Mack M359, Manual

Page: 230 / 332

MAINTENANCE, LUBRICATION AND SERVICE
PRE-TRIP INSPECTION AND DAILY MAINTENANCE
DANGER
Before working on or inspecting a vehicle,
set the parking brakes, place the
transmission in neutral and block the
wheels. Failure to do so can result in
unexpected vehicle movement and can
cause serious personal injury or death.
NOTE
Make sure that all fluid levels are at their
proper levels. If the fluids are not at their
proper levels, add as necessary.
NOTE
While Checking the fluid levels, visually
inspect hoses, pipes and their
connections for signs of leakage. Inspect
the ground under the engine, transmission
and rear axle(s) for signs of leakage.
NOTE
Failure to address leaks in a timely
manner, may lead to preventable failure
and void warranty on that component.
Safety is the most important and
obvious reason for doing a pre-trip
inspection. Federal and state laws
require inspection performed by the
driver. Federal and state inspectors also
inspect commercial vehicles. An unsafe
vehicle can be placed "out of service"
until the driver or owner corrects the
deficiency. Owners and operators
should familiarize themselves with
sections 49 CFR 396.11 and 396.13
concerning Federal requirements for
vehicle inspection. Certain other laws
may also apply.
Section 49 CFR 396.13 states that all
motor carrier drivers must complete a
written report at the end of each work
day for each vehicle operated, covering
most of what is covered in the pre-trip
list. The report should list all defects or
deficiencies discovered by the driver. A
pre-trip inspection prepares for the end-
of-work report.
In this section are the suggested
guidelines to be used in performing
truck, tractor and trailer pre-trip
inspections. Depending on the
application of the vehicle being used,
these guidelines should be modified to
include other necessary inspection
points. For example, steps and grab
handles should be checked daily on
refuse trucks because the operator is
getting in and out of the cab more
frequently.
If any component or system does not
pass this inspection, it must be
corrected before operating the vehicle.
Whenever equipment requires
adjustment, replacement, repair or
lubrication, refer to the Service Manuals
or contact an authorized dealer for the
correct procedures, specifications and
intervals. Take your time going through
the pre-trip inspection. Remember that a
careful pre-trip inspection saves time by
eliminating unscheduled stops for
correcting a faulty item. The following
information has been provided by the
American Trucking Association as
developed by the D.O.T. Office of Motor
Carriers (BMCS).
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