Inspection of the Brake Component
Walk around the vehicle and inspect brake system components for visible damage.
Note: Some vehicles may be equipped with a brake check valve on the dash, which allows the driver to set the service brakes and exit the vehicle to check the brake system for leaks. The parking brakes must be applied before the brake check valve will function.
- Inspect all visible brake system components for missing fasteners or signs of looseness, such as rust tracks.
- Inspect the exterior surfaces of brake chambers for damage. Make sure that breather holes are open and free of debris.
- Inspect air brake lines for dents, swelling, kinks, twisting, abrasion, and damage, especially near moving parts.
- Inspect flex air lines for deterioration or signs of abrasion.
- Inspect for cracked, worn, or oil-contaminated brake linings and brake drums (or rotors).
- Check the thickness of the brake linings. Replace brake linings on all brake assemblies on the axle if any brake linings are worn to less than approximately 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) at the thinnest point.
Notice: If the external breather tube or breather cap is missing or incorrectly installed, road dirt and debris can adversely affect the operation of the brake chamber. Once inside of the chamber, dirt and debris can cause the internal parts of the chamber to deteriorate faster.
Note: Do not route air brake lines on top of anything likely to be stepped on.