Front of vehicle
Lights:Make sure all lights illuminate and are clean.
Make sure headlights function on both high
and low beams. Make sure reflectors are clean
and unbroken and of proper color (red on
rear, amber elsewhere). Make sure the running
lights are also clean and unbroken.
Steering gear:Look for: missing or loose fasteners, power
steering fluid leaks and damage to power
steering hoses.
Steering linkage:Make sure connecting links, arms and rods are
not worn or cracked; joints, sockets and boot
seals are not worn or loose and that there are
no loose or missing cotter keys, nuts or bolts.
Tow hooks:Front and rear tow hooks should be inspected
for damage or loose mounting. This is
particularly important on vehicles where tow
hooks are frequently used.
Front suspension
Spring:Inspect for missing, broken or shifted leaves or
leaves that are in contact, or nearly contacting
a tire, rim, brake drum, frame or body
components.
Spring mount:Inspect spring hangers, bolts, bushings, axle
mounting bolts and nuts for cracks, breaks,
wear, damage and tightness.
Shock absorber:Inspect for cracks, leaks and missing or broken
bolts or bushings.
Note:Never apply grease to spring pads.
Do not operate the vehicle if any suspension conditions listed in
theFront suspensionchart are evident. Loss of steering or
suspension could result in property damage, personal injury or death.
Vehicle inspection guide
15
Rear of vehicle
Signal/Brake lights:Make sure both brake lights illuminate when
the brake pedal is applied. Also, make sure
each signal flashes. Make sure that four-way
flashers work properly.
Lights, reflectors:Make sure all lights illuminate and are clean.
Make sure headlights function on both high
and low beams. Make sure reflectors are clean
and unbroken and of proper color (red on
rear, amber elsewhere). Make sure the running
lights are also clean and unbroken. Rear
running lights must be checked separately
from signal, flasher and brake lights.
Tractor - coupling system
Mounting bolts:Check for loose or missing mounting brackets,
clamps, bolts or nuts. Both fifth wheel and
slide mounting must be solidly attached.
Platform:Check for cracks or breaks in the platform
structure.
Safety latch:Make sure safety latch is engaged.
Release arm:Make sure safety latch is in the engaged
position and that any safety latch is in place.
Kingpin/Apron:Make sure kingpin is not bent or worn. Also
make sure that the apron lies flat on the fifth
wheel skid plate and that the visible part of
the apron is not bent, worn, cracked or
broken.
Vehicle inspection guide
18
