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NOTE: Information in this section is not all inclusive
and is subject to change due to law changes.
For the latest information refer to the current CDL Manual for the state
you live in.
STEERING (Pre Trip Inspection)
Steering Box/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.
SUSPENSION (Pre Trip Inspection)
Springs/Air/Torque
Look for missing, shifted, cracked, or broken leaf springs.
Look for broken or distorted coil springs.
If the vehicle is equipped with torsion bars, torque arms, 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)). This
includes mounts used for air ride systems.
Shock Absorbers
See that shock absorbers are secure and that there are no leaks.
BRAKES (Pre Trip Inspection)
Slack Adjusters
Look for broken, loose, or missing parts.
The angle between the push rod and adjuster arm should be a little over 90
degrees when
the brakes are released, and not less than 90 degrees when the brakes are
applied.
When pulled by hand, the brake rod should not move more than one inch
(with the brakes
released).
Brake Chambers
See that brake chambers are not leaking, cracked, or dented and are
mounted securely.
Brake Hoses/Lines
Look for cracked, worn, or leaking hoses, lines, and couplings.
Drum Brake or Rotor
Check for cracks, dents, or holes. Also check for loose or missing bolts.
Brake linings or pads (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.
WHEELS (Pre Trip Inspection)
Rims
Check for damaged or bent rims. Rims cannot have welding repairs.
Tires
The following items must be inspected on every tire:
Tread depth: Check for minimum tread depth (4/32 on steering axle tires,
2/32 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 valve caps and stems are not missing,
broken,
or damaged.
Tire inflation: Check for proper inflation by using a tire gauge, or
inflation by striking
tires with a mallet or other similar device.
Hub Oil Seals/Axle Seals
See that hub oil/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
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.
SIDE OF VEHICLE (Pre Trip Inspection)
Door(s)/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 there are no leaks
from tank(s) or lines.
Battery/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
Check system for damage and signs of leaks such as rust or carbon soot.
System should be connected tightly and mounted securely.
Frame
Look for cracks, broken welds, holes or other damage to the longitudinal
frame members,
cross members, box, and floor.
REAR OF VEHICLE (Pre Trip Inspection)
Splash Guards
If equipped, check that splash guards or mud flaps are not damaged and are
mounted
securely.
Doors/Ties/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.
Lift must be fully retracted and latched securely.
TRACTOR/COUPLING (Pre Trip Inspection)
Air/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
Make sure the catwalk is 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, tow
bars, tow bar eye, etc.),
inspect all coupling components and mounting brackets for missing or
broken parts.
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 (locking pin,
safety latch, chains and brackets).
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/Apron/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 the tractor frame
will clear the landing
gear and the tractor will not strike the trailer during turns. |
