CVSA Brake Safety Week Is Aug. 25-31, 2024
For 2024’s Brake Safety Week, inspectors will focus on the condition of brake linings and pads. Brake lining and pad issues may result in vehicle violations and could affect a motor carrier’s safety rating. Brake Safety Week also serves as a reminder to drivers and motor carriers of the importance of a proactive vehicle maintenance program and provides an opportunity for law enforcement to highlight the importance of brake safety. The CVSA is ramping up for its next scheduled Brake Safety Week from August 25-31. Here is what drivers need to know.
About Brake-Related Violations
Brake-related violations make up the largest percentage of out-of-service vehicle violations during roadside inspections. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s 2023 vehicle violation data, six of the top 20 vehicle violations were related to brakes. During last year’s CVSA International Roadcheck, brake-system violations were the top vehicle violations, comprising 25.2% of all vehicle out-of-service violations.
Brake Safety Week aims to improve commercial motor vehicle brake safety in North America by conducting roadside inspections and educating drivers, mechanics, carriers, and others on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance, and operation to prevent crashes caused by braking systems.
What Inspections Will Occur
Inspectors will focus on the condition of brake linings and pads. Some jurisdictions have performance-based brake testers (PBBT) and will be using them during Brake Safety Week.
A performance-based brake tester (PBBT) is a machine that checks how well a vehicle brakes. If a vehicle doesn't pass the brake test, it may be because the brakes aren't strong enough compared to the vehicle's weight. First, check if the vehicle or axle is carrying too much weight. If it is, reducing the weight will make the brakes work better. After that, look for mechanical problems like pushrod travel, broken or missing parts, air system issues, or worn-out brake linings.
Make the necessary repairs or adjustments. Then, test the vehicle on the brake tester again to make sure the brakes are now working properly. If the problem is with the brake linings (for example, if they are worn out or not providing enough friction), fixing it may require more than just an adjustment to ensure the vehicle is safe to use.
CVSA’s 10 Brake Lining and Pad Tips
The CVSA emphasizes the importance of the brake lining and pad conditions. Brake lining and pad issues may result in vehicle violations and could affect a motor carrier’s safety rating. Here are some tips from commercial motor vehicle inspectors to help ensure your brake linings and pads have no issues during a roadside inspection.
- 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/pads.
- 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.
Brake Safety Week is coming up meaning inspectors will be on high alert. Make sure your brake systems are properly functioning and up to code. The CVSA offers resources to help educate drivers, mechanics and others on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance and operation. Click here to access those brake-related resources.
