Keys to keeping your brakes up to CSA standard

With the exception of tires, few components can get truck fleets and operators into as much trouble as brakes and lighting, according to Fred Fakkema, Zonar’s vice president of compliance. Zonar is maker of the 2020 Mobile Tablet, which provides an electronic vehicle inspection reporting system (EVIR). “Brakes and lighting represented 13 of the top 21 inspection violations cited in 2014,” he said. “Regular and consistent vehicle inspections can go a long way in avoiding citations. You can achieve that consistency by aligning your fleet’s pre-trip inspection forms with CSA requirements and by making sure drivers understand what they’re looking for.”

For example, one of the biggest issues with brakes is brake slack adjustment. Drivers should know all four of the conditions necessary to inspect adjustment properly and should never try to manually re-adjust automatic slack adjusters, he added.

Aggressive de-icing chemicals used during last winter’s epic storms could have damaged lights or sped up the corrosion that interrupts current flow on trailer wiring, he went on. Drivers should recognize the corrosion and which lights must function in order to avoid citations or OOS violations.

Brake tips from Meritor

Want to make sure your truck’s brakes are working but unsure of all the steps? Dan Philpott, manager of engineering at Meritor, offers maintenance tips:

• Check that rotor surfaces do not have severe rusting on either side;
• Check chambers for audible leaks and damage;
• Check that all parts are present and free of damage—air chambers, pads, pad retaining components, boots and covers;
• Check that air hoses are present and secure and no cracks, leaks, or swelling;
• Check if minimum pad thickness is greater than 1/16-in.(1.6mm) or pad wear indicator;
• Check linings for contaminants such as grease or oil;
• Check linings contact drums;
• Check chambers for audible leaks or damage;
• Check that all parts are present; springs, air chambers, linings, shoes, and brackets;
• Check that air hoses are present and secure and no cracks, leaks
or swelling;
• Check linings for cracks wider than 1/16th-in. (1.6mm) or longer than 1-1/2-in.;
• Check linings for missing material that exposes a rivet;
• Check linings for contaminants such as oil and grease; and
• Check that lining thickness is not less than ¼-in. (6.44mm).

EX+ Air Disc brakes:
Set up the tractor and trailer for your inspection
1. Chock the wheels.
2. Charge reservoir to 90-100 PSI then turn off the engine.
3. Enlist help or use a tool to apply and maintain the brake pedal.

Q+ Drum Brakes:
Set up the tractor and trailer for your inspection
1. Chock the wheels.
2. Charge reservoir to 90-100 PSI then turn off the engine.
3. Enlist help or use a tool to apply and maintain the brake pedal.