DOT Inspection methods

That's correct and as I presented it (As the leakage rate oos criteria as compared to the cdl manual test). As I was pointing out, the engine off brakes applied 4psi leakage rate given in the cdl manual is not used to put a vehicle oos. It is used as a hoop to jump through to get a cdl.

Absolutely, but the use of soap on a leak you cannot hear but you know is there is not forbidden nor will it harm anything.


Best regards

 

The soap doesn't come into play until after you get arrested.

 

"DOT Inspection methods
hey TRusers, I have a quick question regarding the method DOT Inspectors use to check for air leaks. I have read somewhere that a vehicle that leaks more than 4psi per minute is subject to out of service, but I cant seem to find any citation.

But here's an encounter I heard on the airwaves today, DOT Pulled over a truck for inspection and the kid was using soap and water to check for air leaks. So My two concerns over this method are; isn't an air leak audible not visible?, and wouldn't the water create rust on delicate brake components like foot valves and relay valves? Is there a way to refuse the inspector from using soap and water?"



OMG that is an old Motor Carrier Enforcement Troopers trick that I haven't heard in years.

It seems when you spray soap & water on a tractor trailer brakes the chemical reaction of the mix causes the entire vehicle to appear 10 times brighter on the Troopers radar unit. It causes the truck to show up like a "neon sign" for at least 2-5 miles up the highway.

I never-ever did it of course , but "other" guys would slip a little spritzer bottle of soapy water in their coats and while underneath the truck doing an "safety" inspection, covertly spray the brake parts...

I thought that this action had been banned , evidently the OP "caught" the Trooper in the "act".


ps: If anyone needs to neutralize this chemical agent , let me know and I will gladly post a cure...

 

Yeah, these 'audible' air leaks tend to include auto-levelers... when the no clue having DOT officer 'audibly' hears the auto-leveler working just as it should.

 

Well, to be out of service, the leak would have to be in a BRAKE line.

Auto levelers, valves, airbags, etc. can leak all day long, as long as the compressor can keep up.

 

Thnx for that info,, I've had an airbag leaking and went through an inspection , but was not put OOS even though you could hear it. Always wondered why, now I know,, again thnx.

 

Personally I use Snoop leak detector to stay on top of things, spray everything once a month, takes about 45 mins to do under hood and frame, dash is different story.

Not to worry about deputy dawg using soap though....super coops have infrared cameras on the approach checking your radiant heat on the brakes. One ooa shows cool and he's got you. Small leak is going to be the least of your problems.

JMO

 

If any DOT/Scalemaster uses soap and water on my truck to look for leaks and they find one,, "I'm gonna shake his hand", because he is taking the time to look for things I may have missed and may have just found something that could have developed into a very bad situation down the road.

Yea, I sometimes think they over-do some of the things they do,, BUT,, if the end result could have possibly saved my life or the life of others,, they are my best friends.

 

I'd like to add a thing or 2 and do apologize , BUT , if you think of the DOT in a mind frame other than, "they are just trying to get my money", you will see that MOST are out there to help us and others on the road. Meaning,, when they suspect or even just a for a random inspection,, and they find something that puts you OOS,,just think,, if they hadn't found that, what may have happened down the road, they may have prevented someones child, maybe yours from being hurt.

Even if you've just PTI'd your truck/trailer you can always miss something, well,, that something may become dangerous,, so thank them, happily pay the fine, get it fixed, and go to sleep that night knowing you have not hurt anyone.

 

Just how should I expain this to a DOT officer that hears the auto leveler 'audible' air 'release', (not a leak as the this is what it is suppose to do) that it is NOT an air leak.

I've had this happen a few times at inspections, DOT tells me I have an air leak... After I check and find it's the auto-leveler, what should I say this to the DOT officer, "That air 'release' sound is GREAT, it shows my auto-leveler is working just as it should"? What would you suggest I say to the DOT officer? I've tried explaining to them it was just the auto-leveler, and it is suppose to do that, which didn't work.

Perhaps, I should just chalk it up as, "Just some of the stupid things I see, when dealing with the clueless DOT"???