Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/655308
MAINTENANCE MATTERS 14 // OWNER OPERATOR // APRIL 2016 that's assuming you don't need a tow. "If the officer deems the unit unsafe, towing will most likely be required," he adds. "Service calls for units on the side of the road take time away from the shop to manage scheduled work." As repair bills and downtime mounts, fleets consistently cited for violations also risk scaring off potential business. "Customers deciding which carrier to use will also factor safety ratings in to their selection," McComsey adds. "So, in addition to the cost of downtime, brake violations may also cause a fleet to lose business opportunities." Matthew Mendy, product segment manager, Daimler Trucks North America Aftermarket, says fleets can actually lower their cost- of-operation by having brake maintenance procedures meet all industry standards and state and federal regulations. "Thirty percent of Class 8 vehicle accidents last year showed those vehicle's brakes were classified out of service," Mendy says. "The number one ticketed item during DOT inspections is brake stroke." Jon Morrison, president of WABCO Americas, adds out-of-adjustment drum brake concerns account for nearly half of out-of-service roadside commercial vehicle inspection violations. A driver's pre- and post-trip inspections are critical parts to identifying issues before violations occur. Rust streaks; air leaks; oil stains; worn, missing, broken or loose brake components; air lines rubbing on cross members or frame rails and/or bad or missing glad-hand seals are all obvious red flags every driver should be on the lookout for. "Look for rust streak marks on brake components, which usually means loose components," Bowers says. "If the backing plate or wheel seal area starts to show signs of oil, report it immediately to prevent shoe damage." Kevin Pfost, coordinator, technical service, Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC, says it's important that drivers be proactive in their inspections and not simply look for obvious signs of problems. "Take a look at components such as air chambers that may be corroded or severely rusted," he says. "Check the air system for contamination or water. Look for loose parts like chambers, slack adjuster, brackets, air lines that maybe hanging low and may hook on road debris." Mendy suggests drivers build pressure in the air system while keeping parking brakes applied, then walking around the truck to listen for leaks. "Most of the time, you can hear (air leaks), and they are indicative of a lot of things," Petresh adds. "Look at the air gauges to see if the compressor