Page 90 - Georgia Commercial Drivers Manual 2020
P. 90
11SECTION : PRE-TRIP INSPECTION TEST
Pull forward at 5 mph, apply the service cracked, or dented and are mounted securely. • Check that door(s) are not damaged and
brake and stop. Check to see that the vehicle Brake Hoses/Lines that they open and close properly from the
does not pull to either side and that it stops • Look for cracked, worn, or leaking hoses, outside.
when brake is applied.
Safety Belt lines, and couplings. • Hinges should be secure with seals intact.
• Check that the safety belt is securely mount- Drum Brake • Check that mirror(s) and mirror brackets are
• Check for cracks, dents, or holes. Also check
ed, adjusts, latches properly and is not ripped not damaged and are mounted securely with
or frayed. for loose or missing bolts. no loose fittings.
• Check for contaminates such debris or oil/ Fuel Tank
11.2 – E xternal Inspection • Check that tank(s) are secure, cap(s) are tight,
(All Vehicles) grease. and that there are no leaks from tank(s) or
• Brake linings (where visible) should not be lines.
11.2.1– Steering Battery/Box
Steering Box/Hoses worn dangerously thin. • Wherever located, see that battery(s) are se-
• Check that the steering box is securely Brake Linings cure, connections are tight, and cell caps are
• On some brake drums, there are openings present.
mounted and not leaking. Look for any miss- • Battery connections should not show signs
ing nuts, bolts, and cotter keys. where the brake linings can be seen from of excessive corrosion.
• Check for power steering fluid leaks or dam- outside the drum. For this type of drum, • Battery box and cover or door must be secure.
age to power steering hoses. check that a visible amount of brake lining Drive Shaft
Steering Linkage is showing. • See that drive shaft is not bent or cracked.
• See that connecting links, arms, and rods NOTE: Be prepared to perform the same • Couplings should be secure and free of for-
from the steering box to the wheel are not brake components inspection on every axle eign objects.
worn or cracked. (power unit and trailer, if equipped). Exhaust System
• Check that joints and sockets are not worn • Check system for damage and signs of leaks
or loose and that there are no missing nuts, 11.2.4 – Wheels such as rust or carbon soot.
bolts, or cotter keys. Rims • System should be connected tightly and
• Check for damaged or bent rims. Rims can- mounted securely.
11.2.2 – Suspension • Checks DEF tank to ensure the level of diesel
Springs/Air/Torque not have welding repairs. exhaust fluid in the tank is adequate (more
• Look for missing, shifted, cracked, or broken Tires than 1/8th tank) checks that DEF indicator
on the dash is working properly
leaf springs. The following items must be inspected on Frame
• Look for broken or distorted coil springs. every tire: • Look for cracks, broken welds, holes or other
• If vehicle is equipped with torsion bars, • Tread depth: Check for minimum tread damage to the longitudinal frame members,
cross members, box, and floor.
torque arms, or other types of suspension depth (4/32 on steering axle tires, 2/32 on
components, check that they are not damaged all other tires). 11.2.6 – Rear of Vehicle
and are mounted securely. • Tire condition: Check that tread is evenly worn Splash Guards
• Air ride suspension should be checked for and look for cuts or other damage to tread or • If equipped, check that splash guards or mud
damage and leaks. sidewalls. Also, make sure that valve caps and
Mounts stems are not missing, broken, or damaged. flaps are not damaged and are mounted se-
• Look for cracked or broken spring hangers, • Tire inflation: Check for proper inflation by curely.
missing or damaged bushings, and broken, using a tire gauge. Note: You will not get Doors/Ties/Lifts
loose, or missing bolts, u-bolts or other axle credit if you simply kick the tires to check • Check that doors and hinges are not dam-
mounting parts. (The mounts should be for proper inflation. aged and that they open, close, and latch
checked at each point where they are secured Hub Oil Seals/Axle Seals properly from the outside, if equipped.
to the vehicle frame and axle[s].) • See that hub oil/grease seals and axle seals • Ties, straps, chains, and binders must also
Shock Absorbers are not leaking and, if wheel has a sight glass, be secure.
• See that shock absorbers are secure and that oil level is adequate. • If equipped with a cargo lift, look for leaking,
there are no leaks. Lug Nuts damaged or missing parts and explain how
NOTE: Be prepared to perform the same sus- • Check that all lug nuts are present, free of it should be checked for correct operation.
pension components inspection on every axle cracks and distortions, and show no signs of • Lift must be fully retracted and latched se-
(power unit and trailer, if equipped). looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads. curely.
• Make sure all bolt holes are not cracked or
11.2.3 – Brakes distorted. 11.2.7 – Tractor/Coupling
Slack Adjustors and Pushrods Spacers or Budd Spacing Air/Electric Lines
• Look for broken, loose, or missing parts. If equipped, check that spacers are not bent, • Listen for air leaks. Check that air hoses and
• For manual slack adjustors, the brake pushrod damaged, or rusted through.
Spacers should be evenly centered, with the electrical lines are not cut, chafed, spliced, or
should not move more than one inch (with the dual wheels and tires evenly separated. worn (steel braid should not show through).
brakes released) when pulled by hand. NOTE: Be prepared to perform the same • Make sure air and electrical lines are not
Brake Chambers wheel inspection on every axle (power unit
• See that brake chambers are not leaking, and trailer, if equipped).
11.2.5 – Side of Vehicle
Door(s)/Mirror(s)
88 2019-2020 GEORGIA COMMERCIAL DRIVERS MANUAL
