QUESTION ABOUT CSA VIOLATION

You learned something, that’s the important part here. Now you know what you’re looking at and how it’s supposed to be. Now with a quick glance under the truck and trailer and you’ll know of something is out of place or not.

 

The other problem it could cause is that if the rod is short, that nut working its way up the rod can eventually restrict the rod's ability to retract into the brake chamber when you release the brakes, causing the brake to drag...which leads to excessive heat, which could lead to a fire. That failure to retract also limits the stroke available if the brake isn't dragging. A chamber only has a certain amout of stroke (depending upon size and design), and the DOT specs are based upon that measurement. Once you start restricting the stroke, again you run into a situation where the brakes on that wheel won't be functional.

 

These two just be their posting history you can tell they have been at this game for a while. @Truckdrivingnew you would do well to listen to them. I would only add to try to get a copy of the CVSA North American Out of Service criteria and use it as a reference when doing a pre trip. Considering the average truckers pre trip is a walk around the truck I am actually very surprised the DOT is not hitting harder.

 

It's the new vintage driver trainers at fault, back to they cannot teach what they do not know. As previously stated yes its part of the pretrip. I mean brake are only of minor importance, its not like you need them much.
Training should start in a inspection bay.....

 

Drivers do not get it, it is your business to know what the different parts of your truck and trailers do for a living, you not knowing or knowing your job is your responsibility. No DOT is not picking on you they are doing their jobs.
Take some incentive and try to learn about the equipment you operate before the next down hill.
Just because the trainer you had was a smuck, does not let you off the hook, you need to learn what your doing.
Next truck stop ask some old timer questions, you maybe suprised at the answers.

 

I'll second that. Know your tools inside and out. Doesn't matter if it's a car you drive to work, your lawnmower, or a truck you drive for work. They are there to do a job for you and the more you know the better you will be able to spot problems early on and you will also stay safer.

 

I started working on my Dads w900's back in the late 60's early 70's. Granted there's been lots of changes, mostly for the better. But the basics are still there. Oil changes, greasing the suspension, adjusting the brakes (he did not have self-adjuster then), checking tire pressure. And its lots easier now with infrared thermometers, you can quickly till if you have a brake to tigh or too loose or a low tire with a quick walk and point.

 

Tire pressure, tire pressure, tire pressure! Thank you for pointing that out. 90% of the tire problems I see weather it be a Toyota or a t680 are due to improper inflation.

 

Companies/drivers need to just tear California out of their atlas and pretend it doesn’t exist. Such a beautiful state that sucks to drive a truck in. 55 mph, CARB and anti-idle nonsense, DOT everywhere, etc.

 

I stopped driving in Dec of 2012. I have operated in California for years before that. Been inspected at Banning more than once. I also never tried to operate faster than 60 MPH while there. So I can't use any recent experience to agree with you, however, I most assuredly do. I have spoken to drivers I know that run right and legal. One such driver told his employer he was no California and would clean out his truck before ever going back there. He had a horrible experience in Needles and just determined it was not worth it to ever go back. I agree I spent almost 5 years stationed in California when I was in the Air Force in the 70s. California is a beautiful place. It is a pity what it has become.