help keep a check on injuries

and accidents.

 Always take part in mock security drills. Workshops are enclosed structures, at

the time of emergency you may find yourself stuck. Whenever mock security

drills are conducted, participate in them because that is the best way to prepare

you for emergencies.

 Before commencing any welding operations, make sure that an appropriate

fire extinguisher is readily accessible. All the workers must know how to use

fire extinguishers, although clear instructions are always written on them.

Inflammable materials must always be accompanied with fire extinguishers.

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 One must know the difference between water extinguishers and carbon

dioxide extinguishers and when to use them as well. For electrical fires, water

extinguishers should not be used. Proper training is advised so that no

confusion arises at the time of emergency.

 Dealing with chemicals requires extra safety because chemicals have

contagious effects and they can spread from one person to another. Washing

hands, wearing gloves and masks, and using barrier creams are all advisable.

At the very first glimpse of any skin or respiration disorder, consult a doctor.

 Working with toxic materials like lead, manganese, and nickel etc. also

requires special attention because these materials have long term adverse

effects on human health. Metalworking fluids can also cause health issues like

occupational asthma. Ensure all the exhaust fans and respirators are working

properly before you start working with chemically hazardous substances.

 Most importantly, every person inside the workshop must know the contact

number of ambulance and fire services.

 Above all, safety is the primary concern. Secondly, improving work efficiency

with minimum hassles is what workshop managers would like to achieve. If

the above-mentioned safety guidelines and work rules are observed and

followed carefully, one can achieve both the targets. It is always important to

stay prepared for medical or accidental emergency because trouble never

comes announced and that's what mechanical workshop safety rules do.

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C: House Keeping:

 Keeping floor free of oil, grease or any other liquid. Clean up spilled liquid

immediately they are sleeping hazards.

 Aisles should be clear, at all time to avoid tripping of other accident.

 Store materials in such a way that they cannot become tripping hazards.

 Don’t leave tools or work on the table of a machine even if the machine in not

turning. Tools or work may fall off and cause the fact of injury.

 Put tools always when not in use.

 Washing of tools after every job done is necessary to prolong tool life.

 Place the scrap box.

CHAPTER 2

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 INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE

2.1 DESCRIPTION OF WORKDONE:

During my stay in Lambic Technical and General Services, I was assigned to the

service and maintenance department as a Diagnosis/Mechanical Technician. Job

duties in the department includes; Keep equipment available for use, inspecting and

testing vehicles; completing preventive maintenance such as engine tune-ups, oil

changes, replacing filters, replacing of brake pads and suspension.

Maintain vehicle functional condition by listening to operator complaints; conducting

inspections, repairing engine failures, repairing mechanical systems malfunctions;

replacing parts and components. Verifies vehicle serviceability by conducting, test

drives; adjusting controls and systems.

2.2 AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

2.2.1 ENGINE

Internal combustion engines run on a mixture of fuel and air, the core of the engine is

the cylinder, with the piston moving up and down inside the cylinder and this takes

place in a four-stroke process, which are intake, compression, Power and Exhaust.

The piston moves down on the intake stroke,

the intake valve is open and the fuel air mixture is admitted into the cylinder, and the

piston moves up during the compression with stroke both valves are closed,

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compresses the trapped fuel air mixture that was brought during the intake stroke,

thereafter the spark plug fires, igniting the compressed air-fuel mixture which

produces a powerful expansion of the vapor which is used to drive the crankshaft and

this is the power stroke. Finally, during the exhaust stroke, where the piston is at the

bottom of the cylinder the exhaust valve opens to allow the burned gas to be expelled

to the exhaust system

Engine Type:

The majority of engines in motor vehicles today are four stroke, spark ignition

internal combustion engines.

There are several engine types which are identified by the number of cylinders and the

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way the cylinders are laid. Straight line cylinders have their cylinders in row while the

“V” arrangement uses two banks of cylinders side-by-side and its commonly used in

V-6, V-8 configuration.

Some automobile engine parts include;

 Spark plug

The spark plug supplies the spark that ignites the air/fuel mixture so that combustion

can occur. The spark must happen at just the right moment for this to work properly

 Valves

The intake and exhaust valves open at the proper time to let in air and fuel and to let

out exhaust.

 Piston

Piston is a cylindrical piece of metal that moves up and down inside the cylinder.

 Piston rings

Piston rings provide a sliding seal between the outer edge of the piston and the inner

edge of the cylinder, the rings serve two purposes. They prevent the fuel/air mixture

and the exhaust in the chamber from leaking into the sump during compression and

combustion, they keep oil in the sumo from leaking into the combustion area where it

would be burn and lost

 Connecting rod

The connecting rod connects the piston to the crankshaft, it rotates at both ends so that

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its angle can change as the piston moves and the crankshaft rotates.

 Crankshaft

The crankshaft turns the piston’s reciprocating motion in the cylinder into circular

motion.

 Sump (oil pan)

The sump surrounds the crankshaft. It contains some amount of oil, which collects in

the bottom of the sump.

 Camshaft

The camshaft in an internal combustion engine makes it possible for the engine’s

valve to open and close, the asymmetrical lobes of the camshaft correspond to the

engine valves

2.2.2 LUBRICATING SYTREM

Oil is the life-blood of the engine. An engine running without oil will last about as

long as human without blood. Oil is pumped to all the moving parts of the engine by

and oil pump. The oil pump is mounted at the bottom of the engine in the oil pan and

is connected by a gear to either the crankshaft or camshaft. This way, when the engine

is running the pump is pumping simultaneously. There is usually an oil pressure

sensor near the oil pump that monitors pressure and sends this information to a

warning light on the dash board (this features is found in modern cars as it might be in

your car), when the ignition key is turned on, but before the car is started the oil light

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should light, indicating that there is no oil pressure yet, but also letting you know that

the warning system is working.

2.2.3 COOLING SYSTEM

A car engine produces enormous amount of heat when it is running, and must be

cooled continuously to avoid engine damage, generally this is done by circulating

coolant liquid usually water mixed with an antifreeze solution through special

passages.

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How the cooling system work:

Actually, there are two types of cooling system found on motor vehicles: liquid cooled

and air cooled. Air cooled engines are found on a few older cars, but for most part,

automobiles and trucks use liquid cooling systems and that is what this write up will

concentrate on subsequently. The cooling system is made up of the passages inside the

engine block and heads, water pump to circulate the coolant, a thermostat to control

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the temperature of the coolant, a radiator cap to control the pressure inside the system,

and a plumbing consisting of interconnecting hoses to transfer the coolant from the

engine to the radiator and also to the car’s heater system where hot coolant is used to

warm up the vehicle’s interior on a cold day. A cooling system works by sending a

liquid coolant through passages in the engine block and heads. As the coolant flows

through these passages, it picks up the heated fluid then makes its way through a

rubber hose to the radiator in the front of the car. As it flows through the thin tubes in

the radiator, the hot liquid is cooled by the air stream entering the engine compartment

from the grill in front of the car. Once the fluid is cooled, it returns to the engine to

absorb, or heat. The water pump has the job of keeping the fluid moving through this

system of plumbing and hidden passages. In order to prevent the coolant from boiling,

the cooling system is designed to be pressurized, under pressure the boiling point of

coolant is raised considerably. However, too much pressure will cause hose and other

parts to burst, so a system is needed to relieve pressure if it exceeds a certain point

and this is job of radiator cap.

2.2.4 TRANSMISSION SYSTEM

A car transmission is simply the assembly of parts, including the gears and the

propeller shaft that transmit the power from the engine to the axle. There are two

kinds of transmission: Automatic and Manual Transmission.

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Main components of a transmission are:

Transmission Control Modules: one of the main parts of a transmission is

transmission control modules, it controls the automatic transmissions, but is

nonexistent in manual transmissions. Transmission Filters: Another important

component of transmissions is filters. Transmission depend on transmission fluid, s

coolant that allows the clutch to engage and disengage, gears to change, valves to

open and close, and so on. The filters ensure that any outside particles or substances

are not mixed in with the fluid.

Transmission shafts: transmissions are also connected to the engine crankshaft by

means of a flywheel, since the combustion engine inside the transmission cannot go

below a particular speed. Therefore, the output of the transmission is done via the

driveshaft, hence the name drive wheels of a car.

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Manual Vs Automatic Transmission

Manual transmissions typically run longer and are cheaper to fix and repair when

compared to automatic transmissions. Nonetheless, many people still prefer automatic

transmission because of their ease of use. Manual transmissions are more affordable

and more traditional as well. We will dive into the various factors with the cost of

repairing or replacing a transmission later, as well as many problems that can result,

which will require you to repair or replace them. After all, transmissions are not

everlasting and like any part of the car, they need fixing on time or another and it’s

better to do it when you know approximately what is required and how much it will

cost you.

2.2.5 FUEL SYSTEM

The fuel system is critical in storing and delivering the gasoline or diesel fuel your

engine needs to run. Think of it as your vascular system, with a heart (fuel pump),

veins (fuel lines) and kidneys (filter). A failure in any of these fuel system

components has the same devastating effects as in your body.

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Component of the fuel system

Fuel tank: basically, a holding tank for your fuel. When you fill up at a gas station the

gas travels down the filter tube and into the tank. In the tank there is a sending unit

which tells the gas gauge how much gas is in the tank.

Fuel pump: on newer cars the fuel pump is usually installed in the fuel tank. Older

cars have the fuel pump attached to the engine or on the frame rail between the tank

and the engine. If the pump is in the tank or the frame rail then its electric and is

driven by your car battery. Fuel pumps mounted to the engine use the motion of the

engine to pump the fuel, most often being driven by the camshaft, but sometimes the

crankshaft.

Fuel filter: clean fuel is critical to engine life and performance. Fuel injectors and

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carburetors have tiny openings which clog easily so filtering the fuel is a necessity.

Filters can be before or after the fuel pump they are most often made from a paper

element, but can be stainless steel or synthetic material and are designed to be

disposable in most cases. Some performance fuel filters will have washable mesh,

which eliminated the need for replacement.

2.2.6 SUSPENSION SYSTEM

Suspension is the term given to the system of shock absorbers and linkages that

connect a car to its wheels. The suspension system has two basic functions: 1) to keep

the car’s wheels in firm contact with the road to provide the traction and 2) to provide

a comfortable ride for the passengers and isolate them from road noise, bumps and

vibrations.

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Component of the suspension system

The basic components of a suspension system are as follows:

Control Arms and Bushing: holds the steering knuckle, bearing support, or axle

housing in position, as the wheel moves up and down. The outer end of the control

arm has a ball joint and inner end has bushings. Vehicles, having control arm on the

rear suspensions may have bushings at both ends. The control arm bushing act as

bearings, which allows the control arm to move up and down the shaft bolted to the

frame or suspension unit.

Shock Absorbers and Struts: shock absorbers are necessary because springs do not

settle down fast enough. After the spring has been compressed and released. It

continues to shorten and lengthen for a time, such spring action on a vehicle would

produce a very bumpy and uncomfortable ride. It would also be dangerous because a

29
bouncing wheel makes the vehicle difficult to control; therefore, a dampening device

is needed to control the spring.

Ball Joints: the ball joints are connections that allow limited rotation in every

direction and support the weight of the vehicle. They are used at the outer ends of the

control arm where arms attach to the steering knuckle. In operation, the swiveling

action of the ball joints allows the wheel and steering knuckle to be turned left or right

and to move up and down with changes in road surface.

Strut Rods: the strut road fastens to the outer end of the lower control arm and to the

frame. This prevents the control arm form swinging toward the rear or front of the

vehicle. The front of the strut rod has rubber bushings that soften the action of the

strut rod. These bushings allow a controlled amount of lower control arm movement

while allowing suspension to travel.

Stabilizer bar: limits body roll of the vehicle during cornering

Spring: supports the weight of the vehicle, permits the control ram and wheel to

move up and down, also helps in isolation of vibration.

2.2.7 STEERING SYSTEM

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The direction of motion of a motor vehicle is controlled to a desired direction steering

system. When the driver turns the steering wheel, a shaft from the steering column

turns a steering gear. The steering gear moves tie rods that connect to the front wheels.

The tie rods move the front wheels to the vehicle right or left.

Today, there are two types of steering systems: 1) standard mechanical (reciprocating

ball) steering

and 2) rack and pinion steering. The standard mechanical steering can be either

power-assisted or non-power. Rack and pinion are almost always power assisted,

although there are cases where it is not.

Standard mechanical (reciprocating ball) steering: The steering wheel is connected

to the steering box through the steering column. The steering box turns the rotation of

the steering wheel 90° and, in the case of power steering, uses high-pressure fluid to

help actuate the steering. The steering box has an arm attached to the output shaft

31
called the pitman arm. This connects the steering to the steering gear. The pitman arm

is connected to one end of the center link (drag link). On the other end of the center

link is an idler arm. Between the idler and pitman arms, the drag link is supported in

the proper position to keep the left and right wheels working together.

The inner tie rod ends are attached to each end of the center link and provide points

for the steering gear. From there it goes to the outer tie rod ends through an

adjustment sleeve. This sleeve joins the inner and outer tie rod ends together and

allows for adjustment when the front wheels are aligned. The outer tie rods ends are

connected to the steering knuckle that actually turns the front wheels. The steering

knuckle has an upper and lower ball joint on which it pivots and creates the geometry

of the steering axis.

Rack and pinion steering: Rack and pinion steering, on the other hand, basically

combines the steering box and drag link into one unit. The steering wheel, through the

steering column, is directly connected to the track. Inside the steering rack is a pinion

assembly that moves a toothed piston which in turn moves the steering gear. One end

of the inner tie rod ends is connected to each of this piston and the other end is

connected directly to the outer toe rod end. The inner tie rod end is actually threaded

into the outer tie rod end and can be rotated to make adjustments during a wheel

alignment. The advantage of rack and pinion steering is that it’s more precise than

mechanical system.

By reducing the number of parts and pivot points, it can more accurately control

32
wheel direction, making the steering move responsive. The disadvantage of a rack and

pinion steering system is that it’s prone to leakage, requiring replacement of the

steering rack assembly.

Components of steering system

 Power Steering fluid reservoir

 Power Steering Pump

 Rack and Pinion steering gear

 Steering Wheel

 Pitman Arm

 Steering Box

 Tie rod/Track rod

 Steering Column and Knuckle

 Drag Link and Steering Shaft

CHAPTER 3

NEW SKILLS ACQUIRED

3.1 Technical Skills Acquired

The following are the new skills I acquired during the six (6) months Industrial

Training;

 I’ve learnt and understood perfectly well the different workshop safety rules and

regulations.

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 I’ve learnt how to handle different tools and equipment’s used in the workshop.

 I’ve learnt and understood different methods of losing and tying of blots, nuts and

screw.

 I’ve learnt how to properly wash vehicles noting areas that water should not

touch.

 I’ve learnt and understood how to perfectly fix brake pads in different vehicles.

 I’ve learnt and understood how to properly service calipers.

 I’ve learnt and understood how to repair and change brake shoes/lining of

different vehicles.

 I’ve learnt and understood how to work on vehicle suspension, positioning of the

cambers up and down, steering knuckle joints and the stabilizer leakages.

 I’ve learnt how to clean plugs using the wire brush, carb and choke cleaner and

safely replacing the plugs back in position.

 I’ve learnt how to properly service the fuel injector nozzles.

 I’ve learnt how to safely remove Petrol and Diesel tanks from different vehicles.

 I’ve learnt how to flush dirt from the ac and fill the ac with cooling gas.

 I’ve learnt to an extent the methods of setting the timing of different vehicles

engine.

 I’ve learnt how to perfectly service a vehicle and gauging of different fluids.

34
 I’ve learnt how to replace batteries and burnt bulbs.

 I’ve learnt how to remove and replace a vehicle propeller.

 I’ve learnt how to properly record job orders and take inventory from customer.

Communication and Social Skills Acquired:

Communication played a vital role in the successful execution of jobs, from among

personnel in a section to departments communicating with other departments present

in the company and also customers with company’s personnel. My interacting and

team player quality has increased rapidly as staff of the workshop stays as a family

and helping each other whenever need arises amongst them.

3.2 CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED DURING PERIOD OF TRAINING

The following are the various challenges I encountered during the period of my

industrial training at Lambic Technical and General Services

 I wasn’t allowed to drive cars after repair.

 I could not do active test using Diagnostic machines on my own.

 And I was not allowed to go out to repair car. I was restricted to the workshop.

 The training period was short as I could not learn everything that I should have

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 learnt.

 Transportation problem was another major problem I encountered while I

underwent the program. As a result of scarcity of funds, transportation fairs from

my residence to the work place became a major challenge.

 Incomplete, inadequate facilities and tools.

 Poor working condition and environment.

 Bad weather also limited us in one way or the other as rains drop sometimes

delays us from reporting to works in time and also delays us from leaving the

workshop in time likewise sun burning of the skill while working on vehicles.

 No SIWES allowance was another problem I encountered during the program. If

not for the little motivation from the company in the name of allowance given to

us being SIWES students.

 SIWES Allowance should be paid during the training and not after the training as

it will help students fix some financial needs.

Chapter 4

RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION

4.1 RECOMMENDATIONS:

The following recommendations should be looked into so as to improve the

condition of students on their Students Industrial Works Experience Scheme;

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1. I would like to recommend that the Engineering curriculum in the Rivers State

University be adjusted such as would provide going on industrial attachments

for a longer period of time as opposed to 6 months or making the program to

occur twice throughout an engineering degree program.

2. Allowances should be paid to students during their program just like NYSC

and not after. This would help them a great deal to handle some financial

problems during their training course.

3. Companies and should provide the basic tools and facilities required to carry

out work more effectively.

4. SIWES should build well equipped industrial training centers for engineering

students to enable students engage in industrial Training during the long-term

vacation for second and third year of their study.

5. Companies should provide an opportunity for students of SIWES to be taught

of how to operate machines and equipment so to gain more experience in the

field of engineering.

6. The company should have a standby power supply alternative to public power

supply to avoid delay in work execution.

7. The company should provide SIWES students with allowance packages as this

will motivate them to work and learn.

8. The company should provide transport allowance for SIWES students or

shuttle for staff to transport them to their place of duty so as boost their

performance.

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 9. Federal Government should provide students on industrial training with the

mandatory stipends.

10. The establishment should provide the staffs and SIWES students with shelters

for work to be going on even in bad weather.

11. The establishment should improve the working condition and also keep their

working environment clean.

12. The federal government should make it mandatory for all registered

companies to accept students’ industrial training exercise.

4.2 CONCLUSION

My 6months industrial attachment as a junior technician at Lambic Technical and

General Services was a huge success and a great time of acquisition of knowledge and

skills. Through my training I was able to appreciate my chosen course of study even

more, because I had the opportunity to blend the theoretical knowledge acquired from

school with the practical hands on application of knowledge gained here to perform

very important tasks that contributed in a way to my productivity in the company. My

training here has given me a broader view to the importance and relevance of

Mechanical Engineers in the immediate society and the world as a whole, as I now

look forward to impacting it positively after graduation. I have also been able to

improve my communication and presentation skills and thereby developed good

relationship with my fellow colleagues at work. I have also been able to appreciate the

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connection between my course of study and other disciplines in producing a

successful result.

REFERENCE

1. Rivers state university of science and technology SIWES Handbook Revised

2020.

2. Taylor, C. F.: The Internal Combustion Engine in Theory and Practice, vol. I, p.

506, MIT Press.

3. Society of Automotive Engineers (1998). Automotive Engineering Handbook.

Warren dale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.

4. wikipedia.com/automobile/dictionary

5. www.researchgate.net/publication

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