The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Operation Safe Driver Week 2023 is now behind us, but the next inspection campaign is only a month away.
This year, CVSA Brake Safety Week will take place throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico August 20 — 26.
During Brake Safety Week, inspectors will be paying special attention to brake lining/pad violations.
See below for 10 tips from the CVSA on avoiding brake lining and pad violations.
- Inspect visible portions of the brake lining and pads as part of your pre- and post-trip inspections.
- Look for signs of missing lining, such as grooves in the drum from rivet contact.
- Look at the shoe-to-drum clearance and ensure there is adequate lining on the shoe.
- Look for any signs of leaks from the hub or other components that may be contaminating the lining/pad surface.
- Ensure there are no missing lining blocks.
- Check for visible cracks or voids in the lining block.
- Check for any exposed rivets or lining blocks that look loose on the shoe.
- On disc brakes, pay particular attention to the condition of the rotor, such as heavily rusted rotors across the entire friction surface on either side or metal- to-metal contact.
- Make sure all repairs are consistent with the brake manufacturer’s requirements and guidelines.
- Note any issues in your driver vehicle inspection reports and report them to the motor carrier to have the defective linings/pads repaired.
“The focus of this year’s Brake Safety Week is on the condition of the brake lining and pad,” said CVSA President Maj. Chris Nordloh with the Texas Department of Public Safety. “Brake lining and pad issues may result in vehicle violations and could affect a motor carrier’s safety rating.”
During Brake Safety Week 2022, 38,117 CMV inspections were conducted throughout North America. Of those inspected vehicles, 13.3% were placed out of service for brake-related critical vehicle inspection item violations.
For more on Brake Safety Week 2023, please click here.