Difference between revisions of "Semi-trailer truck pre-trip inspection"

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(Release arm)
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===DPF===
 
===DPF===
:Mounting brackets, hoses, and electrical components of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) meet:
+
:Mounting brackets, hoses, and electrical components of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) must meet:
 
:#[[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#[[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#[[#Fluid-containing items|Requirements for fluid-containing items]].
 
:#[[#Fluid-containing items|Requirements for fluid-containing items]].
Line 85: Line 85:
  
 
===Water pump===
 
===Water pump===
:The tested person is supposed to identify whether the pump is belt-driven or gear-driven. Any belt-driven pump must meet the [[#Engine compartment belts|Requirements for engine compartment belts]]. Boldly, any water pump must meet:
+
:Identify whether the pump is belt-driven or gear-driven. Any belt-driven pump must meet the [[#Engine compartment belts|Requirements for engine compartment belts]]. Boldly, any water pump must meet:
 
:#[[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#[[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#[[#Fluid-containing items|Requirements for fluid-containing items]].
 
:#[[#Fluid-containing items|Requirements for fluid-containing items]].
Line 93: Line 93:
  
 
===Alternator===
 
===Alternator===
:The tested person is supposed to identify whether the alternator is belt-driven or gear-driven. Any belt-driven alternator must meet the [[#Engine compartment belts|Requirements for engine compartment belts]]. Boldly, any alternator must meet:
+
:Identify whether the alternator is belt-driven or gear-driven. Any belt-driven alternator must meet the [[#Engine compartment belts|Requirements for engine compartment belts]].
 +
:Check whether the alternator meets:
 
:#[[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#[[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#[[#Electrical items|Requirements for electrical items]].
 
:#[[#Electrical items|Requirements for electrical items]].
  
 
===Air compressor===
 
===Air compressor===
:The tested person is supposed to identify whether the air compressor is belt-driven or gear-driven. Any belt-driven air compressor must meet the [[#Engine compartment belts|Requirements for engine compartment belts]]. Boldly, any air compressor must meet:
+
:Identify whether the air compressor is belt-driven or gear-driven. Any belt-driven air compressor must meet the [[#Engine compartment belts|Requirements for engine compartment belts]].
 +
:Check whether the air compressor must meet:
 
:#[[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#[[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#[[#Air-handling items|Requirements for air-handling items]].
 
:#[[#Air-handling items|Requirements for air-handling items]].
Line 104: Line 106:
 
==Steering components==
 
==Steering components==
 
===Power steering pump===
 
===Power steering pump===
:The tested person is supposed to identify whether the pump is belt-driven or gear-driven. Any belt-driven pump must meet the [[#Engine compartment belts|Requirements for engine compartment belts]]. Boldly, any power steering pump must meet:
+
:Identify whether the pump is belt-driven or gear-driven. Any belt-driven pump must meet the [[#Engine compartment belts|Requirements for engine compartment belts]].
 +
:Check whether the power steering pump must meet:
 
:#[[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#[[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#[[#Fluid-containing items|Requirements for fluid-containing items]].
 
:#[[#Fluid-containing items|Requirements for fluid-containing items]].
  
 
===Power steering fluid reservoir===
 
===Power steering fluid reservoir===
:The tested person must check that the fluid is at the proper level from the side glass or while pulling the dipstick. Level must be above refill mark.
+
:#Check that the fluid is at the proper level from the side glass or while pulling the dipstick. Level must be above refill mark.
  
 
===Steering gear box===
 
===Steering gear box===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify the steering gear box and the power steering hoses.
 
:#Identify the steering gear box and the power steering hoses.
 
:#Check whether the box and the hoses meet the:
 
:#Check whether the box and the hoses meet the:
Line 119: Line 121:
  
 
===Steering linkage===
 
===Steering linkage===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify connecting links, arms, rods, joints, and sockets.
 
:#Identify connecting links, arms, rods, joints, and sockets.
 
:#Check whether components of the steering linkage meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether components of the steering linkage meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
Line 125: Line 126:
 
==Suspension components==
 
==Suspension components==
 
===Spring mounts===
 
===Spring mounts===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify both spring mounts and their bushings, nuts, and/or bolts.
 
:#Identify both spring mounts and their bushings, nuts, and/or bolts.
 
:#Check whether the front and rear mounts, as well as their components meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the front and rear mounts, as well as their components meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Spring leaves===
 
===Spring leaves===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify spring leaves.
 
:#Identify spring leaves.
 
:#Check whether the leaves:
 
:#Check whether the leaves:
Line 137: Line 136:
  
 
===U-bolts===
 
===U-bolts===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify U-bolts and their related nuts.
 
:#Identify U-bolts and their related nuts.
 
:#Check whether the bolts and nuts meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the bolts and nuts meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Shock absorbers===
 
===Shock absorbers===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify shock absorber.
 
:#Identify shock absorber.
 
:#Check whether the absorber meets the:
 
:#Check whether the absorber meets the:
Line 149: Line 146:
  
 
===Air bags===
 
===Air bags===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify air bags and those hoses, air bag mounting brackets and bolts that are related to them.
 
:#Identify air bags and those hoses, air bag mounting brackets and bolts that are related to them.
 
:#Check whether the air bags:
 
:#Check whether the air bags:
Line 157: Line 153:
 
==Brake components==
 
==Brake components==
 
===Air hoses===
 
===Air hoses===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify air hoses that supply brake chambers and their related couplings.
 
:#Identify air hoses that supply brake chambers and their related couplings.
 
:#Check whether the hoses meet the:
 
:#Check whether the hoses meet the:
Line 164: Line 159:
  
 
===Brake chamber===
 
===Brake chamber===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify brake chambers and those clamps that are related to them.
 
:#Identify brake chambers and those clamps that are related to them.
 
:#Check whether the chambers and clamps meet the:
 
:#Check whether the chambers and clamps meet the:
Line 171: Line 165:
  
 
===Slack adjuster/push rod===
 
===Slack adjuster/push rod===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify slack adjusters and push rods.
 
:#Identify slack adjusters and push rods.
 
:#Check whether the adjusters and rods meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the adjusters and rods meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
Line 177: Line 170:
  
 
===Brake drum===
 
===Brake drum===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify the brake drums if they are visible or state that they are hidden behind the shield.
 
:#Identify the brake drums if they are visible or state that they are hidden behind the shield.
 
:#If they are visible, check whether the brake drums:
 
:#If they are visible, check whether the brake drums:
Line 184: Line 176:
  
 
===Brake linings===
 
===Brake linings===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify both brake linings (also called "shoes") if they are visible or state that they are hidden behind the shield.
 
:#Identify both brake linings (also called "shoes") if they are visible or state that they are hidden behind the shield.
 
:#If they are visible, check whether the brake linings:
 
:#If they are visible, check whether the brake linings:
Line 204: Line 195:
  
 
===Air pressure===
 
===Air pressure===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Know that the tires must be inflated to 100 psi.
 
:#Know that the tires must be inflated to 100 psi.
 
:#Check the pressure with an air pressure gauge at the valve stem.
 
:#Check the pressure with an air pressure gauge at the valve stem.
  
 
===Valve stem/cap===
 
===Valve stem/cap===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify one valve stem and its cap on a single tire or both stems and caps on dual tires.
 
:#Identify one valve stem and its cap on a single tire or both stems and caps on dual tires.
 
:#Check whether the stems and caps meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the stems and caps meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
Line 215: Line 204:
 
==Wheels==
 
==Wheels==
 
===Rims===
 
===Rims===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify the rims. For dual tires, the rims can be either Budd-spaced or Dayton/split. Daytona/split tires have a spacer between two rims, while Budd-spaced rims don't.
 
:#Identify the rims. For dual tires, the rims can be either Budd-spaced or Dayton/split. Daytona/split tires have a spacer between two rims, while Budd-spaced rims don't.
 
:#Check whether:
 
:#Check whether:
Line 230: Line 218:
  
 
===Hub/axle seal===
 
===Hub/axle seal===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify the hub seal on the steering axle or axle seal on non-steering axles, as well as those bolts and, if equipped, dipsticks, that are related to them.
 
:#Identify the hub seal on the steering axle or axle seal on non-steering axles, as well as those bolts and, if equipped, dipsticks, that are related to them.
 
:#Check whether the seals and bolts meet the:
 
:#Check whether the seals and bolts meet the:
Line 239: Line 226:
 
==Side of tractor==
 
==Side of tractor==
 
===External mirrors===
 
===External mirrors===
:The tested person is supposed to check whether the external mirrors and their brackets:
+
:Check whether the external mirrors and their brackets:
 
:#Are free of excessive dirt.
 
:#Are free of excessive dirt.
 
:#Meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Tractor side lights===
 
===Tractor side lights===
:If the inspected tractor is equipped with side lights, the tested person is supposed to check whether the lights:
+
:If the inspected tractor is equipped with side lights, check whether the lights:
 
:#Are the proper color, amber.
 
:#Are the proper color, amber.
 
:#Meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Cab doors===
 
===Cab doors===
:The tested person is supposed to check whether the:
+
:Check whether the:
 
:#Doors open and close properly.
 
:#Doors open and close properly.
 
:#Door windows are free of excessive dirt.
 
:#Door windows are free of excessive dirt.
Line 257: Line 244:
  
 
===DEF tank===
 
===DEF tank===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank and its cap.
 
:#Identify the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank and its cap.
 
:#Check whether the tank and cap meet the:
 
:#Check whether the tank and cap meet the:
Line 264: Line 250:
  
 
===Fuel tank===
 
===Fuel tank===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify the fuel tank, its straps and cap.
 
:#Identify the fuel tank, its straps and cap.
 
:#Check whether the tank and cap meet the:
 
:#Check whether the tank and cap meet the:
Line 272: Line 257:
 
==Behind the cab and tractor==
 
==Behind the cab and tractor==
 
===Catwalk and steps===
 
===Catwalk and steps===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify the catwalk and steps.
 
:#Identify the catwalk and steps.
 
:#Check whether the catwalk and steps:
 
:#Check whether the catwalk and steps:
Line 279: Line 263:
  
 
===Exhaust system===
 
===Exhaust system===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify the exhaust and, if equipped, its clamps.
 
:#Identify the exhaust and, if equipped, its clamps.
 
:#Check whether the exhaust and, if equipped, clamps, meet the:
 
:#Check whether the exhaust and, if equipped, clamps, meet the:
Line 286: Line 269:
  
 
===Drive shaft===
 
===Drive shaft===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify the drive shaft and those U-joints that are related to that.
 
:#Identify the drive shaft and those U-joints that are related to that.
 
:#Check whether the drive shaft and U-joints:
 
:#Check whether the drive shaft and U-joints:
Line 293: Line 275:
  
 
===Frame===
 
===Frame===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify the tractor frame.
 
:#Identify the tractor frame.
 
:#Check whether the frame meets the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the frame meets the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Rear tractor lights/reflectors===
 
===Rear tractor lights/reflectors===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify the tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, and reflectors.
 
:#Identify the tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, and reflectors.
 
:#Check whether they:
 
:#Check whether they:
Line 307: Line 287:
  
 
===Electrical line coupling===
 
===Electrical line coupling===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify the electrical line coupling.
 
:#Identify the electrical line coupling.
 
:#Check whether the lines:
 
:#Check whether the lines:
Line 317: Line 296:
  
 
===Air line coupling===
 
===Air line coupling===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify both air line couplings, including their hoses, glad hands, and glad hand seals.
 
:#Identify both air line couplings, including their hoses, glad hands, and glad hand seals.
 
:#Check whether the:
 
:#Check whether the:
Line 327: Line 305:
  
 
===Trailer apron===
 
===Trailer apron===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify the apron.
 
:#Identify the apron.
 
:#Check whether the apron:
 
:#Check whether the apron:
Line 334: Line 311:
  
 
===Kingpin and jaws===
 
===Kingpin and jaws===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify the kingpin and locking jaws.
 
:#Identify the kingpin and locking jaws.
 
:#Check whether the locking jaws:
 
:#Check whether the locking jaws:
Line 347: Line 323:
  
 
===Fifth wheel skid plate===
 
===Fifth wheel skid plate===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify the fifth wheel skid plate.
 
:#Identify the fifth wheel skid plate.
 
:#Check whether the plate:
 
:#Check whether the plate:
Line 354: Line 329:
  
 
===Fifth wheel platform===
 
===Fifth wheel platform===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify the fifth wheel platform and those nuts, mounting bolts, and pins that are related to it.
 
:#Identify the fifth wheel platform and those nuts, mounting bolts, and pins that are related to it.
 
:#Check whether the platform:
 
:#Check whether the platform:
Line 361: Line 335:
  
 
===Sliding locking system===
 
===Sliding locking system===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meets the:
 
:#Check whether the  meets the:
Line 369: Line 342:
 
==Trailer front and sides==
 
==Trailer front and sides==
 
===Trailer header board===
 
===Trailer header board===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===DOT reflective tape===
 
===DOT reflective tape===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Landing gear===
 
===Landing gear===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Trailer side lights===
 
===Trailer side lights===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Frame and tandem release===
 
===Frame and tandem release===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meets the:
 
:#Check whether the  meets the:
Line 396: Line 364:
  
 
===Splash guards===
 
===Splash guards===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Door tie back hook===
 
===Door tie back hook===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
Line 407: Line 373:
 
==Trailer rear==
 
==Trailer rear==
 
===Trailer rear lights===
 
===Trailer rear lights===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Trailer doors===
 
===Trailer doors===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Door tie back chain===
 
===Door tie back chain===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
Line 423: Line 386:
 
==Inside the cab==
 
==Inside the cab==
 
===Emergency equipment===
 
===Emergency equipment===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Safety belt===
 
===Safety belt===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Safe start engine===
 
===Safe start engine===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===ABS light===
 
===ABS light===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Horns===
 
===Horns===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
===Mirrors===
+
===In-cab-checked mirrors===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Windshield===
 
===Windshield===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Windshield wipers===
 
===Windshield wipers===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Oil pressure gauge===
 
===Oil pressure gauge===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Ammeter/voltmeter===
 
===Ammeter/voltmeter===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Temperature gauge===
 
===Temperature gauge===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Air pressure gauge===
 
===Air pressure gauge===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===DEF level indicator===
 
===DEF level indicator===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Light indicators===
 
===Light indicators===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
  
 
===Cab and windshield fans===
 
===Cab and windshield fans===
:The tested person is supposed to:
 
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Identify  and their related  .
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
 
:#Check whether the  meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

Revision as of 23:48, 27 July 2021

Any semi-trailer truck pre-trip inspection should be based on the CDL Vehicle Inspection Test‎‎.


Contents

Versions

According to the 11.6.1 section of the CDL Vehicle Inspection Test‎‎, the tested applicant is "required to perform one of the four versions of a Vehicle inspection in the vehicle." All versions include:

  1. an engine start,
  2. an in-cab inspection,
  3. an inspection of the coupling system,
  4. an inspection of the entire vehicle or only a portion of the vehicle.

Version A

  1. Front of truck
  2. Engine compartment
  3. Steering components
  4. Of one side of the steering axle:
  5. Coupling system
  6. Inside the cab, including Air brake check, Parking brake check, Service brake check

Version B

  1. Driver's door/fuel area
  2. Behind the cab
  3. Of one side of any tractor tandem axles:
  4. Coupling system
  5. Inside the cab, including Air brake check, Parking brake check, Service brake check

Version C

  1. Coupling system
  2. Trailer front and sides
  3. Of one side of any trailer tandem axles:
  4. Trailer rear
  5. Inside the cab, including Air brake check, Parking brake check, Service brake check

Full version

An inspection of the entire vehicle may consist of:
  1. Front of truck
  2. Engine compartment
  3. Steering components
  4. Of one side of any axle:
  5. Driver's door/fuel area
  6. Behind the cab
  7. Coupling system
  8. Trailer front and sides
  9. Trailer rear
  10. Inside the cab, including Air brake check, Parking brake check, Service brake check

Front of tractor

Front lights

The headlights, turn signals, and clearance lights:
  1. Meet general requirements.
  2. Are clean.
  3. Are the proper color.

Front leaks

No leaks or puddles from dripping fluids under the engine or transmission.

Engine compartment

The Steering components belong to the engine compartment, but moved to a separate section of this description.

DPF

Mounting brackets, hoses, and electrical components of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) must meet:
  1. General requirements.
  2. Requirements for fluid-containing items.

Engine hoses

Engine hoses must meet the Requirements for fluid-containing items.

Coolant level

The coolant level must be at the proper level as observed from the reservoir tank or sight glass.

Water pump

Identify whether the pump is belt-driven or gear-driven. Any belt-driven pump must meet the Requirements for engine compartment belts. Boldly, any water pump must meet:
  1. General requirements.
  2. Requirements for fluid-containing items.

Oil dipstick

The oil must be at proper operating level when its dipstick pulled out, wiped off, re-inserted, and pulled out back.

Alternator

Identify whether the alternator is belt-driven or gear-driven. Any belt-driven alternator must meet the Requirements for engine compartment belts.
Check whether the alternator meets:
  1. General requirements.
  2. Requirements for electrical items.

Air compressor

Identify whether the air compressor is belt-driven or gear-driven. Any belt-driven air compressor must meet the Requirements for engine compartment belts.
Check whether the air compressor must meet:
  1. General requirements.
  2. Requirements for air-handling items.

Steering components

Power steering pump

Identify whether the pump is belt-driven or gear-driven. Any belt-driven pump must meet the Requirements for engine compartment belts.
Check whether the power steering pump must meet:
  1. General requirements.
  2. Requirements for fluid-containing items.

Power steering fluid reservoir

  1. Check that the fluid is at the proper level from the side glass or while pulling the dipstick. Level must be above refill mark.

Steering gear box

  1. Identify the steering gear box and the power steering hoses.
  2. Check whether the box and the hoses meet the:

Steering linkage

  1. Identify connecting links, arms, rods, joints, and sockets.
  2. Check whether components of the steering linkage meet the General requirements.

Suspension components

Spring mounts

  1. Identify both spring mounts and their bushings, nuts, and/or bolts.
  2. Check whether the front and rear mounts, as well as their components meet the General requirements.

Spring leaves

  1. Identify spring leaves.
  2. Check whether the leaves:

U-bolts

  1. Identify U-bolts and their related nuts.
  2. Check whether the bolts and nuts meet the General requirements.

Shock absorbers

  1. Identify shock absorber.
  2. Check whether the absorber meets the:

Air bags

  1. Identify air bags and those hoses, air bag mounting brackets and bolts that are related to them.
  2. Check whether the air bags:

Brake components

Air hoses

  1. Identify air hoses that supply brake chambers and their related couplings.
  2. Check whether the hoses meet the:

Brake chamber

  1. Identify brake chambers and those clamps that are related to them.
  2. Check whether the chambers and clamps meet the:

Slack adjuster/push rod

  1. Identify slack adjusters and push rods.
  2. Check whether the adjusters and rods meet the General requirements.
  3. State that manual slack adjusters should not move more than approximately one inch when pulled by hand if brakes are released.

Brake drum

  1. Identify the brake drums if they are visible or state that they are hidden behind the shield.
  2. If they are visible, check whether the brake drums:

Brake linings

  1. Identify both brake linings (also called "shoes") if they are visible or state that they are hidden behind the shield.
  2. If they are visible, check whether the brake linings:
    • Are not worn dangerously thin.
    • Have no signs of grease, oil, or debris.
    • Meet the General requirements.

Tires

Tire surfaces

The tested person is supposed to check whether the tires:
  1. Have no abrasions, bulges, or cuts on sidewall and tread areas.
  2. Are evenly worn.
  3. Meet the General requirements.

Tread depth

The tested person is supposed to check whether the tread depth is at least:
  1. 4/32 of an inch on every steering axle tire.
  2. 2/32 of an inch on every non-steering axle tire.

Air pressure

  1. Know that the tires must be inflated to 100 psi.
  2. Check the pressure with an air pressure gauge at the valve stem.

Valve stem/cap

  1. Identify one valve stem and its cap on a single tire or both stems and caps on dual tires.
  2. Check whether the stems and caps meet the General requirements.

Wheels

Rims

  1. Identify the rims. For dual tires, the rims can be either Budd-spaced or Dayton/split. Daytona/split tires have a spacer between two rims, while Budd-spaced rims don't.
  2. Check whether:
    • The rims: have no welds.
    • For dual tires, there is no debris between the tires.
    • The rims and, for Dayton/split tires, spacers meet the General requirements.

Lug nuts

The tested person is supposed to check whether the
  1. Lug nuts:
    • Show no signs of rust trails or shiny metal that would indicate looseness.
    • Meet the General requirements.
  2. Bolt holes are not cracked or distorted.

Hub/axle seal

  1. Identify the hub seal on the steering axle or axle seal on non-steering axles, as well as those bolts and, if equipped, dipsticks, that are related to them.
  2. Check whether the seals and bolts meet the:
If the seal is equipped with a dipstick, another check can be performed to see whether the fluid is filled to proper level.

Side of tractor

External mirrors

Check whether the external mirrors and their brackets:
  1. Are free of excessive dirt.
  2. Meet the General requirements.

Tractor side lights

If the inspected tractor is equipped with side lights, check whether the lights:
  1. Are the proper color, amber.
  2. Meet the General requirements.

Cab doors

Check whether the:
  1. Doors open and close properly.
  2. Door windows are free of excessive dirt.
  3. Door hinges are secure.
  4. Door seals are intact.
  5. Doors, windows, hinges, and seals meet the General requirements.

DEF tank

  1. Identify the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank and its cap.
  2. Check whether the tank and cap meet the:

Fuel tank

  1. Identify the fuel tank, its straps and cap.
  2. Check whether the tank and cap meet the:

Behind the cab and tractor

Catwalk and steps

  1. Identify the catwalk and steps.
  2. Check whether the catwalk and steps:

Exhaust system

  1. Identify the exhaust and, if equipped, its clamps.
  2. Check whether the exhaust and, if equipped, clamps, meet the:

Drive shaft

  1. Identify the drive shaft and those U-joints that are related to that.
  2. Check whether the drive shaft and U-joints:

Frame

  1. Identify the tractor frame.
  2. Check whether the frame meets the General requirements.

Rear tractor lights/reflectors

  1. Identify the tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, and reflectors.
  2. Check whether they:
    • Are the proper color, white for the brake lights and red for the other lights.
    • Meet the General requirements.

Coupling system

Electrical line coupling

  1. Identify the electrical line coupling.
  2. Check whether the lines:

Air line coupling

  1. Identify both air line couplings, including their hoses, glad hands, and glad hand seals.
  2. Check whether the:

Trailer apron

  1. Identify the apron.
  2. Check whether the apron:
    • Sits well on the fifth wheel skid plate. There should be no gap or daylight between the plate and apron.
    • Meets the General requirements.

Kingpin and jaws

  1. Identify the kingpin and locking jaws.
  2. Check whether the locking jaws:

Release arm

  1. Identify the kingpin and locking jaws.
  2. Check whether the locking jaws:

Fifth wheel skid plate

  1. Identify the fifth wheel skid plate.
  2. Check whether the plate:

Fifth wheel platform

  1. Identify the fifth wheel platform and those nuts, mounting bolts, and pins that are related to it.
  2. Check whether the platform:

Sliding locking system

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meets the:

Trailer front and sides

Trailer header board

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

DOT reflective tape

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Landing gear

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Trailer side lights

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Frame and tandem release

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meets the:

Splash guards

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Door tie back hook

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Trailer rear

Trailer rear lights

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Trailer doors

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Door tie back chain

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Inside the cab

Emergency equipment

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Safety belt

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Safe start engine

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

ABS light

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Horns

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

In-cab-checked mirrors

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Windshield

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Windshield wipers

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Oil pressure gauge

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Ammeter/voltmeter

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Temperature gauge

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Air pressure gauge

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

DEF level indicator

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Light indicators

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Cab and windshield fans

  1. Identify and their related .
  2. Check whether the meet the General requirements.

Brake check series

The brake check series consists of three different checks:
  1. Air brake check
  2. Parking brake check
  3. Service brake check

Air brake check

Failure to perform all three components of the air brake check correctly will result in an automatic failure of thee vehicle inspection test. If you realize that you have missed something or did something incorrectly during your air brake check, you may start over.

Air brake check preparation

Leak down test

Low air warning device test

Tractor protection valve test

Parking brake check

Parking brake check preparation

Tractor parking brake check

Trailer parking brake check

Service brake check

Preparation

Execution

Requirements

Air-handling items

  • Any inspected item that handles air must be not loose or leaking.
  • Its hoses must be:
    1. Mounted securely at their couplings, one for the exhaust and two couplings for everything else.
    2. Not dry-rotted.
    3. Free from cuts, frays, holes, leaks, and/or other damage.

Electrical items

  • Any inspected item that provides the tractor and/or trailer with electricity must be not burnt or frayed.
  • Its wires must be free from cuts and/or other damage.

Engine compartment belts

Engine compartment belts may include power steering belt, water pump belt, alternator belt, and/or air compressor belt. During the inspection, they must:
  1. Be checked for snugness (1/2 to 3/4 inch play at center of belt), cracks, frays, loose fibers or signs of wear.
  2. Not be damaged or missing, be mounted securely and operating properly.

Fluid-containing items

  • Any inspected item that contains any fluid must be not loose or leaking.
  • Its hoses must be free from frays, leaks, and/or other damage.

General

Any inspected item and its component or part must be:
  • If the item should:
    1. Not be movable, then, securely mounted and have no missing nuts, bolts, or bushings.
    2. Be movable, then, fastened, tight, or not loose.
  • Not bent, broken, cracked, damaged, dent, or missing.