View source for Semi-trailer truck pre-trip inspection

Any [[semi-trailer truck pre-trip inspection]] should be based on the [[CDL Vehicle Inspection Test‎‎]].


==Versions==
According to the 11.6.1 section of the [[CDL Vehicle Inspection Test‎‎]], the tested applicant is "required to perform one of the four versions of a Vehicle inspection in the vehicle." All versions include:
:#an engine start,
:#an in-cab inspection,
:#an inspection of the coupling system,
:#an inspection of the entire vehicle or only a portion of the vehicle.

===Version A===
:#[[#Front of truck|Front of truck]]
:#[[#Engine compartment|Engine compartment]]
:#[[#Steering components|Steering components]]
:#Of one side of the steering axle:
:#*[[#Suspension components|Suspension components]]
:#*[[#Brake components|Brake components]]
:#*[[#Tires|Tires]]
:#*[[#Wheels|Wheels]]
:#[[#Coupling system|Coupling system]]
:#[[#Inside the cab|Inside the cab]], including [[#Air brake check|Air brake check]], [[#Parking brake check|Parking brake check]], [[#Service brake check|Service brake check]]

===Version B===
:#[[#Driver's door/fuel area|Driver's door/fuel area]]
:#[[#Behind the cab|Behind the cab]]
:#Of one side of any tractor tandem axles:
:#*[[#Suspension components|Suspension components]]
:#*[[#Brake components|Brake components]]
:#*[[#Tires|Tires]]
:#*[[#Wheels|Wheels]]
:#[[#Coupling system|Coupling system]]
:#[[#Inside the cab|Inside the cab]], including [[#Air brake check|Air brake check]], [[#Parking brake check|Parking brake check]], [[#Service brake check|Service brake check]]

===Version C===
:#[[#Coupling system|Coupling system]]
:#[[#Trailer front and sides|Trailer front and sides]]
:#Of one side of any trailer tandem axles:
:#*[[#Suspension components|Suspension components]]
:#*[[#Brake components|Brake components]]
:#*[[#Tires|Tires]]
:#*[[#Wheels|Wheels]]
:#[[#Trailer rear|Trailer rear]]
:#[[#Inside the cab|Inside the cab]], including [[#Air brake check|Air brake check]], [[#Parking brake check|Parking brake check]], [[#Service brake check|Service brake check]]

===Full version===
:An inspection of the entire vehicle may consist of:
:#[[#Front of truck|Front of truck]]
:#[[#Engine compartment|Engine compartment]]
:#[[#Steering components|Steering components]]
:#Of one side of any axle:
:#*[[#Suspension components|Suspension components]]
:#*[[#Brake components|Brake components]]
:#*[[#Tires|Tires]]
:#*[[#Wheels|Wheels]]
:#[[#Driver's door/fuel area|Driver's door/fuel area]]
:#[[#Behind the cab|Behind the cab]]
:#[[#Coupling system|Coupling system]]
:#[[#Trailer front and sides|Trailer front and sides]]
:#[[#Trailer rear|Trailer rear]]
:#[[#Inside the cab|Inside the cab]], including [[#Air brake check|Air brake check]], [[#Parking brake check|Parking brake check]], [[#Service brake check|Service brake check]]

==Front of tractor==
===Front lights===
:The headlights, turn signals, and clearance lights:
:#[[#General|Meet general requirements]].
:#Are clean.
:#Are the proper color.

===Front leaks===
:No leaks or puddles from dripping fluids under the engine or transmission.

==Engine compartment==
The [[#Steering components|Steering components]] belong to the engine compartment, but moved to a [[#Steering components|separate section]] of this description.

===DPF===
:Mounting brackets, hoses, and electrical components of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) meet:
:#[[#General|General requirements]].
:#[[#Fluid-containing items|Requirements for fluid-containing items]].

===Engine hoses===
:Engine hoses must meet the [[#Fluid-containing items|Requirements for fluid-containing items]].

===Coolant level===
:The coolant level must be at the proper level as observed from the reservoir tank or sight glass.

===Water pump===
:The tested person is supposed to identify whether the pump is belt-driven or gear-driven. Any belt-driven pump must meet the [[#Engine compartment belts|Requirements for engine compartment belts]]. Boldly, any water pump must meet:
:#[[#General|General requirements]].
:#[[#Fluid-containing items|Requirements for fluid-containing items]].

===Oil dipstick===
:The oil must be at proper operating level when its dipstick pulled out, wiped off, re-inserted, and pulled out back.

===Alternator===
:The tested person is supposed to identify whether the alternator is belt-driven or gear-driven. Any belt-driven alternator must meet the [[#Engine compartment belts|Requirements for engine compartment belts]]. Boldly, any alternator must meet:
:#[[#General|General requirements]].
:#[[#Electrical items|Requirements for electrical items]].

===Air compressor===
:The tested person is supposed to identify whether the air compressor is belt-driven or gear-driven. Any belt-driven air compressor must meet the [[#Engine compartment belts|Requirements for engine compartment belts]]. Boldly, any air compressor must meet:
:#[[#General|General requirements]].
:#[[#Air-handling items|Requirements for air-handling items]].

==Steering components==
===Power steering pump===
:The tested person is supposed to identify whether the pump is belt-driven or gear-driven. Any belt-driven pump must meet the [[#Engine compartment belts|Requirements for engine compartment belts]]. Boldly, any power steering pump must meet:
:#[[#General|General requirements]].
:#[[#Fluid-containing items|Requirements for fluid-containing items]].

===Power steering fluid reservoir===
:The tested person must check that the fluid is at the proper level from the side glass or while pulling the dipstick. Level must be above refill mark.

===Steering gear box===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify the steering gear box and the power steering hoses.
:#Check whether the box and the hoses meet the:
:#*[[#General|General requirements]].
:#*[[#Fluid-containing items|Requirements for fluid-containing items]].

===Steering linkage===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify connecting links, arms, rods, joints, and sockets.
:#Check whether components of the steering linkage meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

==Suspension components==
===Spring mounts===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify both spring mounts and their bushings, nuts, and/or bolts.
:#Check whether the front and rear mounts, as well as their components meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Spring leaves===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify spring leaves.
:#Check whether the leaves:
:#*Are not shifted with regards to the spring mounts.
:#*Meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===U-bolts===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify U-bolts and their related nuts.
:#Check whether the bolts and nuts meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Shock absorbers===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify shock absorber.
:#Check whether the absorber meets the:
:#*[[#General|General requirements]].
:#*[[#Fluid-containing items|Requirements for fluid-containing items]].

===Air bags===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify air bags and those hoses, air bag mounting brackets and bolts that are related to them.
:#Check whether the air bags:
:#*And hoses meet the [[#Air-handling items|Requirements for air-handling items]].
:#*Hoses, brackets, and bolts meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

==Brake components==
===Air hoses===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify air hoses that supply brake chambers and their related couplings.
:#Check whether the hoses meet the:
:#*[[#General|General requirements]].
:#*[[#Air-handling items|Requirements for air-handling items]].

===Brake chamber===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify brake chambers and those clams that are related to them.
:#Check whether the chambers and clams meet the:
:#*[[#General|General requirements]].
:#*[[#Air-handling items|Requirements for air-handling items]].

===Slack adjuster/push rod===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify slack adjusters and push rods.
:#Check whether the adjusters and rods meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
:#State that manual slack adjusters should not move more than approximately one inch when pulled by hand if brakes are released.

===Brake drum===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify the brake drums if they are visible or state that they are hidden behind the shield.
:#If they are visible, check whether the brake drums:
:#*Have no signs of grease, oil, or debris.
:#*Meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Brake linings===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify both brake linings (also called "shoes") if they are visible or state that they are hidden behind the shield.
:#If they are visible, check whether the brake linings:
:#*Are not worn dangerously thin.
:#*Have no signs of grease, oil, or debris.
:#*Meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

==Tires==
===Tire surfaces===
:The tested person is supposed to check whether the tires:
:#Have no abrasions, bulges, or cuts on sidewall and tread areas.
:#Are evenly worn.
:#Meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Tread depth===
:The tested person is supposed to check whether the tread depth is at least:
:#4/32 of an inch on every steering axle tire.
:#2/32 of an inch on every non-steering axle tire.

===Air pressure===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Know that the tires must be inflated to 100 psi.
:#Check the pressure with an air pressure gauge at the valve stem.

===Valve stem/cap===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify one valve stem and its cap on a single tire or both stems and caps on dual tires.
:#Check whether the stems and caps meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

==Wheels==
===Rims===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify the rims. For dual tires, the rims can be either Budd-spaced or Dayton/split. Daytona/split tires have a spacer between two rims, while Budd-spaced rims don't.
:#Check whether:
:#*The rims: have no welds.
:#*For dual tires, there is no debris between the tires.
:#*The rims and, for Dayton/split tires, spacers meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Lug nuts===
:The tested person is supposed to check whether the
:#Lug nuts:
:#*Show no signs of rust trails or shiny metal that would indicate looseness. 
:#*Meet the [[#General|General requirements]].
:#Bolt holes are not cracked or distorted.

===Hub/axle seal===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify the hub seal on the steering axle or axle seal on non-steering axles, as well as those bolts and, fi equipped, dipsticks, that are related to them.
:#Check whether the seals and bolts meet the:
:#*[[#General|General requirements]].
:#*[[#Fluid-containing items|Requirements for fluid-containing items]].
:If the seal is equipped with a dipstick, check that the fluid is filled to proper level.

==Driver's door/fuel area==
===Mirror brackets===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Cab doors===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===DEF tank===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the  meets the:
:#*[[#General|General requirements]].
:#*[[#Fluid-containing items|Requirements for fluid-containing items]].

===Fuel tank===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the  meets the:
:#*[[#General|General requirements]].
:#*[[#Fluid-containing items|Requirements for fluid-containing items]].

==Behind the cab and tractor==
===Catwalk and steps===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Exhaust system===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Drive shaft===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Frame===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Rear tractor lights/reflectors===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

==Coupling system==

===Electrical line coupling===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Air line coupling===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the:
:#*[[#General|General requirements]].
:#*[[#Air-handling items|Requirements for air-handling items]].

===Trailer apron===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Kingpin and jaws===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Fifth wheel skid plate===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Fifth wheel platform===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Sliding locking system===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the  meets the:
:#*[[#General|General requirements]].
:#*[[#Fluid-containing items|Requirements for fluid-containing items]].

==Trailer front and sides==
===Trailer header board===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===DOT reflective tape===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Landing gear===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Trailer side lights===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Frame and tandem release===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the  meets the:
:#*[[#General|General requirements]].
:#*[[#Fluid-containing items|Requirements for fluid-containing items]].

===Splash guards===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Door tie back hook===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

==Trailer rear==
===Trailer rear lights===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Trailer doors===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Door tie back chain===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

==Inside the cab==
===Emergency equipment===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Safety belt===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Safe start engine===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===ABS light===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Horns===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Mirrors===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Windshield===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Windshield wipers===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Oil pressure gauge===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Ammeter/voltmeter===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Temperature gauge===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Air pressure gauge===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===DEF level indicator===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Light indicators===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Cab and windshield fans===
:The tested person is supposed to:
:#Identify  and their related  .
:#Check whether the   meet the [[#General|General requirements]].

===Brake check series===
:The brake check series consists of three different checks:
:#[[#Air brake check|Air brake check]]
:#[[#Parking brake check|Parking brake check]]
:#[[#Service brake check|Service brake check]]

==Air brake check==
Failure to perform all three components of the air brake check correctly will result in an automatic failure of thee vehicle inspection test. If you realize that you have missed something or did something incorrectly during your air brake check, you may start over.

===Air brake check preparation===
===Leak down test===
===Low air warning device test===
===Tractor protection valve test===

==Parking brake check==

===Parking brake check preparation===
===Tractor parking brake check===
===Trailer parking brake check===

==Service brake check==
===Preparation===
===Execution===

==Requirements==

===Air-handling items===
:*Any inspected item that handles air must be not loose or leaking.
:*Its hoses must be:
:*#Mounted securely at both couplings.
:*#Not dry-rotted.
:*#Free from cuts, frays, holes, leaks, and/or other damage.

===Electrical items===

===Engine compartment belts===
:Engine compartment belts may include power steering belt, water pump belt, alternator belt, and/or air compressor belt. During the inspection, they must:
:#Be checked for snugness (1/2 to 3/4 inch play at center of belt), cracks, frays, loose fibers or signs of wear.
:#Not be damaged or missing, be mounted securely and operating properly.

===Fluid-containing items===
:*Any inspected item that contains any fluid must be not loose or leaking.
:*Its hoses must be free from frays, leaks, and/or other damage.

===General===
:Any inspected item and its component or part must be:
:*If the item should:
:*#Not be movable, then, securely mounted and have no missing nuts, bolts, or bushings.
:*#Be movable, then, fastened or not loose.
:*Not bent, broken, cracked, damaged, dent, or missing.