Class A Pre-Trip Inspection and Component Systems - New Project

A legacy of... the Malcuit Family...Ervin Malcuit JrBrandy Malcuit

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6-21-24
OVER VIEW

TRACTOR:
In Cab Inspection - (Interior & Engine Safe Start)
  • Safety Belt
  • Windshield
  • Mirrors
  • ABS Dash Lights
  • Safe Start
  • Engine Gauges
  • Air Gauges
  • Indicator Lights
  • Heater & Defroster
  • Wipers & Washers
  • Horns
  • Check Parking Brake (tug test)
  • Check Service Brake (5mph)

3 Step Brake Check
  • Mention: on level ground or wheels are chocked
  • Confirm: both tractor & trailer brakes are released
  • Vehicle off
  • Vehicle to On position
  • 1 minute applied (no more than 4psi for combination vehicle, 3psi for straight truck or bus)
  • Pump Down: audible & visual warning at or above 55psi
  • Pump Down Continued: both brake valves pope out between 20-45 psi

Check Exterior Lights

Front Of Tractor Inspection (top to bottom, left to right)
  • Marker lights, reflectors, headlights, turn signals (SM, not CBM, no moisture, color)
  • Bumper - level with ground
  • License Plate - Present, current tags

Engine Compartment (passenger side first)
  • Hard & Soft Lines (SM, not CBM, no ABC's, tight clamps)
  • Alternator
  • Water Pump
  • Coolant Level
  • Oil Level
  • Exhaust System
  • Air Compressor
  • Power Steering Fluid, Hoses, Pump
  • Frame
  • Steering Shaft and U-joints: no more than 10 degrees of play
  • Steering Gear Box & Hoses
  • Steering Linkage (pitman arm, drag link, steering arm, tie rod)

Tractor (Front) Suspension Brake System, Tires & Wheels
  • Front & Rear Hangers
  • Springs
  • U-bolts
  • Shocks & Mounts
  • Brake hoses & Fittings
  • Brake Chamber
  • Slack Adjuster & Pushrod
  • Brake Shoes or Pads
  • Brake Drum or Rotor
  • Tires
  • Rims

Driver Side & Fuel Area
  • Cab Entry & Cargo Doors
  • Steps & Grab Handle
  • Lights & Reflectors
  • Emergency Equipment
  • Fuel Tank
  • Def Tank

Rear of Cab, Frame
  • Reflector Tape
  • Steps & Catwalk
  • Air Lines & Electric Connections
  • Frame & Crossmembers
  • Drive Shaft

Tractor Rear Suspension
  • Torque Arm
  • Air mounts
  • Air Bags
  • Springs & Hangers
  • Shocks & Mounts
  • U-Bolts

Tractor Rear Brake System
  • Brake hoses & fittings
  • Brake chamber
  • Slack adjuster & pushrod
  • Brake shoes or pads
  • Brake drum or rotor

Tractor Rear Axles & Wheels
  • Tires
  • Budd Spacing
  • Rims

Tractor Rear
  • Mud flaps
  • Lights & Reflectors
  • King pin & apron
  • Locking Jaws

Coupling System
  • no gap - between apron and skid plate (greased)
  • Skid plate - not damaged, bolts & pins secure, not missing any hardware
  • Platform - not cracked or rewelded, securely mounted
  • Release Arm - in correct position
  • Sliding 5th Wheel - locked in place, no missing pins, proper clearance for turns, air line not leaking

TRAILER: (top)
Front Of Trailer
  • Header board or bulkhead
  • Lights & Reflectors
  • Air & Electric Connections:

Side of Trailer (driver)
  • Landing gear - raised, handle secure, feet & bracing secure
  • Frame & cross members
  • Door ties & lift equipment
  • Marker lights & refelctors
  • No less than 50% DOT reflective tape

Trailer Suspension
  • Air Mounts
  • Air Bags
  • Springs & Hangers
  • Shocks & Mounts
  • U-Bolts

Trailer Brakes
  • Brake hoses & fittings
  • Brake Chamber
  • Slack adjuster & Pushrod
  • Brake shoes or pads
  • Brake drum or rotor

Trailer Axles & Wheels
  • Tires - 2/32"
  • Budd Spacing
  • Rims

Trailer Rear
  • Lights & Reflectors
  • Doors
  • Mud flaps
  • 100% DOT reflective tape on DOT Bar








CLASS A PRE-TRIP INSPECTION

In-Cab Inspection:
(3 points of contact)
Put on Seatbelt (not CRF, latches & unlatches)
Mirrors & Windshield:
Mirrors are SM, not CBM, and adjusted for me the driver.
Windshield is SM & free of any cracks in the driver's vision. No rock chips bigger than a dime size. No illegal stickers.

  • Safe Start: (Ensures the vehicle will not move before we intend to do so.)
  • Tractor Parking brake is set (yellow out).  
  • Transmission: neutral.
  • Slightly depress clutch pedal.
  • Turn key to the RUN position.
  • ABS lights illuminate and gos out. (if it stays illuminated, it is indicating that there is a fault in the ABS system.)
  • Once the gauges/lights have gone off, start the truck.
  • Once the truck is started, slowly release the clutch ensuring that it is still in neutral.
  • Oil pressure rose to normal operating range within the first few seconds of starting. (Near 40) If it didn't do so, turn the truck back off.
  • Coolant Temperature: As we drive, we will make sure that it rises to the normal operating range. It is not jumping around and with no warning lights illuminated.
  • Voltmeter should be between 12 - 15 volts.
  • Primary & Secondary Air Tanks are rising to normal operating range between 100-125 PSI. No warning lights illuminated.
  • DEF: above 1/8th of a tank. No warning lights illuminated.
  • Heater & Defrost Controls: Put hands over the vents and ensure that warm air is coming out of the vents.
  • Windshield Wipers & Washers: wiper blades are pms, not cut or torn, no missing blades. Washer fluid is functioning correctly, and wipers are working correctly & cleanly.
  • On Signal Panel: right & left turn signal indicators are working correctly. 4-way flasher indicator is working correctly. High beam indicdator is working correctly.
  • Horns: steering wheel horn functions correctly, air horn functions correctly.

B-R-A-K-E-S  T-E-S-T: (Tractor/Trailer)
Tractor Parking Brake (still set from safe start - Yellow out)
Trailer Parking Brake is released (Red in).
Put transmission in 1st gear and gently release the clutch until you feel the truck start to tug against the park brakes.

Trailer Parking Brake (Red out)
Tractor Parking Brake (Yellow in)
Put transmission in 1st gear and gently release the clutch until you feel the truck start to tug against the park brakes.

Service Brakes: Tractor & Trailer Brakes (in)
Check surrounding areas for people or objects. Move ahead by approx. 5 MPH and stop firmly. Steering doesn't deviate to the right or left.

A-I-R  B-R-A-K-E-S  T-E-S-T
3-Step Air Brake Test: (Applied, Low Air Pressure Warning, & Ensure that Emergency Brakes Operate Correctly by observing that the dash valves pop at the appropriate PSI.)
Transmission in neutral - parked on flat level ground or chock the wheels.
Air pressure in both tanks is at normal operating pressure: 100-125 PSI. You'll hear a woosh sound.
(FLAT LEVEL GROUND OR CHOCK WHEELS)
Turn engine off. Turn Engine to the RUN position, wait for all indicators to stabiliZe.
(Applied) Apply firm brake pressure. Time for 1-minute. No pressure loss greater than 4 psi & no audible loss.
(Low Pressure Warning - Pump Down) Gently pump the service brake to release air pressure. Low air warning comes on or before 55 psi (audible and visual alarm).
(Emergency Brake) Keep pumping service brake to release air pressure. Dash valves pop out between 20-45 psi.

SAFE START

W-A-L-K   A-R-O-U-N-D   I-N-S-P-E-C-T-I-O-N
(top to bottom, left to right)
APPROACH: Leaning, could indicate flat tire or problem with suspension, No visible puddles of fluid, No visible damage
5 Clearance Lights(up): SM, not CBM, lenses are clean, proper color amber.
Head lights (high & low beam): SM, not CBM, no moisture inside, clean, proper color clear
Turn Signal Lights, 4-way Flashers & Parking Lights: SM, not CBM, no moisture inside, clean, proper color amber
Bumper lights : SM, not CBM, no moisture inside, clean, proper color clear
Front Bumper: SM, level to the ground. If not level, it could indicate a flat tire or defect in the suspension or steering systems.
Under Front: No leaks from the engine compartment, no parts unsecured or hanging down.

Passenger-Side Inspection:
  • Open hood
  • Hoses, Intake Connections, Clamps, Wires: Any rubber/silicone components: No ABC's in hoses, Clamps are tight, not CBM, Wiring is securely fastened, not exposed, no damaged insulation, no corrosion.  
  • Turbo Charger & its exhaust: SM, not CBM, exhaust from manifold (exits the engine) to the turbo charger, underneath the cab to where it exits the exhaust stack. No Leaks, no black soot, no missing or loose clamps, no broken pieces of exhaust pipe.
  • Coolant Reservoir: SM, not CBM, cap is on tight, no leaks, proper level. Coolant level is between the minimum and full lines.
  • Water Pump: (engine driven), SM, not CBM, no leaks,
  • WP Pulley: (belt driven) SM, not CBM, with belt no more than 3/4" of free play, not cut or frayed,


Driver-Side Inspection:

  • Alternator: belt driven, SM, not CBM, wires are securely fastened tight, not exposed, no damaged insulation, no corrosion.
  • Alt Pulley belt driven, SM, not CBM, belt has no more than 3/4" of free play, not cut or frayed,
  • Engine Oil Dipstick: SM, not CBM, We inspect the engine oil level by removing the dipstick, wiping it clean, reinserting, removing again, ensuring that the oil level is between the add and full lines, no bubbles.
    Engine Oil Fill: SM, not CBM, Cap is tight, no leaks.
  • Air Compressor: gear driven, SM, not CBM, no leaks, lines to and fro have fittings tight, no ABC's
  • Power Steering Pump: gear driven, SM, not CBM, no leaks, lines to and fro have fittings tight, no ABC's
  • Power Steering Fluid Reservoir: SM, not CBM, cap is tight, no leaks, fluid is between the add and full lines. Follow hoses to and from the... gear box, no ABC's, no leaks, clamps are tight, fittings are tight.
  • Power Steering Gear Box, SM, not CBM, not leaking,
  • Steering Shaft: SM, not CBM, no side to side play (could indicate damage to a u-joint), if we turn the shaft it has no more than 10 degrees of free play (2" with a 20" steering wheel.)
  • Pitman Arm: SM, not CBM, securely fastened to the drag link with a castle nut and cotter pin.
  • Drag Link: SM, not CBM, securely fastened to the steering arm with a castle nut and cotter pin.
  • Steering Arm: SM, not CBM, with a castle nut and cotter pin.
  • Tie Rod & Tie Rod Ends: SM, not CBM, securely mounted with castle nut and cotter pins



Frame, Suspension, Brakes, & Tires: (FSBT)
  • Frame: Starting from the engine compartment, we look down the entire length of the frame: SM, not CBM, no non-factory welds or repairs.
  • SUSPENSION:
  • Front Spring Mount & Back Spring Mount, SM to the frame, not CBM,
  • LEAF SPRINGS: SM, not CBM, No scissoring, Leaf springs are not missing leaves, or with misaligned leaves, Securely mounted with u-bolts to the axle,
  • U-bolts: SM, not CBM, tight, secure, no shiny metal or metal shavings that indicate that something is loose.
  • Shock absorber: SM top and bottom, not CBM, no oil leaking.
  • Brakes Hoses are SM, no ABC's, fittings are tight on both ends, no audible air leaks.
  • ABS Wire is SM to the air line, no CRF, no snags, no exposed wiring.
  • Brake Chamber: SM with belly band clamp, not CBM, no audible air leaks
  • Brake Lines SM, not CBM, no ABC's, are tight and secure at the fittings, not leaking,
  • ABS Wire is SM in place, not CRF, no exposed wires, or damaged insulation.
  • Brake Chamber is SM, not CBM,
  • Belly Bands Clamps are SM, not CBM, they are tight, no air leaking from the brake chamber,
  • Slack Adjuster & Pushrod are SM, not CBM, secure with clevis and cotter pin in place, with no more than 1' of free play if I were to pull on the slack adjuster with the brakes released.
  • IF Disk Brakes, (no slack adjuster or push rod)
  • Brake pads are not worn dangerously thin
  • Rotor is SM, not CBM, no foreign debris or grease inside our brake system



TIRES:

  • TIRES: ICD: (inflation, condition, depth)
  • SM
  • Inflated to appropriate psi as checked with a proper tire pressure gauge at the valve stem,
  • Condition (no ABC's not leaking),
  • Depth no less than 4/32nds of an inch front tires, evenly worn. Valve stem cap is tight and not leaking.
  • RIMS: SM, not CBM, no rewelds, lug nuts are tight (no space behind the lugnuts, no rust trails or shiny threads showing, indicating loose lug nuts, no streaking if they were aluminium rims)
  • HUB SEAL: SM, not CBM, no leaks around the seal. The sight glass shows that the level of fluid is above the minimum and below the maximum fill lines.
  • Mud Flaps: SM, no holes or tears, covers the width of the tire

DRIVERS SIDE:
Drivers side mirror: SM
Drivers side door, SM, not sagging on hinges, opens and latches securely,
Outer & Inner Door Seals are intact with no ABC's.
Red door reflector SM, not CBM, is the proper color red and pms.
Grab handles (two) are SM, not CBM, supports my weight
Steps up to the truck are SM, not CBM, with no debri or tripping hazards,
Fire Extinguisher is SM, fully charged with current inspection and safety pin and lock in place
Side Compartment: SM, not sagging on hinges, latches & unlatches securely, seals are intact with no ABC's, Three reflective triangles, spare fuses are in the glove box

DEF & FUEL TANKS: SM, not CBM, caps are tight, no leaks under the tanks
Tank Straps SM, not CBM, straps with rubber insulators are tight, no missing pieces. no leaks, all crossover and fitting lines are secure and have no leaks.



BACK OF THE CAB:
DOT required white/silver reflective tapes is present, clean, and visible. (top cab corners), looking down the back of the cab we have no missing rivets or holes in the cab,
Work lights are SM, not CBM, no moisture inside the lenses, clean, proper color clear, function properly
DRIVE SHAFT: is SM, not CBM, not bent or twisted, no excessive play, secured with u-joints
DS U-JOINTS: SM, not CBM, not twisted, not loose
AIR LINE & ELECTRICAL LINES:  Electrical line is SM into the line on the truck, no exposed wires or damaged insulation, air lines are tight at the fittings, no ABC's, not leaking, both lines are secured in a way so that there is enough slack for turns but not so much that they will get caught on other components.
CAT WALK & SIDE STEPS: SM, not CBM, no debris or tripping hazards,
Side Step Hand Rail is SM, not CBM, (for maintaining 3 points of contact)

FRAME, SUSPENSION, BRAKES, TIRES:
Frame: SM, not CBM, no non-factory welds,

SUSPENSION:
Torque Arm directly in front of the 5th wheel, SM, not CBM, connects the axle housing to the frame, SM in front and back, no worn out bushings on either end
Suspension mount, SM, not CBM,
Main Spring is SM, not CBM, not missing, or misaligned, not scissored, is SM to the axle by ubolts in front, and connected in the rear with an airbag,
Ubolts are SM, not CBM, securely tight, no shiny metal or metal shavings,
Air Bag (and air bag bellows) is SM, no ABC's, SM on the top and bottom, not leaking,
AB Mounts, SM, not CBM
Shock Absorber: SM at top and bottom, not CBM, SM to the frame and the axle, no leaking fluid,
Brake Lines SM, not CBM, no ABC's, are tight and secure at the fittings, not leaking,
ABS Wire is SM in place, not CRF, no exposed wires, or damaged insulation.
Brake Chamber is SM, not CBM,
Belly Bands Clamps are SM, not CBM, they are tight, no air leaking from the brake chamber,
Slack Adjuster & Pushrod are SM, not CBM, secure with clevis and cotter pin in place, with no more than 1' of free play if I were to pull on the slack adjuster with the brakes released.
Disk Brakes: SM, not CNM, pads are not worn dangerously thin, rotor is not CBM, not contaminated with foreign debris or grease, not a slack adjuster system, but if it had one, there would be no more than 1" of free play.


BACK OF TRUCK:
Mudflaps, SM, no holes or tears, cover the width of the tire
Lights: STTF (Stop, Turn, Tail, Fourway): SM, not CBM, appropriate red lense, no moisture inside the lenses, clean
Identification Light on License Plate: SM, no CBM, no moisture, appropriate color with clear lense
Reverse Light: SM, no CBM, no moisture appropriate color with clear lense.
Frame of trailer does not contact the frame of the tractor, has appropriate space,
Inside the Jaw Opening of the 5th Wheel: Locking jaws are around the shank of the king pin fully closed, SM, not CBM,
Trailer Apron (lower mounting surface) & Skid Plate (5th wheel plate): SM, not CBM, no gap between skid plate and apron, properly greased,
Skid Plate (5th wheel plate) is securely fastened to the platform with pivot pin with locking bolt,
5th wheel release handle is in the locked position.
The yoke adjuster at the front of the 5th wheel is flush against the nose of the 5th wheel.
Platform is SM to the truck, not CBM, not bent, no missing fasteners,
The locking dogs teeth engage into the side frame so that the 5th wheel is fully secure and doesn't move forward or back unintentionally,
Slide stops on front and rear of the frame.

FRONT OF TRAILER:
Side maker lights: (front left & right) SM, not CBM, clean lenses, no moisture inside, proper color amber,
Bulkhead: no missing rivets or holes
Air Lines: properly connected (red to red, blue to blue), SM, no missing or damaged seals, no ABC's in the air lines, no leaks,
Electrical Line: SM, securely engaged in the socket, no exposed wires, no damaged insulation

SIDE OF TRAILER (towards front):
We will look at the reflective tape, reflectors, and overall view of the condition of the side of the trailer, with no missing rivets, no holes,
Reflective Tape: a minimum of 50% DOT reflective tape coverage, alternating red & white, clean
Reflectors (front): SM, not CBM, proper color amber,
Reflectors (rear): SM, not CBM, proper color red,
Landing Gear: SM, not CBM, handle is in the stowed position, landing gear is fully raised in the travel position
Mid Light: (it is a turn signal & 4-way flasher) SM, not CBM, no moisture, clean lense, proper color amber,
ABS Light: SM, not CBM, no moisture, clean lense, proper color amber,
Frame (cross-members) support the floor of the trailer, SM, not CBM, no holes in the floor of the trailer where freight may fall through,

SUSPENSION (air ride suspension) SM, not CBM,
Mount: SM, not CBM,
Suspension Arm: (goes from the mount back to the air bag) SM, not CBM, secures to the axle with U-bolts
U-Bolts: SM, not CBM, not loose, no damaged pieces, shiny metal, metal shavings, or rust trails
Air Bags: SM, no ABC's, no leaks,
Shock Absorber: SM, not CBM, no leaking,
Brake Hoses: SM at the fittings, no ABC's, no audible air leaks,
ABS wire: SM to the brake house, no exposed wires, or damaged insulation, secured so as to not get caught on other components
Brake Chambers: SM with belly band clamps are secure, not CBM, no audible air leaks,
Push Rod & Slack Adjuster: SM, clevis & cotter pin in place, no more than 1" freeplay when the slack adjuster is pulled with the brakes released
Brake Shoes: SM, not CBM, not worn dangerously thin, no foreign debris or contaminants,
Brake Drum: SM, not CBM, not rewelded,

Tires & Wheels:
Dual Tires, all 4 side walls have no ABC's,  no leaks
ICD: (inflation, condition, depth)
Inflated to appropriate psi as checked with a proper tire pressure gauge at the valve stem,
Condition (no abc's not leaking),
Depth no less than 2/32nds of an inch rear tires (in every grove), evenly worn.
Valve stem cap is tight and not leaking. Dual tires are the same type and size (all radials or bias plies),
Bud Spacing: no gaps between the rims, no debris stuck between the tires,
RIMS: SM, not CBM, lug nuts are tight (no space behind the lugnuts, no rust trails or shiny threads showing, indicating loose lug nuts, no rewelds, no streaking if they were aluminum rims)
HUB SEAL: SM, not CBM, no leaks around the seal. The sight glass shows that the level of fluid is above the minimum and below the maximum fill lines.
Mud Flaps: SM, no holes or tears, cover the width of the tire
Door Hanger/Door Tie: SM, not CBM,
ABS Light: (only on drivers side rear) SM, not CBM, no moisture, clean lense, proper color amber,
Marker Lights (rear): SM, not CBM, no moisture, clean lense, proper color red,

REAR OF TRAILER:
5 Marker Lights (top) SM, not CBM, no moisture, clean lense, proper color red,
Doors: SM, locked, locks on door are in the pockets on the trailer, handles locked, no holes in the doors, not sagging
Hinges: SM, not damaged,
Door Ties: SM, not CBM
DOT Reflective Tape: 100% coverage,
STTF - Stop, Turn, Tail, Fourway Lights: in proper working order, SM, not CBM, no moisture, clean lense, proper color red, (two inside function as brake lights, the outside function as turns, all function as marker lights as well)
ID Light for License Plate, SM, not CBM, no moisture, clean lense, proper color clear,
Bumper: SM, not CBM, 100% reflective tape coverage

PASSENGER SIDE OF TRAILER:
Mud Flaps: SM, no holes or tears, cover the width of the tire
Chain Hangers: SM, not CBM, not damaged, chains are SM,
Exhaust Stack: SM, not CBM, not leaking, no holes, no damaged loose or missing clamps, no brown soot which could indicate an exhaust leak
Heat Shield: SM, not CBM, not damaged
Ditch Mirror: SM,













 



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