What do you actually check on a pre-trip inspection?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by expedite_it, Sep 10, 2023.

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  1. silverspur

    silverspur Road Train Member

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    Can you show us a video?
    What size socket?
     
    silverspur, Sep 17, 2023
    #141
  2. LameMule

    LameMule Road Train Member

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    Automatic slack adjusters, no need for that pesky 9/16 wrench and a collar full of gravel.
     
    LameMule, Sep 17, 2023
    #142
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  3. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    If you have to manually adjust auto slacks then they’re not functioning properly.
     
    Long FLD, Sep 17, 2023
    #143
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  4. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    Drivers like this are the reason automatic slack adjusters were invented. You just can't put a steering wheel holder in control of a truck that actually has to be kept up and taken care of.
     
    rollin coal, Sep 17, 2023
    #144
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  5. LameMule

    LameMule Road Train Member

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    Wait, so do I set my brakes before adjusting my brakes???

    I'm sure there's a potential $$$ making opportunity here where a guy could hold classes for 5 to 10 people that want to learn hands on some of the basics of the traditional owner operator. Changing a brake chamber, flat tire, airlines, adjusting brakes/installing brakes or any # of tasks could be taught over a weekend at $1k per head
    Churning out veteran drivers in 3 days or 25% of your money back!!!
     
    LameMule, Sep 17, 2023
    #145
    Kyle G. Thanks this.
  6. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    Someone needs a random…. o_O
     
    062, Sep 17, 2023
    #146
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  7. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    There's 9/16 where you have to push the ring to release the adjuster and adjust. The socket pushes the ring in.

    There's 5/16 or 8mm where you need a flathead screwdriver to pull the pin out to adjust.

    There's 7/16 or 11mm I think it was.

    There's square on drop axles.

    The drop axle on my trailer is a manual with square.
     
    snowwy, Sep 17, 2023
    #147
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  8. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

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    The instructors at your truck driving school probably did not know how to adjust the brakes themselves.
     
    expedite_it, Sep 18, 2023
    #148
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  9. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

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    The steers of my tractor have disc brakes. The hub caps over my drive wheels block my view of the brakes on the drive wheels.
     
    expedite_it, Sep 18, 2023
    #149
  10. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Your "main" brakes and your "spring" brakes are the same brakes. Both work from the same brake chamber and work the same brake shoes. So if you leave the trailer brakes set, (the red brake knob pulled out), and try to move the truck forward you are checking your trailer brakes. If the trailer moves, then your brakes are not right. Do that as part of your pre-trip or whenever you drop & hook.
    Most companies now do not want their drivers adjusting the brakes. And like @Long FLD said above, if you need to adjust brakes and have auto slack adjusters, as most trucks do, then there is a problem with the brakes. Could be a faulty auto adjuster, S-cam bushing or something else. Most shops will not adjust auto slack adjusters because of this.
     
    kemosabi49, Sep 18, 2023
    #150
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