Page 85 - 2021-2022 Commercial Drivers Manual

SECTION 11 : 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 outside.
when brake is applied. • Look for cracked, worn, or leaking hoses,
lines, and couplings. • Hinges should be secure with seals intact.
Safety Belt
Drum Brake • Check that mirror(s) and mirror brackets are
• Check that the safety belt is securely mount- not damaged and are mounted securely with
ed, adjusts, latches properly and is not ripped • Check for cracks, dents, or holes. Also check no loose fittings.
or frayed. for loose or missing bolts.
Fuel Tank
• Check for contaminates such debris or oil/
11.2 – External Inspection grease. • Check that tank(s) are secure, cap(s) are tight,
(All Vehicles) and that there are no leaks from tank(s) or
• Brake linings (where visible) should not be lines.
worn dangerously thin.
11.2.1– Steering Battery/Box
Brake Linings
Steering Box/Hoses • Wherever located, see that battery(s) are se-
• On some brake drums, there are openings cure, connections are tight, and cell caps are
• Check that the steering box is securely where the brake linings can be seen from present.
mounted and not leaking. Look for any miss- outside the drum. For this type of drum,
ing nuts, bolts, and cotter keys. check that a visible amount of brake lining • Battery connections should not show signs
is showing. of excessive corrosion.
• Check for power steering fluid leaks or dam- • Battery box and cover or door must be secure.
age to power steering hoses. NOTE: Be prepared to perform the same
brake components inspection on every axle Drive Shaft
Steering Linkage
(power unit and trailer, if equipped). • See that drive shaft is not bent or cracked.
• See that connecting links, arms, and rods
from the steering box to the wheel are not 11.2.4 – Wheels • Couplings should be secure and free of for-
worn or cracked. eign objects.
Rims
• Check that joints and sockets are not worn Exhaust System
or loose and that there are no missing nuts, • Check for damaged or bent rims. Rims can-
bolts, or cotter keys. not have welding repairs. • Check system for damage and signs of leaks
Tires such as rust or carbon soot.
11.2.2 – Suspension • System should be connected tightly and
The following items must be inspected on
Springs/Air/Torque every tire: mounted securely.
• Checks DEF tank to ensure the level of diesel
• Look for missing, shifted, cracked, or broken • Tread depth: Check for minimum tread
leaf springs. depth (4/32 on steering axle tires, 2/32 on exhaust fluid in the tank is adequate (more
all other tires). than 1/8th tank) checks that DEF indicator
• Look for broken or distorted coil springs. on the dash is working properly
• Tire condition: Check that tread is evenly worn
• If vehicle is equipped with torsion bars, Frame
torque arms, or other types of suspension and look for cuts or other damage to tread or

components, check that they are not damaged sidewalls. Also, make sure that valve caps and • Look for cracks, broken welds, holes or other
and are mounted securely. stems are not missing, broken, or damaged. damage to the longitudinal frame members,
• Tire inflation: Check for proper inflation by cross members, box, and floor.
• Air ride suspension should be checked for using a tire gauge. Note: You will not get
damage and leaks. 11.2.6 – Rear of Vehicle
credit if you simply kick the tires to check
Mounts for proper inflation. Splash Guards
• Look for cracked or broken spring hangers, Hub Oil Seals/Axle Seals • If equipped, check that splash guards or mud
missing or damaged bushings, and broken, • See that hub oil/grease seals and axle seals flaps are not damaged and are mounted se-
loose, or missing bolts, u-bolts or other axle are not leaking and, if wheel has a sight glass, curely.
mounting parts. (The mounts should be oil level is adequate. Doors/Ties/Lifts
checked at each point where they are secured
to the vehicle frame and axle[s].) Lug Nuts • Check that doors and hinges are not dam-
aged and that they open, close, and latch
Shock Absorbers • Check that all lug nuts are present, free of
cracks and distortions, and show no signs of properly from the outside, if equipped.
• See that shock absorbers are secure and that looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads. • Ties, straps, chains, and binders must also
there are no leaks. be secure.
• Make sure all bolt holes are not cracked or
NOTE: Be prepared to perform the same sus-
pension components inspection on every axle distorted. • If equipped with a cargo lift, look for leaking,
(power unit and trailer, if equipped). Spacers or Budd Spacing damaged or missing parts and explain how
it should be checked for correct operation.
11.2.3 – Brakes If equipped, check that spacers are not bent, • Lift must be fully retracted and latched se-
damaged, or rusted through.
Slack Adjustors and Pushrods Spacers should be evenly centered, with the curely.
dual wheels and tires evenly separated.
• Look for broken, loose, or missing parts. 11.2.7 – Tractor/Coupling
NOTE: Be prepared to perform the same
• For manual slack adjustors, the brake pushrod wheel inspection on every axle (power unit Air/Electric Lines
should not move more than one inch (with the and trailer, if equipped). • Listen for air leaks. Check that air hoses and
brakes released) when pulled by hand. electrical lines are not cut, chafed, spliced, or
Brake Chambers 11.2.5 – Side of Vehicle worn (steel braid should not show through).
• See that brake chambers are not leaking, Door(s)/Mirror(s) • Make sure air and electrical lines are not

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