Pre-Trip Inspection – External Cab

Steering

Steering Box and Hoses

Check that the steering box is mounted securely and is not leaking.
Check for damage to power steering hoses and power steering fluid leaks.

Steering Linkage

Check that connecting links, arms, and rods from the steering box to the wheels are not worn and cracked.
Check that the joints and sockets are not loose or worn and that there are no missing nuts, bolts, or cotter keys.

Suspension

Springs, Air

Check for shifted, cracked, broken, or even missing leaf springs.
Check for broken and distorted coil springs.
If equipped, check the air ride suspension 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.

Shock Absorbers

Confirm that the shock absorbers are secure and that there are no leaks.

Brakes

Slack Adjusters

Look for missing, loose or broken parts.
The angle between the adjuster arm and push rod should be not less than 90 degrees when the brakes are applied and when the brakes are released a little over 90 degrees.
When pulled by hand, the brake rod should not move more than one inch with the brakes released.

Brake Chambers

Check that brake chambers are not dented, cracked, or leaking and that they are mounted securely.

Brake Hoses and Lines

Check for worn, cracked or leaking hoses, lines, and couplings.

Drum Brake or Rotor

Check for dents, cracks or holes, and loose or missing bolts.
Brake linings and pads should not be worn thin.

Brake Linings

Where visible, check that a reasonable amount of brake lining is showing.

Wheels

Rims

Check for damaged or bent rims. Rims cannot have welding repairs.

Tires

For every tire, check:
Tread depth: need a minimum tread depth of 4/32 on steering axle tires, 2/32 on all other tires.
Tire condition: Check that tread is evenly worn and without cuts or damage to tread or sidewalls. Valve caps and stems should not be missing, broken, or damaged.
Tire inflation: Check for proper inflation with a tire gauge or by striking tires with a mallet.

Hub Oil Seals, Axle Seals

Check that hub oil/grease seals and axle seals are not leaking.

Lug Nuts

Check for any missing lug nuts, cracks, distortions, and for signs of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads.
Check for cracked or distorted bolt holes.

Spacers

Spacers should not be bent, damaged, or rusted through.
Spacers should be centered evenly.

Side of Vehicle

Doors and Mirrors

Check doors for any damage and that they open and close properly.
Hinges should be secure with seals intact.
Mirrors and mirror brackets should be mounted securely.

Fuel Tank

Check for secure tanks, tight caps, and that the tanks or lines don’t leak.

Battery and Battery Box

Check to see that batteries are secure, for tight cable connections, and that cell caps are present.
Check for signs of excessive corrosion.
Battery box and cover/door must be secure.

Drive Shaft

The drive shaft should not be bent or cracked.
Couplings should be secure.

Exhaust System

Check system for rust or carbon soot as they are signs of damage or leaks.
System should be secure and connected tightly.

Frame

Check the longitudinal frame members, cross members, box, and floor for cracks, broken welds, holes or other damage.

Rear of Vehicle

Splash Guards

If equipped with mud flaps or splash guards, check that they are mounted securely and not damaged.

Doors, Ties and Lifts

Doors and hinges must open, close, and latch properly from the outside, and should not be damaged.
Check that any ties, straps, chains, and binders are secure.
If equipped with a cargo lift, it must be fully retracted and latched securely, and should not be leaking, damaged or missing any parts.

Tractor, Coupling

Air and Electric Lines

Check that electrical lines and air hoses are not cut, chafed, spliced, or worn, the steel braid should not show through its outer lining.
Make sure the lines and hoses are not tangled or dragging against tractor parts.

Catwalk

Make sure the catwalk is securely bolted to tractor frame.

Mounting Bolts

Check for loose or missing mounting brackets, clamps, bolts, or nuts. The fifth wheel and the slide mounting must be solidly attached.
Other types of coupling systems should be inspected for missing or broken components.

Locking Jaws

Check that the locking jaws fully close around the kingpin.
On other types of coupling systems the locking mechanism should not have missing or broken parts and should lock securely.

Platform (fifth wheel)

The platform structure supporting the fifth wheel skid plate should be free of cracks or breaks.

Release Arm (fifth wheel)

If equipped with a release arm, check that it engaged and that the safety latch is in place.

Kingpin, Apron and Gap

The kingpin should not be bent.
The visible part of the apron should not be bent, cracked, or broken.
The trailer should be laying flat on the fifth wheel skid plate without any gap.

Locking Pins (fifth wheel)