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Brake Inspection Check List

This document provides a checklist for inspecting vehicle brakes before driving. It lists the necessary tools, inspection steps, and items to check for, such as air leaks, worn hoses, cracked pads, and proper pushrod travel distance. Pushrod travel should be measured using chalk marks and should fall within specified limits based on brake chamber size and type. Continuous automatic slack adjustment is not recommended, so brakes should be checked and repaired as needed to ensure safety.

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Thomas Parkinson
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109 views

Brake Inspection Check List

This document provides a checklist for inspecting vehicle brakes before driving. It lists the necessary tools, inspection steps, and items to check for, such as air leaks, worn hoses, cracked pads, and proper pushrod travel distance. Pushrod travel should be measured using chalk marks and should fall within specified limits based on brake chamber size and type. Continuous automatic slack adjustment is not recommended, so brakes should be checked and repaired as needed to ensure safety.

Uploaded by

Thomas Parkinson
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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“Are your brakes ready for the day? Have no doubt – inspect!

”
BRAKE INSPECTION CHECKLIST
FMCSA Brake Regulations 393.40 – 393.55
Tools you need to inspect your brakes:
o Blocks/chocks to place behind tires
o Chalk to mark push-rods
o Small ruler to measure push-rod travel and brake linings
o Brake application device (to apply brakes) or a “second” person to assist

Before you inspect:


o Park on a level road surface
o Block/chock the tractor wheel(s) and trailer wheel(s), if hooked
o Confirm air pressure at 90-100 psi
o Shut off engine – Remove keys from ignition
o Release spring (parking) brakes
o Check each brake to confirm normal released position
o Listen for air leaks

Inspect for:
o Chaffing/rubbing air hoses against other hoses and/or other components
o Hoses that are worn to second color or nylon braids are visible
o Damaged, broken, or missing components; i.e. broken brake chamber bracket, missing clevis
pin, hanging slack adjuster
o Brake pads/linings; Air Drum brake pad, measured at the center, must be above ¼ inch. Air Disk
brake, must be above 1/8 inch.
o Cracked pads/linings or rust-jacked lining from shoe (upper & lower)
o Excessive up/down & sideways movement on the camshaft (worn bushings)
o Rusted drum due to inoperative brake
o External cracks on the brake drum
o Rusted (holes) brake chamber

Measure the push-rod travel stroke by:


o Check air pressure gauges are holding 90-100 psi
o Make certain spring (parking) brakes are fully released
o Confirm you’ve made a chalk mark on each push-rod at the rear of the brake chamber
o Via the brake pedal apply full (service) brake application (approx. 80 psi)
o Measure distance from the chalk mark to rear of brake chamber
o Confirm travel is within DOT Standards via brake chamber size & if short or long stroke:
*Brakes out of adjustment? Do NOT adjust, inspect for issues & repair*
Brake Chamber Type & Size Location Maximum Travel Limit Allowed
Short stroke 20 or 24 (round air port) Steer axles 1-3/4 inches
Short stroke 30 Truck drives & Trailer axles 2 inches
Long stroke 20 or 24 Steer axles 2 inches
Long stroke 30 (square air port) Truck drives & Trailer axles 2-1/2 inches

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) warns continuously adjusting automatic slacks is not
recommended. Have your brakes checked and repaired, if needed, before getting back on the road.
8 2016 – OAB web site reference information

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