Safety is paramount, and for brakes it all starts and stops with inspections. The brake experts at Meritor suggest the following top inspection recommendations for drum brake inspections:
First, set up the tractor and trailer as follows:
1. Chock the wheels;
2. Charge reservoir to 90 to 100 PSI then turn off the engine; and;
3. Enlist help or use a tool to apply and maintain the brake pedal;
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Then, be sure to check the following bullet points:
- Check linings contact drums;
- Check chamber stroke according to CVSA limits;
- Check chambers for audible leaks or damage;
- Check all parts are present; springs, rollers, cams, slack adjusters, clevises, clevis pins, air chambers, linings, shoes, spiders and brackets;
- Check air hoses are present and secure and NO cracks, leaks or swelling;
- Check linings for cracks wider than 1/16th in. or longer than 1-1/2 in.;
- Check linings for missing material that exposes a rivet; and
- Check linings for contaminants such as oil and grease.
