Page 19 - Georgia Commercial Drivers Manual 2020
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2SECTION : DRIVING SAFETY
STEERING SYSTEM KEY SUSPENSION PARTS SAFETY DEFECT:
BROKEN LEAF IN SPRING
Figure 2.1 Figure 2.2 Figure 2.3
been changed, stop a short while later and • Broken leaves in a multi-leaf spring or leaves AIR SUSPENSION PARTS
re-check tightness of nuts. that have shifted so they might hit a tire or
• Missing clamps, spacers, studs, or lugs means other part. Figure 2.4
danger. 2.1.4 – C DL Pre-trip
• Mismatched, bent, or cracked lock rings are • Leaking shock absorbers.
dangerous. • Torque rod or arm, u-bolts, spring hangers, or Inspection Test
• Wheels or rims that have had welding repairs In order to obtain a CDL you will be required
are not safe. other axle positioning parts that are cracked, to pass a pre-trip inspection test. You will be
Bad Brake Drums or Shoes damaged, or missing. tested to see if you know whether your vehicle
• Cracked drums. • Air suspension systems that are damaged is safe to drive. You will be asked to do a pre-
• Shoes or pads with oil, grease, or brake fluid and/or leaking. See Figure 2.4. trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to
on them. Exhaust System Defects. A broken exhaust the examiner what you would inspect and why.
• Shoes worn dangerously thin, missing, system can let poison fumes into the cab or The following seven-step inspection method
or broken. sleeper berth. Look for: should be useful.
Steering System Defects • Loose, broken, or missing exhaust pipes, muf- 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method
• Missing nuts, bolts, cotter keys, or other parts. flers, tailpipes, or vertical stacks. Method of Inspection. You should do a pre-
• Bent, loose, or broken parts, such as steering • Loose, broken, or missing mounting brackets, trip inspection the same way each time so you
column, steering gear box, or tie rods. clamps, bolts, or nuts. will learn all the steps and be less likely to forget
• If power steering equipped, check hoses, • Exhaust system parts rubbing against fuel something.
pumps, and fluid level; check for leaks. system parts, tires, or other moving parts Approaching the Vehicle. Notice general
• Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees of vehicle. condition. Look for damage or vehicle leaning
(approximately 2 inches movement at the rim • Exhaust system parts that are leaking. to one side. Look under the vehicle for fresh
of a 20-inch steering wheel) can make it hard • Any loose, cracked, broken, or missing frame oil, coolant, grease, or fuel leaks. Check the
to steer. members. area around the vehicle for hazards to vehicle
Suspension System Defects. The suspension Emergency Equipment. Vehicles must be movement (people, other vehicles, objects, low-
system holds up the vehicle and its load. It keeps equipped with emergency equipment. Look for: hanging wires, limbs, etc.).
the axles in place. Therefore, broken suspension • Fire extinguisher(s).
parts can be extremely dangerous. Look for: • Spare electrical fuses (unless equipped with
• Spring hangers that allow movement of axle circuit breakers).
from proper position. See Figure 2.2. • Warning devices for parked vehicles (for ex-
• Cracked or broken spring hangers. ample, three reflective warning triangles or
• Missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring. 3 liquid burning flares).
If one-fourth or more are missing, it will put Cargo (Trucks). You must make sure the truck
the vehicle “out of service”, but any defect is not overloaded and the cargo is balanced and
could be dangerous. See Figure 2.3. secured before each trip. If the cargo contains
hazardous materials, you must inspect for
proper papers and placarding.
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