Class A CDL Pre-Trip Inspection - Tractor Trailer

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering all vehicle inspection components, requirements, and measurements for the Class A CDL Pre-Trip Inspection on tractor trailers.

Lights & Reflectors

Pre-trip test items that must be the proper color, operational/working, and neither broken nor cracked.

Engine Leaks Check

An inspection under the engine compartment to check for puddles on the ground and drips hanging beneath the engine.

Water Pump

A passenger-side engine component that must be mounted securely with no missing bolts or parts, have securely attached non-leaking hoses, and feature belts that are not cracked, frayed, or damaged with no more than $\frac{1}{4}\,\text{inch}$ of play.

Alternator

An electrical component mounted securely with no missing bolts or parts, good non-frayed wire connections, and belts that are not frayed or cracked with no more than $\frac{1}{2}\,\text{inch}$ of play.

Oil Level

An engine fluid check performed using the dip stick to inspect for proper fluid level and condition.

General Hoses, Wiring, & Belts

Tractor components that must not be cracked, frayed, or broken, with hoses not leaking and belts having no more than $\frac{3}{4}\,\text{inch}$ of play.

Coolant Reservoir

An engine compartment component checked to ensure proper fluid level and condition, with hoses attached securely and not leaking.

Power Steering Reservoir

A fluid reservoir checked to confirm it is mounted properly, the fluid is at the proper level and condition, and all attached hoses are secure and not leaking.

Air Compressor

A component mounted securely with no missing bolts or parts and no air leaks at lines; must be checked to determine if it is gear or belt driven, with belts having no cracks, frays, and no more than $\frac{1}{4}\,\text{inch}$ of play.

Steering Gear Box

A driver-side steering component that must be mounted properly with no missing parts, nuts, or bolts, and whose lines and hoses are not leaking or broken.

Steering Linkage

A series of components comprising the Pitman arm, Drag link, Steering knuckle, and Tie rods and tie rod ends; must not be cracked, bent, or broken, and must have all castle nuts and cotter pins present and in place.

Leaf Springs

Suspension components that must not be shifted or out of place, and must not be cracked, broken, or missing.

Spring Mounts

Suspension brackets mounted securely at the front, back, and U-bolts, with no cracks or breaks.

Shock Absorber

A suspension cylinder that must be securely mounted, free of bends or dents, and not leaking.

Air Dryer

A pneumatic system unit whose location varies depending on tractor model, positioned either behind the front bumper or behind the fuel tank.

Brake Hoses and Lines

Pneumatic lines supplying the brakes that must be mounted securely, free of leaks, and not cracked or frayed.

Service Brake Chamber

A brake assembly chamber that must be mounted securely, not leaking, and free of dents or damage.

Slack Adjuster

A brake adjustment mechanism that must not be bent, broken, loose, or missing parts, having no more than $1\,\text{inch}$ of free play at the push rod when brakes are released.

Brake Drums

Brake friction drums that must not be cracked, broken, or dented, must be free of debris, and must show no oil leaking from the inner oil seal.

Brake Linings

Friction material within the drum that must have no cracked, broken, or missing parts and must not be less than $\frac{1}{4}\,\text{inch}$ in thickness.