Page 18 - Draft 2023 2024 CDL Manual w Modernization Info

SECTION 2: DRIVING SAFETY

STEERING SYSTEM KEY SUSPENSION PARTS SAFETY DEFECT:
BROKEN LEAF IN SPRING
Steerlng_Wheel
Broken Leaf

Main Spring

Axle

Axle

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

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