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Old 11-30-2006, 02:41 PM
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Default Checking slack adjusters...

I'm getting prepared to take my CDL skills test. In the manual it says to manually check the slack adjusters with brakes off and wheels chocked. However, it says not to go under the vehicle during an exam.

So should I just examine them by sight to see if the angle is slightly less than 90 degrees with brakes on and 90 degrees with brakes off?

Also how does one check to see if the brake lights are working?
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Old 11-30-2006, 04:40 PM
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On a CDL test, you should merely be explaining to the tester how and what you would check during your pre-trip. I didn't inspect anything during my test, but i explained everything thoroughly. You point at "it" and explain.
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Old 11-30-2006, 05:07 PM
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best advise I can give is give detailed explantions of what you are looking for on everything and remember the phrase "loose, broke, or missing" because youll be saying that a lot. I had a system of 5's. everything to deal with the brakes, suspension, and wheel has 5 parts everything but the drive wheels where the suspension has four. Like this: Suspension :1 shock absorber 2 springs 3 spring hangers 4 torsion bar 5 air bag. Brakes: 1 brake lines 2 brake chamber 3 slack adjuster 4 brake pads 5 brake drums. wheel 1 the tire ICD=inflation 105 psi Condition and Depth of tread. 2 the rim 3 lugnuts 4 inner and outer wheel seal 5 the spacer between wheels, if not a super single.
So you have just enough fingers to use on each of those and if you remember those theres 50 points right there and you only need 37 more to pass, so that right there and youre over halfway there. BOL
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Old 11-30-2006, 06:31 PM
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Default Slack Adj, Etc.

What other posters said about slack adjusters.
Checking brake lights can be done two ways. First, put a stick between seat and brake pedal to activate brakes, do a walk around checking that tractor and trailer brake lights are lit. Another is knowing that turn/flasher lamps are also the brake lamps, therefore when doing walk around with flashers on, brake and turn signal lights will be checked at the same time. A substitute for the walk around will be when trailer is backed up to a wall or other near reflective surface, light action will be seen on wall when brakes are on and turn/flashers are operated.
A driver should also always carry spare lamps so when a lamp failure is observed, the failed lamp is immediately replaced. Mechs like it when drivers can fix the simple failures. BOL
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Old 11-30-2006, 07:31 PM
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When I took my Test in NY....the only slack adj you could do is the front right tire...i would suggest at least do that one..... The rest you are not allowed to do. Often though you can see the brake pads from the opposite side of the vehicle...mention that they look good or bad....

The main thing i learned on the exam is to be as general as possible....why you ask it is because you don't want to be specific.... but If the tester ask you a question be ready for it......
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Old 11-30-2006, 07:41 PM
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Default Re: Checking slack adjusters...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Farmtruckin
Also how does one check to see if the brake lights are working?
I'm surprised no one mentioned the trolley brake...
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Old 11-30-2006, 08:26 PM
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I was thinking about the trailer brake hand-valve myself!! Just release the parking brakes with the wheels blocked, of course, and pull the trailer brake hand valve on a bit and wrap the safety belt around it to hold it on and that will activate the brake lights. Then walk around and check them.
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Old 11-30-2006, 09:49 PM
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pull the hand valve and run like heck. :lol:
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Old 11-30-2006, 11:10 PM
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I'm new to trucking, nevertheless, wouldn't it be easier to ask someone to look and see if your brakes, turn signals, and headlight are working?
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Old 12-01-2006, 12:49 AM
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NO NO NO MAN! that would be too easy. Thats like calling the receiver for directions. :shock:
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