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External Inspection (All Vehicles) - continued
Brakes
Slack Adjustors and Pushrods
- Look for broken, loose or missing parts.
- For manual slack adjustors, the brake pushrod should not move more than 1 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.
Brake Hoses/Lines
- Look for cracked, worn or leaking hoses, lines and couplings.
Drum Brake
- Check for cracks, dents or holes. Also check for loose or missing bolts.
- Check for contaminates, such as debris or oil/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).
Wheels
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 and 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 that valve caps and stems are not missing, broken or damaged.
- Tire inflation: Check for proper inflation by using a tire gauge or a mallet. Note: You will not get credit if you simply kick the tires to check for proper inflation.
- That there is no mismatch tires (size and construction).
- Re-grooved or re-capped tires are not permitted on bus steer tires.
Hub Oil Seals/Axle Seals
- See that hub oil/grease seals and axle seals are not leaking and, if the wheel has a sight glass, the 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
- 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).
Multiple-Choice Questions:
What are two indications of loose lug nuts?
- All these are correct
- Rusty trails or shiny threads
- Twisted or bent valve stem and over-inflated tires
- Low hub oil level or brakes squeaking
Re-grooved or re-capped tires are not permitted on:
- Trailer tires
- Any tires
- Steer tires
- Drive tires
The following items must be inspected on every tire:
- Tread depth: Check for minimum tread depth (4/32 on steering axle tires and 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 that valve caps and stems are not missing, broken or damaged.
- Tire inflation: Check for proper inflation by using a tire gauge or a mallet. Note: You will not get credit if you simply kick the tires to check for proper inflation.
- That there is no mismatch tires (size and construction).
- Re-grooved or re-capped tires are not permitted on bus steer tires.
For manual slack adjustors, the brake pushrod should not move more than _________ (with the brakes released) when pulled by hand.
- 2 inches
- 1 foot
- 1 inch
- 6 inches
What should you check for on the tires during a pre-trip inspection?
- All these are correct
- Make sure that valve caps and stems are not missing, broken or damaged.
- Check that tread is evenly worn
- Look for cuts or other damage to tread or sidewalls
The following items must be inspected on every tire:
- Tread depth: Check for minimum tread depth (4/32 on steering axle tires and 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 that valve caps and stems are not missing, broken or damaged.
- Tire inflation: Check for proper inflation by using a tire gauge or a mallet. Note: You will not get credit if you simply kick the tires to check for proper inflation.
- That there is no mismatch tires (size and construction).
- Re-grooved or re-capped tires are not permitted on bus steer tires.
What should you check for on drum brakes during a pre-trip inspection?
- All these are correct
- Check for cracks, dents or holes. Also check for loose or missing bolts.
- Check for contaminates, such as debris or oil/grease.
- Brake linings (where visible) should not be worn dangerously thin.
Drum Brake
- Check for cracks, dents or holes. Also check for loose or missing bolts.
- Check for contaminates, such as debris or oil/grease.
- Brake linings (where visible) should not be worn dangerously thin.
What is the minimum tire tread depth allowed during a pre-trip inspection?
- 2/32 on steering axle tires and 4/32 on all other tires
- 4/32 on trailer axle tires and 2/32 on all other tires
- 4/32 on steering axle tires and 2/32 on all other tires
- 4/32 on drive axle tires and 2/32 on all other tires
The following items must be inspected on every tire:
- Tread depth: Check for minimum tread depth (4/32 on steering axle tires and 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 that valve caps and stems are not missing, broken or damaged.
- Tire inflation: Check for proper inflation by using a tire gauge or a mallet. Note: You will not get credit if you simply kick the tires to check for proper inflation.
- That there is no mismatch tires (size and construction).
- Re-grooved or re-capped tires are not permitted on bus steer tires.
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