In the previous year, a total of 5,059 trucks were taken out of operation during the Brake Safety Week, representing 13.3% of the 38,117 commercial motor vehicles inspected in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This annual weeklong event, organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), aims to enhance vehicle safety.
This year's Brake Safety Week is taking place from August 20-26.
During Brake Safety Week, roadside inspectors perform comprehensive North American Standard Inspections. These assessments cover diverse aspects, including driver qualifications, documentation, and the condition of vehicle equipment.
Inspectors will give particular attention to issues like contaminated, worn, cracked, or missing linings or pads, which is the focal point for this year's Brake Safety Week.
Inspections will encompass:
• Identification of missing, nonfunctional, loose, or cracked parts.
• Detection of rust-induced holes and those formed through rubbing or friction.
• Examination of spring brake housing section for broken springs.
• Evaluation of brake components and lines for air leaks.
• Verification of air pressure within the recommended 90-100 psi range.
• Assessment of proper pushrod travel.
• Ensuring uniform length of slack adjusters.
• Confirming consistent air chamber sizes across axles.
• Validation of warning device functionality, such as antilock braking system indicator lights.
• Checking the functionality of the tractor protection system, including the trailer's bleed-back system.
• Verification of the operability of the trailer's breakaway system.
Bendix suggests conducting pre-trip walk-arounds to meticulously inspect every aspect of your vehicles.
• Inspection for damaged or loosely hanging air chambers, pushrods, or slack adjusters.
• Ensuring uniform extension angle of slack adjusters on each axle, as differing angles might indicate brake mis adjustment or a broken spring brake power spring.
• Evaluation of tubing and hose condition, positioning, and connections.
• Performing a 90- to 100-psi brake application with chocked wheels and released parking brakes, listening for any potential leaks.
• Inspecting air disc brake rotors for signs of cracks.
• Assessing drum brake linings for wear and cracks.
• Inspection for moisture in the air system to prevent contamination and subsequent deterioration and leaks.
Applying grease to S-cam brake tubes and automatic slack adjusters whenever a vehicle is in the shop. This preventive measure mitigates rust, corrosion, and ensures proper slack functionality.
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