New! High Road 2.0! We have a new version of this program. You can find it here: High Road 2.0

Suspension Systems

The suspension system holds up the vehicle and its load and keeps the axles in place. Therefore, broken suspension parts can be extremely dangerous. Look for the following:

• Spring hangers (Figure 2-2) that allow movement of axle from proper position.
• Cracked or broken spring hangers.
• Missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring. If 1/4 or more are missing, it will put the vehicle “out of service,” but any defect can be dangerous (Figure 2-3).
• Broken leaves in a multi-leaf spring, or leaves that have shifted so they might hit a tire or other part.
• Leaking shock absorbers (Figure 2-4).
• Torque rod or arm, U-bolts, spring hangers, or other axle positioning parts that are cracked, damaged or missing (Figure 2-2).
• Air suspension systems that are damaged and/or leaking (Figure 2-4).
• Any loose, cracked, broken or missing frame members.

Figure 2-2
Key Suspension Parts

Figure 2-3
Safety Defect Broken Leaf in Leaf Spring

Figure 2-4
Air Suspension Parts

Exhaust System

A broken exhaust system can let poisonous fumes into the cab or sleeper berth. Look for the following:

• Loose, broken or missing exhaust pipes, mufflers, tailpipes or vertical stacks.
• Loose, broken or missing mounting brackets, clamps, bolts or nuts.
• Exhaust system parts rubbing against fuel system parts, tires or other moving parts of vehicle.
• Exhaust system parts that are leaking.

Emergency Equipment

Vehicles should be equipped with the following emergency equipment:

• Fire extinguisher(s).
• Spare electrical fuses (unless equipped with circuit breakers).
• Warning devices for parked vehicles (e.g., three reflective warning triangles).

Cargo (trucks)

Make sure the truck is not overloaded and the cargo is balanced and secured before each trip. If the cargo contains hazardous materials, you must inspect for proper papers and placarding.

CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Test

To obtain a CDL you must pass a pre-trip vehicle inspection test. You will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You may be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you would inspect and why. Section 10 describes what to inspect and how to inspect it.