STAIGHT TRUCK VEHICLE INSPECTION MEMORY AID

STRAIGHT TRUCK VEHICLE INSPECTION MEMORY AID

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

ENGINE COMPARTMENT
• Alternator mounted securely & belt*
• Water pump mounted securely & belt*
• Air compressor month of securely & belt*
*If gear driven, mentioned 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 absorber
• 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
• Mirror and passenger entry
• Fuel tank mounted securely, leaks and cap
• Frame and drive shaft
• Exhaust
• Battery and/or baggage door for buses
• Springs or air bag
• Spring mounts or air bag mounts
• Shock absorbers
• 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 and low beam)
• Front signals and 4-way flashers
• Front clearance
• Side clearance and reflectors
• Rear tail
• Rear signals and 4-way flashers
• Rear brake lights
• Rear clearance

INSIDE VEHICLE
• Clutch (depressed) and gearshift (neutral)
• All gauges (oil, voltmeter, air/vacuum, etc.)
• Speedometer
• Light indicators
• Steering wheel play
• Horn(s)
• Mirrors adjusted and windshield condition
• Wipers
• Heater and defrost
• Safety for/emergency equipment
• Parking Break
• Brake system check (See bottom of this page for correct procedure)
• Service (foot) brake check (See bottom of this page for correct procedure)

NOTE: All drivers are required to complete a break system check correctly in order to pass the pre-trip inspection. The correct process is listed below according to the vehicles 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
If 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. 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 no more than 3 psi in one minute. If the air lost rate exceeds that figure, 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 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 parking brake button should pop out when the air pressure falls to the manufacturer’s specification (usually between 20 to 40 PSI). This cost is the spring brakes to come on.

TEST SERVICE (FOOT) BRAKES PRIOR TO OPERATING
If your vehicle has air brakes, build up your air pressure to normal operating range (typically 120 PSI), release (push in) the parking brake button. 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.

If your vehicle has hydraulic brakes, move forward slowly (about 5 mph), and apply the service (foot) brake pedal firmly. Know 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 brakes and correctly perform the LAB in order to pass the air brake portion of the pre-trip inspection.