To prepare for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Brake Safety Week Sept. 9-15, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems recommends making sure you’re familiar with CVSA inspection requirements and procedures.
Brake Safety Week, also known as Operation Air Brake, targets six items for inspection:
1. driver’s license
2. registration
3. low air warning device
4. pushrod travel (chamber stroke)
5. brake linings/drums, leaks/air loss rate, and tractor protection system.
“For Operation Air Brake, pre-trip brake inspections take on added importance,” said Gary Ganaway, director of marketing and global customer solutions for Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake.
“We suggest that drivers test for leaks, examine brake shoes, and measure chamber stroke in accordance with Technology Maintenance Council and industry standard practices.”
To check for leaks, Bendix suggests a 90 to 100 psi brake application, followed by a walk-around inspection of the vehicle, while listening for audible leaks. The CVSA inspection will also test the vehicle’s low air pressure warning device, and, if a leak is detected, measure the air loss rate.
Brake shoes should be examined for cracks and checked to ensure they meet the minimum lining thickness standards.
To measure the chamber stroke on each wheel-end, Bendix typically recommends checking the distance from the chamber to the pin with the brakes released, and again after a fully charged brake application. Drivers can incur fines if the difference between the two measurements – the chamber stroke – is outside allowable limits on 25% of a truck’s wheel-ends.
For foundation drum brakes, fleets should follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the adjustment of slack adjusters.
In conducting general wheel-end inspections, Bendix emphasizes close attention to the rubber boots on brakes, where cracks or tears could allow moisture to get inside.
As safety requirements evolve and commercial vehicles continue to advance technologically, regularly scheduled preventive maintenance, along with continued driver and technician training, will become even more vital to the industry.
“Proper brake adjustment and maintenance are more important than ever to commercial vehicle and roadway safety – especially with the first phase of new Reduced Stopping Distance requirements implemented in 2011, and the second phase set to take effect in 2013,” Ganaway said.
Printer Friendly Version
Email This Story
RSS
Compliance: Related News
9/7/2012 – Brake Safety Tips for Brake Safety Week
To prepare for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Brake Safety Week Sept. 9-15, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems recommends making sure you’re familiar with CVSA inspection requirements and procedures….
More
9/4/2012 – Group Effort Needed to Deal with Crash Accountability Question
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has delayed its promised changes to its Compliance, Safety and Accountability program, and the truck and bus industries are being vocal with their frustration….
More
7/24/2012 – National Registry for Medical Examiners Goes Live
The DOT is reminding the industry that the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners is now live. The registry is part of a rule posted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration aiming to shore up driver medical standards. …
More
7/16/2012 – FMCSA Refocusing Attention in Safety Audits
HNI recently held a workshop called FMCSA Safety Audit Requirements and How to Prepare, featuring FMCSA and Wisconsin State Patrol officials talking about new policies and procedures in place….
More
6/27/2012 – Carrier Improves CSA Score With Trailer Readiness Program
With just two full-time facilities to handle maintenance on a fleet of more than 2,700 trailers scattered across the lower 48 states and Mexico, conducting regular trailer inspections can be a daunting task for Murray, Ky.-based Paschall Truck Lines. …
More
4/30/2012 – How to be Proactive
With CSA
There are two types of carrier reactions when it comes to navigating the new Compliance, Safety, Accountability program launched by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, better known simply as CSA….
More
4/6/2012 – Pro-Tread Says Clients Average 30 Points Lower in CSA BASIC Scores
A study by Instructional Technologies Inc., provider of Pro-Tread online safety training, showed that Pro-Tread clients’ CSA BASIC scores averaged 30 point less than average industry CSA scores. …
More