Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/641412
32 commercial carrier journal | february 2016 Don't neglect pretrips, maintenance BY JASON CANNON B rake violations were among the three most cited by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration over a 50-month stretch from December 2010 to February 2015, and they were the top offense in 12 states. While braking systems on today's commercial trucks are safer due to tech- nological advancements, they are only as effective as their maintenance routines. "It is critical [brakes] are kept within their adjustment spec, which will give the vehicle even and balanced braking for better control," says George Bowers, director of maintenance operations for Ryder. "Proper brake inspection is more than just the ability to stop the vehicle. It is about vehicle control." Inspection is also a key step in ex- tending the brake system's life. "Issues identified through inspection might eliminate accelerated wear, brake component damage and/or damage to other components within the system," says Keith McComsey, director of marketing and customer solutions for Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake. Safety and wear-and-tear aside, failing a brake inspection also can be expensive. "A breakdown is a tremendous loss of productivity, efficiency and uptime," says Randy Petresh, vice president of technical services for Haldex. Bowers says the cost of a brake-re- lated mobile service repair can exceed $1,000 easily, and that's assuming you don't need a tow. "If the officer deems the unit unsafe, towing will most likely be required," he says. "Service calls for units on the side of the road take time away from the shop to manage scheduled work." As repair bills and downtime mount, fleets consistently cited for violations also risk scaring off potential business. "Customers deciding which carrier to use will also factor safety ratings into their selection," McComsey says. Getting in front Matthew Mendy, product segment manager for Daimler Trucks North America Aftermarket, says fleets can lower their cost of operation by having brake maintenance procedures meet all industry standards and state and federal regulations. "Thirty percent of Class 8 vehicle ac- cidents last year showed those vehicles' brakes were classified out of service," Mendy says. "The number-one ticketed item during DOT inspections is brake stroke." Jon Morrison, president of Wabco Americas, says out-of-adjustment drum brake concerns account for nearly half of out-of-service roadside commercial vehicle inspection violations. A driver's pre- and post-trip inspec- tions are critical parts to identifying issues before violations occur. Obvious red flags for drivers include rust streaks, air leaks, oil stains, air lines rubbing on crossmembers or frame rails, bad or missing gladhand seals and brake components that are worn, missing, broken or loose. "Look for rust streak marks on brake components, which usually means loose components," Bowers says. "If the backing plate or wheel seal area starts to show signs of oil, report it immedi- ately to prevent shoe damage." Kevin Pfost, coordinator of technical service for Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake, says drivers should be proactive in their inspections and not simply look for obvious signs of problems. "Take a look at components such as air chambers that may be corroded or severely rusted," he says. "Check the air system for contamination or water. in focus: BRAKE INSPECTION TIPS Brake systems are only as effective as their maintenance routines, industry experts say.