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External Inspection (All Vehicles)
Steering
Steering Box/Hoses
- Check that the steering box is securely mounted and not leaking. Look for any missing nuts, bolts and cotter keys.
- Check for power steering fluid leaks or damage to power steering hoses.
Steering Linkage
- See that connecting links, arms and rods from the steering box to the wheel are not worn or cracked.
- Check that joints and sockets are not worn or loose and that there are no missing nuts, bolts or cotter keys.
Suspension
Suspension Springs/Air/Torque
- Look for missing, shifted, cracked or broken leaf springs.
- Look for broken or distorted coil springs.
- If vehicle is equipped with torsion bars, torque arms or other types of suspension components, check that they are not damaged and are mounted securely.
- Air ride suspension should be checked for damage and leaks.
Mounts
- Look for cracked or broken spring hangers; missing or damaged bushings; and broken, loose or missing bolts, u-bolts or other axle mounting parts. (The mounts should be checked at each point where they are secured to the vehicle frame and axle[s]).
Shock Absorbers
- See that shock absorbers are secure and that there are no leaks.
Note: Be prepared to perform the same suspension components inspection on every axle (power unit and trailer, if equipped).
Multiple-Choice Questions:
When checking the steering box components under the hood, what should you check for?
- Check for power steering fluid leaks or damage to power steering hoses
- Check that the steering box is securely mounted and not leaking
- All these are correct
- Look for any missing nuts, bolts and cotter keys
Steering Box/Hoses
- Check that the steering box is securely mounted and not leaking. Look for any missing nuts, bolts and cotter keys.
- Check for power steering fluid leaks or damage to power steering hoses.
When checking the suspension components, what should you check for?
- Look for missing, shifted, cracked or broken leaf springs.
- Look for broken or distorted coil springs.
- All these are correct
- Air ride suspension should be checked for damage and leaks.
Suspension Springs/Air/Torque
- Look for missing, shifted, cracked or broken leaf springs.
- Look for broken or distorted coil springs.
- If vehicle is equipped with torsion bars, torque arms or other types of suspension components, check that they are not damaged and are mounted securely.
- Air ride suspension should be checked for damage and leaks.
Complete!
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