Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/655308
MAINTENANCE MATTERS 16 // OWNER OPERATOR // APRIL 2016 is building correctly," Mendy says. "Check to see if the ABS or electronics components warning lamp is illuminated. Another visual check is to look for a slack adjustor that has an excessive stroke, which may indicate an out of adjustment wheel end and possible worn shoe." Morrison says drivers should inspect the pad thickness by visual inspection or measure caliper position with a ruler and inspect the rotors for cracks every four to six months. "This also helps reduce potential hard part failures by being proactive in preventative maintenance," he adds. Once a problem is identified, assuming a repair facility isn't nearby, drivers should first seek advice from their manager. "Find someone quickly before moving the vehicle," Mendy says. "Call dispatch and have them make a service decision." "The brake system must be inspected and repaired, if needed, by a qualified technician," Bowers adds. "Any potential brake system issue must be properly inspected, so never attempt to move the unit until that inspection and repair have been completed." Another part of a proactive inspection, Petresh says, is to remembering there is something behind the tractor that often gets overlooked. "Spring brake issues on trailers pop up because trailers don't get a lot of the maintenance they should get," he says. "If it feels like the trailer is pushing the tractor, there's a problem on the trailer side." Among the problems with pre- and post-trip inspection, Petresh says, is that they are often not consistent and are loosely enforced. "We try to encourage fleets or the operator to implement inspection requirements, or even expand them so the drivers are more capable and more knowledgeable of what to look for. Walking around without seriously looking at it isn't going to show [the driver] anything," he says. "What they need are some guidelines with what they should be looking for." OO