Mack | Mack Pinnacle (CXU) - Pre-Trip Inspection and Daily Maintenance
Use this checklist for the pre-trip inspection and daily maintenance of your Mack truck. Performing regular maintenance on your equipment has been proven to reduce repair costs for trucks and to avoid unnecessary damages.
MaintainX
12/28/2022
Mack | Mack Pinnacle (CXU) - Pre-Trip Inspection and Daily Maintenance
Use this checklist for the pre-trip inspection and daily maintenance of your Mack truck. Performing regular maintenance on your equipment has been proven to reduce repair costs for trucks and to avoid unnecessary damages.
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.
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.
Starting on the next page are 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 MACK Trucks Truck 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).
Pre-Trip Inspection Quick List
Inspect the vehicle in a circular manner.
Approaching the Vehicle
Check under the vehicle for oil, fuel, coolant leaks or other signs of damage.
Check body surfaces for signs of breaks or damage.
Preparation
Open drain cocks on air tanks to let the tanks drain.
Chock wheels on vehicle and, if hooked up, trailer.
Close air tank drain cocks.
Start the engine and let the air pressure build up to normal. Stop engine.
Switch on parking lights and hazard lights.
Apply parking brakes.
Pull the hood release lever, release the hood latches, raise hood.
Step 1: Left Side of the Cab
Left Front Wheel
Check condition of wheel rim. Especially look for cracks, missing lockrings, bent or broken studs, clamps or lugs.
Check condition of tire: properly inflated, no serious cuts, bulges, tread wear or any signs of misalignment; valve stem not touching wheel, rim or brake drum; valve cap in place.
Check wheel bearing and hub: no obvious leaking on outside or inside wheel. Verify correct oil level in hub.
Left Front Suspension
Check condition of spring, spring hangers, shackles, U-bolts: no cracks, breaks or shifting.
Check shock absorber condition.
Left Front Brake
Condition of brake drum. With brakes released, look for a noticeable gap between lining and drum. (This check cannot be made if dust covers are in place.)
Condition of brake air hose.
Check brake chamber mounting bolts and bracket.
Check slack adjuster and chamber pushrod travel.
Condition of Front Axle and Steering System, Left Side
No loose, worn, bent, damaged or missing parts.
Under Hood, Left Side
Check coolant hose condition.
Check condition of fan drive belts.
Check engine and surrounding areas for coolant, oil and fuel leaks.
Check wiring harnesses for signs of damage.
Step 2: Front of Cab Area
Condition of Windshield
Check for damage and clean if dirty.
Check windshield wiper arms for proper spring tension.
Check wiper blades for any damage, "dead" rubber and attachment to arm.
Lights and Reflectors
Lower hood and inspect parking, clearance and identification lights on hood and cab. They should be clean, operating and of the proper color.
Reflectors clean and proper color.
Turn on headlights. High and low beams should be operating and lenses clean. If equipped, check daytime running lights.
Left and right front turn signal lights clean, operating and proper color. Raise hood.
Grille
Check that charge air cooler and radiator or bugscreens are clean and undamaged.
Step 3: Right Side of Cab Area
Right Front Wheel
Check condition of wheel rim. Especially look for cracks, missing lockrings, bent or broken studs, clamps or lugs.
Check condition of tire: properly inflated, no serious cuts, bulges, tread wear or any signs of misalignment; valve stem not touching wheel, rim or brake drum; valve cap in place.
Check wheel bearing and hub: no obvious leaking on outside or inside wheel. Verify correct oil level in hub.
Right Front Suspension
Check condition of spring, spring hangers, shackles, U-bolts: no cracks, breaks or shifting.
Shock absorber condition.
Right Front Brake
Condition of brake drum. With brakes released, look for a noticeable gap between lining and drum. (This check cannot be made if dust covers are in place.)
Condition of brake air hose: check for any chafing.
Check brake chamber mounting bolts and bracket.
Check slack adjuster and chamber pushrod travel. With brakes applied or released, look for conspicuously different positions of the slack adjusters.
Condition of Front Axle and Steering System, Right Side
No loose, worn, bent, damaged or missing parts.
Under Hood, Right Side
Check condition of coolant and heater hoses.
Check condition of fan drive belts.
Check engine and surrounding areas for coolant, oil and fuel leaks.
Check fuel separator sight glass and drain if necessary. Check for leaks.
Check wiring harnesses for signs of damage.
Check air filter with brackets and hoses for loose connections or damage. Check filter gauge, if mounted on the filter.
Step 4: Right Saddle Tank Area
Right Fuel Tank(s)
Securely mounted and not damaged or leaking.
Fuel lines secure and not leaking. Check that shut-off valves are open.
Tank(s) full of fuel. Cap on and secure.
Condition of Visible Components
Rear of engine: not leaking.
Transmission: not leaking. If equipped with oil cooler, check cooler, hoses and fittings for leaks.
Check drive shaft.
Exhaust system: secure, not leaking, not touching wires, fuel or air tubing.
Frame and cross members: no bends, cracks or breaks.
Air tubing and electrical wiring: secured against snagging and chafing.
Step 5: Right Rear Vehicle Area
Dual Wheels, One or Two Axles
Check condition of wheels and rims. Especially look for cracks, missing lockrings, bent or broken spacers, studs, clamps or lugs.
Check condition of tires: properly inflated, no serious cuts, bulges, tread wear or any signs of misalignment; valve stems not touching wheels, rims or brake drums; valve caps in place and no objects stuck between the wheels.
Check that both tires are of same type, for example, not mixed radial and bias type and that their circumferences are matched.
Check wheel bearing and hub: no obvious leaking on outside or inside wheel.
Suspension
Check condition of springs (leaf or air), spring hangers, shackles and U-bolts.
Axle alignment.
Brakes
Condition of brake drums. With brakes released, look for a noticeable gap between lining and drum. (This check cannot be made if dust covers are in place.)
Condition of brake hoses: check for any chafing.
Check brake chamber mounting bolts and brackets.
Check slack adjusters and chamber push rod travel. With brakes applied or released, look for conspicuously different positions of the slack adjusters.
Check spring brakes.
Step 6: Rear of Vehicle Area
Frame Area
Frame or cross members not bent, cracked or otherwise damaged or missing.
Check that air tubing and electrical lines are properly secured to the frame with no damage or chafing.
Lights and Reflectors
Tail lights, brake lights and turn signal lights: operating, clean and proper color.
Step 7: Coupling System Area
Fifth Wheel
Securely mounted to the frame.
No missing or damaged parts.
Check that trunnion and plate are properly lubricated.
Sliding Fifth Wheel
Mechanism not worn, bent, damaged or parts missing.
Properly lubricated.
All locking pins present and locked in place.
If air operated: no air leaks.
Air Tubing and Electric Lines Visible From This Point
Should be secure from dangling.
Both air lines and electric line should be free from damage, oil and grease.
Step 8: Left Saddle Tank and Left Rear Vehicle Wheels Area
Dual Wheels, One or Two Axles
Check condition of wheels and rims. Especially look for cracks, missing lockrings, bent or broken spacers, studs, clamps or lugs.
Check condition of tires: properly inflated, no serious cuts, bulges, tread wear or any signs of misalignment; valve stems not touching wheels, rims or brake drums; valve caps in place and no objects stuck between the wheels.
Check that both tires are of same type, for example, not mixed radial and bias type and that their circumferences are matched.
Check wheel bearing and hub: no obvious leaking on outside or inside wheel.
Suspension
Check condition of springs (leaf or air), spring hangers, shackles and U-bolts, no cracks, breaks or shifting.
Brakes
Condition of brake drums. With brakes released, look for a noticeable gap between lining and drum. (This check cannot be made if dust covers are in place.)
Condition of brake hoses: check for any chafing.
Check brake chamber mounting bolts and brackets.
Check slack adjusters and chamber push rod travel. With brakes applied or released, look for conspicuously different positions of the slack adjusters.
Check spring brakes.
Condition of Visible Components
Transmission: not leaking.
Drive shaft: looks OK.
Exhaust system: secure, not leaking, not touching wires, fuel or air tubing.
Frame and cross members: no bends, cracks or breaks.
Air tubing and electrical wiring: secured against snagging and chafing.
Left Fuel Tank(s)
Securely mounted and not damaged or leaking.
Fuel lines secure and not leaking. Check that shut-off valves are open.
Tank(s) full of fuel. Cap on and secure.
Battery Area
Open the battery box. Battery box securely mounted to vehicle.
Batteries secured against movement.
Battery cases not broken or leaking. Battery cables free from damage.
If equipped, replace battery lid and make sure it is securely fastened.
Tops of batteries and terminals clean and free from foreign material.
In the Cab
Check steps and grab handles for looseness or breakage. Also, clean them if there is any substance that makes them slippery, which makes cab entry/exit hazardous.
Start the engine. If equipped, check that exhaust rain cap opens when accelerating engine.
Check gauges and tell-tale light function. See the Instruments and Controls section.
Check function of low air warning.
Check clutch function. If equipped, check for clutch brake function.
Check windshield wipers and washers and horns, including back-up alarm, if equipped.
Clean inside windshield, door windows and instruments. Clean mirrors.
Check temperature control and defroster. If equipped, check mirror heater.
Check condition of warning triangles, fire extinguisher and flares.
Adjust the seat. Check mirror adjustment.
Check safety belts for function and damage.
Apply service brakes. After initial drop, pressure should hold steady, or increase slightly, with engine at idle.
Check steering wheel for excessive free play.
Check for loose items in the cab. Secure them if necessary.
Hooking Up To Trailer
Hook-Up Preparation
Check kingpin and mounting plate on trailer, free from wear, bends or damage.
Chock trailer wheels.
Fifth Wheel or Trailer Hitch
No visible space between fifth wheel and trailer.
Locking jaws around the shank and not the head of kingpin.
Release lever properly seated and safety latch/lock engaged.
Check all connections to dolly or trailer hitch and safety chains are secured.
Check function of trailer air supply valve and trailer brakes.
Sliding Fifth Wheel
Check that fifth wheel is not so far forward that the tractor frame will strike the landing gear during turns.
Note: Refer to the trailer manufacturer's manual for specific information on the trailer checks.
Step 9: Trailer Front Area
Air and Electrical Connections
Glad hands properly mounted, free from damage and not leaking.
Trailer cord receptacle properly mounted, free of damage; plug properly seated and safety catch engaged to prevent accidental disconnect.
Air and electrical lines properly secured against tangling, snagging and chafing with sufficient slack for turns.
Step 10: Right Side of Trailer Area
Landing Gear or Dolly Area
Fully raised; no missing or damaged parts.
Crank handle present and secured.
If power operated, no air/hydraulic leaks.
Spare Wheel(s)
Carrier or rack not damaged.
Spare wheel securely mounted in rack.
Tire and wheel condition adequate for a spare: proper size, properly inflated.
Lights and Reflectors
Trailer side clearance lights: clean, operating and proper color.
Reflectors clean and proper color.
Frame and Body
Frame and crossmembers not bent, cracked, damaged or missing.
Proper placarding.
Body parts not damaged or missing.
Step 11: Right Rear Trailer Wheel
Dual Wheels, One or Two Axles
Check condition of wheels and rims. Especially look for cracks, missing lockrings, bent or broken spacers, studs, clamps or lugs.
Check condition of tires: properly inflated, no serious cuts, bulges, tread wear or any signs of misalignment; valve stems not touching wheels, rims or brake drums; valve caps in place and no objects stuck between the wheels.
Check that both tires are of same type, for example, not mixed radial and bias type and that their circumferences are matched.
Check wheel bearing and hub: no obvious leaking on outside or inside wheel.
Suspension
Condition of springs (leaf or air), spring hangers, shackles and U-bolts.
Axle alignment.
Condition of torque rod arms.
If equipped with sliding axles, check position and alignment. Look for damaged, worn or missing parts, all locks present, fully in place and locked.
Flexible air tubing not cracked, cut, crimped or otherwise damaged. Secured against tangling, dragging and chafing.
Brakes
Condition of brake drums. With brakes released, look for a noticeable gap between lining and drum. (This check cannot be made if dust covers are in place.)
Condition of brake hoses: check for any chafing.
Check brake chamber mounting bolts and brackets.
Check slack adjusters and chamber push rod travel. With brakes applied or released, look for conspicuously different positions of the slack adjusters.
Check spring brakes.
Step 12: Rear of Trailer Area
Lights and Reflectors
Rear clearance, identification and tail lights clean, operating and proper color.
Reflectors clean and proper color.
Cargo Securement
Cargo properly blocked, braced, tied, chained, etc.
Tailboard up and properly secured. End gates free from damage, properly secured in stake pockets.
Canvas or tarp (if required) properly latched down to prevent water damage, tearing, billowing or blockage of either mirrors or tail lights.
Rear doors securely closed, latched or locked; required security seals in place.
Underside guard in place: not cracked, bent or broken.
Step 13: Left Rear Trailer Wheels Area
Dual Wheels, One or Two Axles
Check condition of wheels and rims. Especially look for cracks, lockrings missing, bent or broken spacers, studs, clamps or lugs.
Check condition of tires: properly inflated, no serious cuts, bulges, tread wear or any signs of misalignment; valve stems not touching wheels, rims or brake drums; valve caps in place and no objects stuck between the wheels.
Check that both tires are of same type, for example, not mixed radial and bias type and that their circumferences are matched.
Check wheel bearing and hub: no obvious leaking on outside or inside wheel.
Suspension
Condition of springs (leaf or air), spring hangers, shackles and U-bolts.
Axle alignment.
Condition of torque rod arms.
If equipped with sliding axles, check position and alignment. Look for damaged, worn or missing parts, all locks present, fully in place and locked.
Flexible air tubing not cracked, cut, crimped or otherwise damaged. It should be secured against tangling, dragging and chafing.
Brakes
Condition of brake drums. With brakes released, look for a noticeable gap between lining and drum. (This check can not be made if dust covers are in place.)
Condition of brake hoses: check for any chafing.
Check brake chamber mounting bolts and brackets.
Check slack adjusters and chamber push rod travel. With brakes applied or released, look for conspicuously different positions of the slack adjusters.
Check spring brakes.
Step 14: Left Side of Trailer Area
Landing Gear or Dolly Area
Fully raised; no missing or damaged parts.
Crank handle present and secured.
If power operated, no air/hydraulic leaks.
Spare Wheel(s)
Spare wheel securely mounted in rack with no damage to rack.
Tire and wheel condition adequate for a spare: proper size, properly inflated.
Lights and Reflectors
Trailer side clearance lights: clean, operating and proper color.
Reflectors clean and proper color.
Frame and Body
Frame and crossmembers not bent, cracked, damaged or missing.
Proper placarding.
Body parts not damaged or missing.
Before Leaving the Parking Area
Remove chocks from the wheels.
Test trailer hook-up by slowly pulling while applying the trailer brakes with the trailer brake hand control valve.
Test the service brakes before leaving the parking area.
Test parking brakes by stopping on a 20% grade and applying the parking brakes. The parking brakes shall hold the combined vehicle and trailer without moving.
Source: MaintainX (Community Member)