11.2 External lnspection (All Vehicles)

11.2.1 Steering

Steering Box and / or Hoses
  • Check that the steering box is securely mounted and not leaking. Look for any miss­ing nuts, bolts, and cotter keys.
  •  Check for power steering fluid leaks or damage to power steering hoses.
Steering Linkage
  • See that connecting links, arms, and rods from the steering box to the wheel are not worn or cracked.
  • Check that joints and sockets are not worn or loose and that there are no missing nuts, bolts, or cotter keys.

11.2.2 Suspension

Springs and / or Air and / or Torque
  • Look for missing, shifted, cracked, or broken leaf springs.
  • Look for broken or distorted coil springs.
  • If vehicle is equipped with torsion bars, torque arms or torque rods, or other types of suspension components, check that they are not damaged and are mounted securely.
  • Air ride suspension should be checked for damage and leaks.
Mounts
  • Look for cracked or broken spring hangers, missing or damaged bushings, and broken, loose, or missing bolts, u-bolts or other axle mounting parts. (The mounts should be checked at each point where they are secured to the vehicle frame and axle[s].)
Shock Absorbers
  • See that shock absorbers are secure and that there are no leaks.

NOTE: Be prepared to perform the same suspension components inspection on every axle (power unit and trailer, if equipped).

11.2.3 Brakes

Slack Adjustors and Pushrods
  • Look for broken, loose, or missing parts.
  • For manual slack adjustors, the brake pushrod should not move more than one inch (with the brakes released) when pulled by hand.
Brake Chambers
  • See that brake chambers are not leaking, cracked, or dented and are mounted securely and check that the clamp is properly mounted and secure.
Brake Hoses and / or Lines
  • Look for cracked, worn, or leaking hoses, lines, and couplings.
Brake Drum
  • Check for cracks, dents, or holes. Also check for loose or missing bolts.
  • Check for contaminates such debris or oil and / or  grease.
  • Brake linings (where visible) should not be worn dangerously thin.
Brake Linings
  • On some brake drums, there are openings where the brake linings can be seen from outside the drum. For this type of drum, check that a visible amount of brake lining is showing.

NOTE: Be prepared to perform the same brake components inspection on every axle (power unit and trailer, if equipped).

11.2.4 Wheels

Rims/Wheels
  • Check for damaged or bent rims and / or wheels. Rims and / or wheels cannot have welding repairs.
Tires

The following items must be inspected on every tire:

  • Tread depth: Check for minimum tread depth (4/32 (four of 32) on steering axle tires, 2/32 (2 of 32) on all other tires).
  • Tire condition: Check that tread is evenly worn and look for cuts or other damage to tread or sidewalls. Also, make sure that valve caps and stems are not missing, broken, or damaged.
  • Tire inflation: Check for proper inflation by using a tire gauge. Note: You will not get credit if you simply kick the tires to check for proper inflation.
Hub Oil Seals and / or Axle Seals and / or Hub Cover
  • See that hub oil and / or grease seals and axle seals are not leaking and, if wheel has a sight glass, oil level is adequate.
Lug Nuts
  • Check that all lug nuts are present, free of cracks and distortions, and show no signs of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads.
  • Make sure all bolt holes are not cracked or distorted.
Spacers or Budd Spacing or Bud Wheels

If equipped, check that spacers are not bent, damaged, or rusted through.

Spacers should be evenly centered, with the dual wheels and tires evenly separated.

NOTE: Be prepared to perform the same wheel inspection on every axle (power unit and trailer, if equipped).

11.2.5 Side of Vehicle

Door(s) and / or Mirror(s)
  • Check that door(s) are not damaged and that they open and close properly from the outside.
  • Hinges should be secure with seals intact.
  • Check that mirror(s) and mirror brackets are not damaged and are mounted securely with no loose fittings.
Fuel Tank

Check that tank(s) are secure, cap(s) are tight, and that there are no leaks from tank(s) or lines.

Battery and / or Box
  • Wherever located, see that battery(s) are secure, connections are tight, and cell caps are present.
  • Battery connections should not show signs of excessive corrosion.
  • Battery box and cover or door must be secure.
Drive Shaft
  • See that drive shaft is not bent or cracked.
  • Couplings should be secure and free of for­eign objects.
Exhaust System Defects. (Alternate Language: Muffler, Smokestack)
  • Check system for damage and signs of leaks such as rust or carbon soot.
  • System should be connected tightly and mounted securely.
  • Checks DEF tank to ensure the level of diesel exhaust fluid in the tank is adequate (more than l/8th  (one eighth) tank) checks that DEF indicator on the dash is working properly
Frame and / or Body and / or Rails
  • Look for cracks, broken welds, holes or other damage to the longitudinal frame members, cross members, box, and floor.

11.2.6 Rear of Vehicle

Splash Guards or Mud Flaps
  • If equipped, check that splash guards or mud flaps are not damaged and are mounted se­curely.
Doors and / or Ties and / or Lifts
  • Check that doors and hinges are not dam­aged and that they open, close, and latch properly from the outside, if equipped.
  • Ties, straps, chains, and binders must also be secure.
  • If equipped with a cargo lift, look for leaking, damaged or missing parts and explain how it should be checked for correct operation.
  • Lift must be fully retracted and latched securely.

11.2.7 Tractor and / or Coupling

Air and / or Electric Lines
  • Listen for air leaks. Check that air hoses and electrical lines are not cut, chafed, spliced, or worn (steel braid should not show through).
  • Make sure air and electrical lines are not tangled, pinched, or dragging against tractor parts.
Catwalk and / or Steps and / or Crosswalk and / or Deck Plate
  • Check that the catwalk is solid, clear of objects, and securely bolted to tractor frame and / or body and / or rails.
  • Check that steps leading to the cab entry and catwalk (if equipped) are solid, clear of objects, and securely bolted to tractor frame.
Mounting Bolts
  • Look for loose or missing mounting brackets, clamps, bolts, or nuts. Both the fifth wheel and the slide mounting must be solidly attached.
  • On other types of coupling systems (i.e., ball hitch, pintle hook, etc.), inspect all coupling components and mounting brackets for miss­ing or broken parts.
Hitch Release Lever
  • Check to see that the hitch release lever is in place and is secure.
Locking Jaws
  • Look into fifth wheel gap and check that locking jaws are fully closed around the kingpin.
  • On other types of coupling systems (i.e., ball hitch, pintle hook, etc.), inspect the locking mechanism for missing or broken parts and make sure it is locked securely. If present, safety cables or chains must be secure and free of kinks and excessive slack.
5th Wheel Skid Plate
  • Check for proper lubrication and that 5th wheel skid plate is securely mounted to the platform and that all bolts and pins are secure and not missing.
Locking and Safety Devices
Fifth Wheel Coupling Systems Only
  • Look into fifth wheel gap and inspect the locking jaws or lever are fully secured around the kingpin and inspect for play between kingpin and locking jaws and / or lever.
  • Inspect that the release arm is in the engaged position and the safety latch or lock (if equipped) is in place.
  • Inspect the sliding fifth wheel locking pins (if equipped) for damage and the pins are fully engaged.
Platform (Fifth Wheel)
  • Check for cracks or breaks in the platform structure which supports the fifth wheel skid plate.
Release Arm (Fifth Wheel)
  • If equipped, make sure the release arm is in the engaged position and the safety latch is in place.
Kingpin  and / or Apron  and / or Gap
  • Check that the kingpin is not bent.
  • Make sure the visible part of the apron is not bent, cracked, or broken.
  • Check that the trailer is laying flat on the fifth wheel skid plate (no gap).
Locking Pins (Fifth Wheel)
  • If equipped, look for loose or missing pins in the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel. If air powered, check for leaks.
  • Make sure locking pins are fully engaged.
  • Check that the fifth wheel is positioned properly so that the tractor frame and / or body and / or rails will clear the landing gear during turns.
Pintle Hook
  • Inspect that the pintle hook is securely mounted to the vehicle frame and / or body and / or rails.
  • Inspect for loose or missing parts including mounting bolts, nuts, pins, brackets and clamps
  • Inspect for cracks brakes or excessive wear.
Sliding Pintle  and / or Collar Ring  and / or Eye Hook
  • Check that the sliding pintle (collar Ring and / or eye hook) is secure with no loose or missing nuts or bolts and cotter pin is in place.
Tongue or Draw-bar
  • Check that the tongue and / or draw-bar is not bent or twisted and checks for broken welds and stress cracks.
  • Check that the tongue and / or draw-bar is not worn excessively.
Tongue Storage Area
  • Check that the storage area is solid and secured to the tongue.
  • Check that cargo in the storage area i.e. chains, binders, etc. are secure.
All Other Coupling Systems
  • Inspect the locking mechanism or latch for missing or broken parts and make sure the pintle or hitch release lever or latch is locked in place and secure.
  • Inspect that safety pins and cotter pins are in place and not missing, if present.
  • Inspect that safety cables or chains are secure, crossed, and free or kinks and excessive slack, if present. Breakaway cables must be engaged.