Professional Documents
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TXDPS Pre Trip Inspection Test
TXDPS Pre Trip Inspection Test
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4.
Lug Nuts
Check that all lug nuts are present
Free of cracks and distortions
Show no signs of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads.
Make sure all bolt holes in the rim are not cracked or distorted.
5.
Hub Oil Seals/ Axle Seals
See that hub oil/grease seals & axle seals are
not leaking
& if it has a sight glass, oil level is adequate.
Front Brakes – (Disc Brakes)
6.
Disk Brake/Brake Lining
Disk Brake - Check for cracks, dents, or holes. Also check for loose or missing bolts.
Check for contaminates such debris or oil/grease.
Brake Lining - Brake linings (where visible) should not be worn dangerously thin, ¼” minimum.
7.
Brake Chambers
not leaking air (Say you’re listening),
Brake chambers are mounted securely,
not cracked, dented.
8.
Push Rod & Slack Adjuster- (Our trucks have automatic slack adjusters)
Look for broken, loose, or missing parts,
all bolts, nuts & cotter pins are not missing.
For manual slack adjusters, the brake pushrod should not move more than one inch (with the brakes
released) when pulled by hand
9.
Brake Hoses/Lines
Listen for air leaks (Look at the examiner & say, I am listening for air leaks….”).
Look for cracked worn or leaking hoses, lines, and couplings.
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Front Suspension – (Leaf Spring Suspension)
10.
Shock absorbers
Check that shock absorbers are secure,
no nuts or bolts missing
That there are no leaks
11.
Leaf Springs
Look for missing,
shifted,
cracked,
or broken leaf springs.
12.
Mounts
Look for cracked or broken spring hangers
Missing or damaged bushings
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)).
***Note: Be prepared to perform the same suspension components inspection on every axle. ***
Steering
13.
Steering Linkage
See that the connecting links, arms, and rods from the steering box to the wheel are not worn or
cracked.
Check that the joints and sockets are not worn or loose and that there are no missing nuts, bolts, or
cotter keys.
14.
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 or cracks.
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Engine Compartment - (Engine Off)
15.
Power Steering Fluid
Indicate where power steering fluid dipstick is located.
Check for adequate power steering fluid level.
Level must be above refill mark.
16.
Oil level
Indicate where dipstick is located.
Oil level must be above refill mark.
Inspect hoses for condition and leaks.
Look for dripping fluids on underside of engine and transmission.
17.
Coolant level
Inspect reservoir sight glass to insure the coolant level is in the sight glass, or
(If engine is not hot), remove radiator cap and check for visible-coolant level.
18.
Alternator & Belt
Make sure the Alternator is
operating properly,
not damaged,
and “mounted securely”
All bolts, nuts and brackets are there and not loose, missing or cracked.
Check the belt for:
snugness (up to ¾ inch play at center of belt),
cracks,
or frays
19.
Water Pump & Belt
Make sure Water Pump is:
operating properly,
not damaged
or leaking,
and is “mounted securely”
All bolts, nuts and brackets are there and not loose, missing or cracked.
Check the belt for:
snugness (up to ¾ inch play at center of belt),
cracks,
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or frays
20.
Air Compressor & Power Steering: (Gear Driven)
Both are “gear driven”, there is “no belt”.
“Securely mounted” & “operating properly”
All bolts, nuts and brackets are there and not loose, missing or cracked.
NOTE: You “must” tell the examiner they are “not” belt driven.
21.
Hoses/Leaks
Look for puddles on the ground.
Look for dripping fluids on underside of engine and transmission.
Inspect hoses for condition and leaks.
NOTE: Check anything that has fluids for leaks and puddles under the item inspecting.
NOTE: Check all of the belts below for snugness (up to ¾ inch play at center of belt), cracks, or frays:
Driver & Passenger Side/Fuel Area
22.
Mirrors(s)/Door(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 securely with no loose fittings.
23.
Steps:
Check that steps leading to the cab entry are:
solid,
clear of objects,
& securely bolted to tractor frame.
24.
Fuel Tank
Check that tank(s):
are secure,
cap(s) are tight,
and that there are no leaks from tank(s) or lines.
25.
Air & Electrical Lines: (Behind the cab/sleeper)
6
Listen for air leaks. (Look at the examiner & say, I am listening for air leaks….”).
Check air hoses & electrical lines are not:
cut,
chafed,
spliced,
worn
(steel braid not showing through)
Make sure air & electrical lines are not:
tangled,
pinched,
or dragging against tractor parts.
26.
Lights & Reflectors
Describe the function of each light, reflector & DOT reflective tape.
Check that all external lights and reflective equipment are clean and functional.
Lights and Reflectors (On the rear of the tractor)
Rear of the tractor:
Taillights
Brake lights.
Left & Right/Turn signals.
Four-way flashers.
Backing lights (Back-up white light)
Red reflectors (on rear) and Amber reflectors (elsewhere)
Reflector tape condition
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) indicator. (Check ABS in step #80 Safe Start/ABS)
Under Vehicle
27.
Exhaust System
System should be connected tightly and mounted securely
Check system for damage and signs of leaks such as rust or carbon soot.
28.
Drive shaft
See that drive shaft is not bent or cracked.
Couplings (U-Joints):
should be secure
and free of foreign objects.
7
29.
Frame
Look for cracks, broken welds, holes
or other damage to the longitudinal frame members, cross members, box, and floor.
30.
Catwalks: (There are no catwalks on the truck behind the cab)
Check that the catwalk is:
solid,
clear of objects,
and securely bolted to tractor frame. (No catwalk on our trucks)
Rear Axles & Wheels (front & rear):
31.
Tires - ICD - (Inflation - Condition - Depth)
The following items must be inspected on every tire:
Inflation: Check for proper inflation by using a tire gauge.
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.
Depth: Check for minimum tread depth (4/32 on steering axle tires, 2/32 on all other tires).
32.
Rims
Check for damaged or bent rims.
Rims cannot have welding repairs.
33.
Lug Nuts
Check that all lug nuts are present
Free of cracks and distortions
Show no signs of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads.
Make sure all bolt holes in the rim are not cracked or distorted.
34.
Hub Oil Seals/Axle Seals
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See that hub oil/grease seals & axle seals are
not leaking
& if it has a sight glass, oil level is adequate.
35.
Spacers or Budd Spacing - (There are no spacers or budd spacing on the tractor or trailer)
Rear Brakes
36.
Brake Drum & Linings
Drum Brake:
Check for cracks, dents, or holes.
Also check for loose or missing bolts.
Check for contaminates such debris or oil/grease.
Brake Linings
Brake linings (where visible) should not be worn dangerously thin, ¼” minimum.
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 is showing.
37.
Brake Chamber
not leaking air (Say you’re listening),
Brake chambers are mounted securely,
not cracked, dented.
38.
Push Rod & Slack Adjuster- (Our trucks have automatic slack adjusters)
Look for broken, loose, or missing parts,
all bolts, nuts & cotter pins are not missing.
For manual slack adjusters, the brake pushrod should not move more than one inch (with the brakes
released) when pulled by hand.
39.
Brake Hoses or Lines
Listen for leaks (Say you’re listening).
Look for cracked worn or leaking hoses, lines, and couplings.
Note: Be prepared to perform the same suspension components inspection on every axle (tractor & trailer)
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Rear Suspension – (Spring & Air Bags)
40.
Springs/Air Mounts
Look for cracked or broken spring hangers & mounts,
missing or damaged bushings,
broken, loose, or missing bolts, U-Bolts,
& other axle mounting parts.
(The mounts should be checked at each point where they are secured to the vehicle frame and axles[s]).
41.
Springs/Air Bags & Shocks
Springs look for:
missing,
shifted,
cracked,
or broken leaf springs.
Air ride (air bags) suspension should be checked for damage and leaks (Say you’re listening).
Shock absorbers see that shock absorbers are:
secure,
no nuts or bolts missing,
that there are no leaks.
42.
U-Bolts
Check to make sure secure,
not cracked or bent,
no nuts missing.
Note: Be prepared to perform the same suspension components inspection on every axle (tractor & trailer)
Rear of Tractor
43.
Splash Guards/Mud Flaps
Check that splash guards or mud flaps are not damaged and are mounted securely.
44.
Lights, Reflectors & Reflector Tape
Describe the function of each light, reflector & DOT reflective tape.
Check that all external lights and reflective equipment are “clean” and “functional”.
10
Rear of the tractor:
Taillights
Brake lights.
Left & Right/Turn signals.
Four-way flashers.
Backing lights (Back-up white light)
Red reflectors (on rear) and Amber reflectors (elsewhere)
Reflector tape condition
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) indicator. (Check ABS in step #80 Safe Start/ABS)
45.
Doors/Ties/Lifts - (There is no door on the rear of the tractor)
Check that doors and hinges are:
not damaged
that they open, close, and latch properly from the outside.
Tractor Coupling System
46.
Air & Electrical Lines: (Behind the cab/sleeper)
Listen for air leaks. (Look at the examiner & say, I am listening for air leaks….”).
Check air hoses & electrical lines are not
cut,
chafed,
spliced,
worn
(steel braid not showing through)
Make sure air & electrical lines are not tangled,
pinched,
or dragging against tractor parts.
47.
Air & Electrical Lines: (In front of the trailer)
Listen for air leaks (Look at the examiner & say, I am listening for air leaks….”).
Make sure “glad hands” are:
locked in place,
free of damaged
and no air leaks.
Check that air hoses and electrical lines are not:
cut,
chafed,
spliced, or
worn
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steel braid should not be show through hoses or electrical lines
Make sure air & electrical lines are not:
tangled,
pinched,
or dragging against tractor parts
48.
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.
49.
Sliding Pintle (5th Wheel) Air Slide & 5th Wheel Locking Pins:
Air powered, check & listen for air leaks (Look at the examiner & say, I am listening for air leaks….”).
Look for loose or missing pins in the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel.
Make sure locking pins are fully engaged.
Check the fifth wheel is:
positioned properly
& the tractor frame will clear the landing gear during turns
50.
Platform: (Fifth Wheel)
Check for cracks or breaks in the platform structure which supports the fifth wheel skid plate.
51.
Gap
Check that the trailer is lying flat on the fifth wheel skid plate (no gap)
52.
Apron – (Bottom of trailer that rests on the fifth wheel)
Make sure the visible part of the apron is not:
bent,
cracked,
or broken.
53.
Locking Jaws
Look into fifth wheel gap and check that locking jaws are fully closed around the kingpin.
Inspect the locking mechanism for missing or broken parts
make sure it is locked securely.
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54.
Kingpin
Check that the kingpin is not:
bent
or cracked.
55.
Release Arm & Safety Latch - (5th Wheel)
If equipped, make sure the release arm is in the engaged position and the safety latch is in place.
56.
th
5 Wheel Skid Plate
Check for proper lubrication
that 5th wheel skid plate is securely mounted to the platform
that all bolts and pins are secure and not missing.
Trailer / Semi-Trailer:
Trailer Front:
57.
Header Board or Bulkhead: (This is the front wall of the trailer)
On enclosed trailers, check the front area for signs of damage such as cracks, bulges, or holes.
58.
Lights & Reflectors
Describe the function of each light, reflector & DOT reflective tape.
Check that all external lights and reflective equipment are “clean” and “functional”.
Sides of Trailer
59.
Landing Gear
Check that the landing gear is fully raise,
crank handle is secure,
has no missing parts,
the support frame is not damaged.
60.
Frame
Look for:
cracks,
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broken welds,
holes,
or other damage to the frame, cross members, box, and floor.
Tandem Release Arm/Locking Pins (There are no Tandem Wheels on our Hyundai 28’ trailers)
If equipped, make sure the locking pins are locked in place and release arm is secured.
61.
Doors, Ties & Lifts – (There is only one side door on the passenger side of the trailer)
Check that doors are not damaged.
Check that doors open, close, and latch properly from the outside.
Check that ties, straps, chains, and binders are secure.
62.
Light & Reflectors
Describe the function of each light, reflector & DOT reflective tape.
Check that all external lights and reflective equipment are “clean” and “functional”.
Trailer Axle
63.
Trailer Wheels Front & Rear: (Our trailer only has one axle)
64.
Tires – ICD: (Inflation - Condition - Depth)
The following items must be inspected on every tire:
Inflation: Check for:
proper inflation by using a tire gauge.
Also, make sure that valve caps and stems are not missing, broken or damaged.
Condition: Check that tread is
evenly worn
and look for cuts or other damage to tread or sidewalls.
Depth: Check for minimum tread depth (4/32 on steering axle tires, 2/32 on all other tires).
65.
Rims/Wheels
Check for damaged or bent rims.
Rims cannot have welding repairs.
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66.
Lug Nuts
Check that all lug nuts are present
Free of cracks and distortions
Show no signs of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads.
Make sure all bolt holes in the rim are not cracked or distorted.
67.
Hub Oil Seals/ Axle Seals
See that hub oil/grease seals & axle seals are
not leaking
& if it has a sight glass, oil level is adequate.
68.
Spacers or Budd Spacing: (There are no spacers or budd spacing on the tractor or trailer)
Suspension – Trailer – (Air Bags)
69.
Air Bags & Shocks
Air ride suspension should be checked for damage and listen for air leaks (Say you’re listening).
Shock absorbers see that shock absorbers are:
a. secure,
b. no nuts or bolts missing,
c. that there are no leaks.
70.
Air Mounts
Look for cracked or broken air mounts & other axle mounting parts.
(The mounts should be checked at each point where they are secured to the vehicle frame and
axles[s]).
71.
U-Bolts – (There are no U-bolts on our trailers)
Check to make sure secure,
not cracked or bent,
no nuts missing.
Brakes – Trailer
15
72.
Brake Drum & Lining
Drum Brake:
Check for cracks, dents, or holes.
Also check for loose or missing bolts.
Check for contaminates such debris or oil/grease.
Brake Lining:
Brake linings (where visible) should not be worn dangerously thin, ¼” minimum.
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 is showing.
73.
Brake Chamber
not leaking air (Say you’re listening),
Brake chambers are mounted securely,
not cracked, dented.
74.
Push Rod & Slack Adjuster- (Our trucks have automatic slack adjusters)
Look for broken, loose, or missing parts,
all bolts, nuts & cotter pins are not missing.
For manual slack adjusters, the brake pushrod should not move more than one inch (with the brakes
released) when pulled by hand
75. Brake Hoses or Lines
Listen for leaks (Say you’re listening).
Look for:
cracked worn
leaking hoses, lines, and couplings.
***Note: Be prepared to perform the same brake components inspection on every axle (tractor and trailer)***
Rear of Trailer
76.
Splash Guards / Mud Flaps
Check that splash guards or mud flaps are not damaged and are mounted securely.
77.
Lights, Reflectors & Reflector Tape
16
Describe the function of each light, reflector & DOT reflective tape.
Check that all external lights and reflective equipment are “clean” and “functional”.
Rear of the trailer:
Taillights
Brake lights.
Left & Right/Turn signals.
Four-way flashers.
Backing lights (Back-up white light)
Red reflectors (on rear) and Amber reflectors (elsewhere)
Reflector tape condition
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) indicator. (Check ABS in step #80 Safe Start/ABS)
78.
Doors & Tires & Lift
Check that doors are not damaged.
Check that doors open, close, and latch properly from the outside.
SPECIAL NOTE: You must go directly into the cab & perform 78 after number 77.
Inside the Tractor Inspection:
79.
Safety Belt
Check that the safety belt:
a) is securely mounted,
b) adjusts,
c) latches properly,
d) and is not ripped or frayed.
80.
Emergency Equipment
Check for spare electrical fuses.
Check for three (3) red reflective triangles
Check for a properly charged & rated fire extinguisher.
***NOTE: Remember to perform #78 & #79 before performing the “Safe Start” ***
81.
Safe Start & ABS: (Start the truck)
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IMPORTANT >>> Place gearshift selector in neutral. Make sure you tell the examiner you have checked
to make sure the transmission is in neutral.
To check this, you will place the key into the on position to check two things (“Safe Start” & “ABS”):
a) The transmission is in neutral for a “Safe Start”
b) That the “ABS” light comes on & goes off.
c) If the “ABS” light comes on once the key is turned on the “ABS” light should appear on the
computer screen & then turn off.
d) If the “ABS” light stays on there is a problem with the “ABS” system.
82.
Temperature Gauge:
Make sure to point out the gauge & say, “the temperature gauge is working”.
Temperature should begin to climb to the normal operating range or temperature light should be off.
83.
Voltage Gauge:
Check that gauge shows alternator:
a. point out the gauge & say, “the alternator is charging”.
b. point out the gauge & say, “the warning light is off”.
84.
Oil Pressure Gauge:
Make sure to point out the gauge & say, “the oil pressure gauge is working”.
Check that pressure gauge shows increasing or normal oil pressure or that the warning light goes off.
85.
Air Gauges:
Make sure to point out the air gauges & say “the air gauges are working properly”.
point out the air gauges & say, “the air pressure gauges are both at 120 psi”.
86.
Air Horn and Electric Horn:
Check that the air horn and electric horn are working.
87.
Heater and Defroster:
Test that the heater and defroster work.
88.
Mirrors and Windshield
Mirrors should be clean and adjusted properly from the inside.
Windshield should:
a. be clean with no illegal stickers,
18
b. no obstructions,
c. no damage to the glass.
89.
Wipers/Washers
Check that wiper arms and blades are:
a. secure,
b. not damaged
c. and operate smoothly.
Windshield washers must operate correctly. ( You must turn on the washer for it to spray)
SPECIAL NOTE: You must flow directly into the air brake test number 89 after number 88.
90.
Air Brake Test: (Perform the air brake test we provided in the PDF)
Failure to perform all three components of the air brake check correctly will result in an automatic failure of the
vehicle inspection test. Air brake safety devices vary. However, this procedure is designed to see that any safety
devices vary. However, this procedure is designed to see that any safety device operates as air pressure drops
from normal to a low air condition. For safety purposes, in areas where chocks during the air brake check. The
proper procedures for inspecting the air brake system are as follows:
Class A CDL Air Brake Test
(Memorize)
1) Make sure the air pressure is above 100psi – 120psi
2) *Turn the key to the off position
3) *Turn the key to the on position, do not start the truck
4) *Press both air brake valves in, yellow valve first then red in second
5) Air pressure will drop, allow pressure to stabilize
6) Once air pressure stabilizes time for 1 minute, cannot drop more than 3psi
7) Press brake pedal down firmly, time 1 minute, cannot drop more than 4psi
8) Repeatedly press the brake pedal, air pressure will drop, warning light comes on at 60psi
9) Continue to repeatedly press the brake pedal, between 40psi – 20psi both valves will pop out
10) Start the truck, build pressure back up to 120psi, air pressure release valve will pop off
*IMPORTANT >>>Number 2, 3, & 4 are the three steps people forget & fail the air brake test!
Class A CDL - Air Brake Test – Short Key Notes
1) Air pressure above 100psi - 120psi
2) *Key off
3) *Key on
4) *Press both valves in
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5) Air pressure stabilize
6) 1-minute no more than 3psi loss
7) Press pedal, 1-minute no more than 4psi loss
8) Pump brakes, 60psi warning lights
9) Pump brakes, 40psi – 20psi valves pop
10) Start truck, build 120psi
*IMPORTANT >>>Number 2, 3, & 4 are the three steps people forget & fail the air brake test!
NOTE: When you have finished the air brake test you must tell the examiner you are going to step out of the
tractor & remove the chocks to perform the parking brake test on the tractor & trailer as well as the service
brake check. The examiner will not tell you to do this step.
91.
Parking Brake Tractor & Trailer: (With engine running)
Checking the tractor brakes: With the parking brake engaged (trailer brakes released on combination
vehicles), check that the parking brake will hold vehicle be gently trying to pull forward with parking
brake on.
Checking the trailer brakes: With the parking brake released and the trailer parking brake engaged
(combination
vehicles only), check that the trailer parking will hold vehicle by gently trying to pull forward with the
trailer parking brake on.
92.
Service Brake Check: (With engine running)
You will be required to check the application of air service brake. This procedure is designed to determine
that the brakes are working correctly and that the vehicle does not pull to one side or the other.
Pull forward 5mph, apply the service brake and stop. Check to see that the vehicle does not pull to either
side and that it stops when brake is applied.
**This concludes the Pre-Trip Inspection**
“DO NOT TELL THE EXAMINER YOU ARE DONE UNTIL YOU ARE DONE!”
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