COMBINATION VEHICLE INSPECTION MEMORY AID

COMBINATION VEHICLES INSPECTION MEMORY AID

Note: All drivers may use this aid during the pre-trip inspection test. Be prepared to point to or touch the listed items and explain what you would look for.


ENGINE COMPARTMENT
• Alternator mounted securely and belt
• Water pump mounted securely and belt
• Air compressor mounted securely and belt
If gear driven, mention to the examiner
• Coolant, oil, and power steering levels
• Leaks and hoses

VEHICLE FRONT
• Steering box and is steering linkage
• Space and miss spring mounts
• Shock absorbers
• Brake hose or line
• Brake drums or rotor
• Tire and rim
• Lug nuts and hub oil seal
If air brake equipped
• Brake hose
• Slack adjustor
• Brake chamber

VEHICLE SIDE
• Door and mirror
• Fuel tank mounted securely, leaks and cap
• Frame and drive shaft
• Exhaust
• Catwalk and step

TRACTOR/TRAILER REAR
• Air hostess and electrical line

TRAILER FRONT
• Header board
• Air hoses and electrical line connection

COUPLING DEVICE
• Fifth wheel
• Mounting bolts
• Locking pins (for slider)
• Release arm
• Platform
• Kingpin & apron

PINTLE HOOK
• Pintle hook
• Locking pins, safety latch
• Safety chains
• Safety chain brackets
• Tow bar & tow bar eye

TRAILERS SIDE
• Landing gear
• Reflectors
• Frame and deck
• Door and hinges

TRAILER REAR AXLE
• Springs or air bag
• Spring mounts or air bag mounts
• Shock absorber/torsion bar
• Brake hose or line
• Brake drum or rotor
• Tires and rim
• Spacer
• Lug nuts and hub oil seal
If air brake equipped
• Brake hose
• Slack adjustor
• Brake chamber

TRAILER REAR
• Doors and hinges
• Splash guards and reflectors

VEHICLE LIGHTS
• Headlights (high & low beam)
• Front signals and 4-way flashers
• Front and side clearance
• Rear tail
• Rear signal and 4-way flashers
• Rear brake and clearance lights

INSIDE VEHICLE
• Clutch (depressed) gear shift (neutral)
• All gauges (oil, voltmeter, air/vacuum, etc.)
• Speedometer and light indicators
• Steering wheel play
• Horn(s)
• Mirrors adjusted and windshield condition
• Wipers, heater and defroster
• Safety/emergency equipment
• Parking brake
• Brake system check
• Service brake check

NOTE: All drivers are required to complete a break system check correctly in order to pass their pre-trip inspection. The correct processes listed below according to the vehicle braking system.

BRAKE SYSTEM CHECK FOR HYDRAULICS BRAKES
If the vehicle has hydraulic brakes, with the engine running, apply from pressured to the service (foot) brake pedal and hold for five seconds. The brake pedal should not move.

BRAKE SYSTEM CHECK FOR AIR BRAKES
The vehicle has air brakes, you will need to check for leaks (L), warning alarm/signal (A) and for the button (B). The test is commonly referred to as the LAB inspection

(L)-LEAKS
With a fully charge air system (typically 120 psi), turn off the engine, chock to wheels, release (push in) the parking brake button and trailer air supply (if the trailer has air brakes). Apply from pressured to the service (foot) brake pedal. Watched air supply gauge and listen for air leaks. After the initial pressure drop, the loss rate for the single vehicle should be no more than 3 psi in one minute and no more than 4 psi in one minute for combination vehicles (if the trailer has air brakes). If the air last rate exceeds those figures, your air brake system will need to be repaired prior to continuing with the skill test.

(A)-ALARM/SIGNAL
Turn the key to the on position. Rapidly apply and release (Fanning) the service (foot) brake pedal to reduce air tank pressure. The low air pressure warning signal (light, buzzer, etc.) must come on before the pressure drops to less than 60 psi in the air tank.

(B)-BUTTON
Continue to rapidly apply and release (fanning) the service (foot) brake pedal to further reduce air tank pressure. The trailer supply button (if the trailer has air brakes) and the parking brake button (all air brake vehicles) should pop out when the air pressure falls to the manufacturer's specifications (usually between 20 TO 40 psi). This causes the spring break to come on.

TEST SERVICE (FOOT) BRAKES PRIOR TO OPERATING
If you recall has air brakes, build up your air pressure to normal operating range (typically 120 PSI), release (push in) the parking brake button(all air brake vehicles) and the trailer air supply button (if trailer has air brakes). Move forward slowly (about 5 mph), and applied the service (foot) brake pedal firmly. Note any vehicle "pulling" to one side, unusual feel, or delayed stopping action.

If your vehicle has hydraulic brakes, release the parking brake, move forward slowly (about 5 mph), and apply the service (foot) brake pedal firmly. Note any vehicle "pulling' to one side, unusual feel or delayed stopping action.

NOTE: if you vehicle is air brake equipped, you must locate and identify all air brake system components, test your service (foot) brakes and correctly perform the LAB in order to pass the air brake portion of the pre-trip inspection.