Conducting A Proper Tractor-Trailer Wheel And Tire Inspection

One critical step in the pre-trip inspection is to make sure your air brakes are in good operating order before hitting the road. As a student preparing for the pre-trip inspection portion of the CDL test, I need to know the proper procedure for conducting this test. There are four steps to take to ensure all areas of the air braking system are working properly.

One of the instructors at WCTC taught me that every part of the LABS test should be conducted with the driver keeping his or her hands on the wheel the entire time. This ensures you do NOT touch the tractor or trailer parking brake during the test. If you do touch the buttons during the CDL pre-trip test, you will have to start the entire LABS test again from the beginning.

Every year the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducts its annual Brake Safety Week across North America. During Brake Safety Week, commercial motor vehicle inspectors emphasize the importance of brake systems by conducting inspections and removing commercial motor vehicles found to have brake-related out-of-service violations from our roadways. In addition to inspections and enforcement, law enforcement agencies will work to educate commercial motor vehicle drivers, motor carriers, mechanics, owner-operators and others on the importance of proper brake maintenance, operation and performance through outreach, education and awareness campaigns.

Safe brakes also depend on well-maintained wheels. Performing regular wheel inspections will help prevent problems from arising. Clean wheels and examine exposed areas for damage like wear, corrosion or cracks.

STEERING Check the steering lash by first turning the steering wheel in one direction untilthe tires begin to pivot. Then, place amark on the steering wheel at a fixed reference point and turn the wheel in the opposite direction until the tires again start to move. Mark the steering wheel at the same fixed reference point and measure the distance between the two marks. The amount of allowable lash varies with the diameter of the steering wheel.

TIRES, WHEELS, RIMS AND HUBS Check tires for proper inflation, cuts and bulges, regrooved tires on steering axle, tread wear and major tread groove depth. Inspect sidewalls for improper repairs, exposed fabric or cord, contact with any part of the vehicle, and tire markings excluding it from use on a steering axle. Inspect wheels and rims for cracks, unseated locking rings, and broken or missing lugs, studs or clamps. Check for rims that are cracked or bent, have loose or damaged lug nuts and elongated stud holes, have cracks across spokes or in the web area, and have evidence of slippage in the clamp areas. Check the hubs for lubricant leaks, missing caps or plugs, misalignment and positioning, and damaged, worn or missing parts.

An alignment improves vehicle safety by keeping the right amount of the tire in contact with the road and preventing your vehicle from pulling to the left or right. A properly aligned vehicle has a smoother ride and optimal gas mileage. Keeping the wheels aligned also extends tire life.

Over time, normal settling of the suspension, including fatigue of springs and bushings (rubber cushions that dampen the amount of movement and noise), will gradually change alignment. Hitting a pothole, going over big bumps, rubbing up against a curb or rolling over debris can also push wheels out of alignment. Additionally, aggressive driving, carrying heavy loads, bent or worn suspension/steering parts, or a slight fender-bender can trigger misalignment. To improve your vehicle safety, get your vehicle aligned twice a year or when you buy new tires. Other times to get your alignment checked include:

Not likely. Vibrations in the steering wheel, the floorboard or the seat (especially at highway or freeway speeds) is likely a sign that one or more of your tire/wheel assemblies is out-of-balance, or you are experiencing another tire issue.

Camber Affects Wear and Cornering: The inward and outward tilt of the tire and wheel assembly (viewed from the front of the vehicle) is called camber. When the top of the tire is leaning inward, it is a negative camber. Positive camber has the top of the tire tilting outward. Each manufacturer sets a specific camber alignment for every vehicle it produces, which might be either positive, negative or zero (0º). When the camber is at the correct angle, the tire and wheel will roll straight.

Les Schwab wheel alignments include a tire inspection, test drive before, steering and suspension inspection, tire pressure check and adjustment, alignment angles measured and adjusted, test drive after, and a printed report showing before and after measurements. Alignments done at Les Schwab Tires are covered by a 30-day guarantee, which includes labor.

During the inspection, you are going to have the engine running at times and you will also be performing tests on the braking system. You really do not want the vehicle to move while you are inspecting the wheels or if you are under the trailer.

There are a whole multitude of problems that can arise from not properly checking your wheels, tires and brakes properly. One persistent problem that is often cited is the wheel fasteners. No one wants one of your wheels to come off and start barreling down the interstate toward them.

1. What are the inspection criteria for passenger cars and light duty trucks 2. What are the inspection criteria for medium and heavy duty trucks and buses 3. What are the inspection criteria for recreational, semi- and utility trailers 4. What are the inspection criteria for motorcycles 5. What are the inspection criteria for motor-driven cycles and motorized pedalcycles 6. How do I contact a Quality Assurance Officer regarding a safety inspection 7. When should my vehicle's safety inspection sticker expire 8. How can I apply for a sun screen exemption for my vehicle and learn more about window tint requirements9. How can I obtain a Pennsylvania safety inspection manual10. How do I file a complaint against an official PennDOT safety inspection station11. What is the procedure for a PA registered vehicle reentering the commonwealth that has an expired safety inspection sticker 12. Can an incomplete vehicle undergo a safety inspection1. What are the inspection criteria for passenger cars and light duty trucks Safety inspections for passenger cars and light-duty trucks require that the following items be checked: suspension components, steering, braking systems, tires and wheels, lighting and electrical systems, glazing (glass), mirrors, windshield washer, defroster, wipers, fuel systems, the speedometer, the odometer, the exhaust systems, horns and warning devices, the body, and the chassis. For most vehicles in the 42 county, Non-I/M region this safety inspection will also include a Visual Anti-Tampering Check. The Visual Anti-Tampering Check is an examination of the vehicle to see if the required emissions components have been tampered with or removed. For more information concerning the 42 County Visual Anti-Tampering Check, please reference Section 175.80 of Subchapter E of the Vehicle Equipment and Inspection Regulations. For a complete list of the rejection criteria for passenger cars and light duty trucks, please visit Subchapter E of the Vehicle Equipment and Inspection Regulations.2. What are the inspection criteria for medium and heavy duty trucks and buses Safety inspections for medium and heavy duty trucks and buses require that the following items be checked: suspension components, steering, braking systems, tires and wheels, lighting and electrical systems, glazing (glass), mirrors, windshield washer, defroster, wipers, fuel systems, the speedometer, the odometer, the exhaust systems, horns and warning devices, the body, and the chassis. For a complete list of the rejection criteria for medium and heavy duty trucks and buses, please reference Section 175.110 of Subchapter F of the Vehicle Equipment and Inspection Regulations.3. What are the inspection criteria for recreational, semi- and utility trailers Safety inspections for recreational, semi- and utility trailers require that the following items be checked: suspension components, braking systems, tires and wheels, lighting and electrical systems, glazing, the body, and the chassis. For a complete list of the rejection criteria for recreational, semi- and utility trailers, please reference Section 175.130 of Subchapter G of the Vehicle Equipment and Inspection Regulations.4. What are the inspection criteria for motorcycles Safety inspections for motorcycles require that the following items be checked: suspension components, steering, braking systems, tires and wheels, lighting and electrical systems, glazing (glass), mirrors, fuel systems, the speedometer, the odometer, the exhaust systems, horns and warning devices, the body, and the chassis. For a complete list of the rejection criteria for motorcycles, please reference Section 175.160 of Subchapter H of the Vehicle Equipment and Inspection Regulations.5. What are the inspection criteria for motor-driven cycles and motorized pedalcycles Safety inspections for motor-driven cycles and motorized pedalcycles require that the following items be checked: steering, braking systems, tires and wheels, lighting and electrical systems, glazing (glass), mirrors, fuel systems, the speedometer, the odometer, the exhaust systems, horns and warning devices, the body, and the chassis. For a complete list of the rejection criteria for motor-driven cycles and motorized pedalcycles, please reference Section 175.190 of Subchapter J of the Vehicle Equipment and Inspection Regulations. 6. How do I contact a Quality Assurance Officer regarding a safety inspection Quality Assurance Officers are assigned to specific geographic areas. To find the Quality Assurance Officer nearest you, please check the Quality Assurance Officers contact list.7. When should my vehicle's s