Question

Difficulty: MediumSuspension System Inspection

A leaf spring that has shifted out of its normal position and makes contact with, or threatens to contact, a tire or frame member constitutes a critical safety defect that places the commercial vehicle out of service.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True — Any leaf spring shifted out of position that could contact a tire, rim, or frame component is a severe out-of-service safety defect.
The statement is correct because federal safety guidelines and standard CDL inspection criteria specify that any leaf spring shifted out of place that threatens contact with a tire, wheel, or frame is an out-of-service violation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the suspension defect described in the statement.
The defect is a leaf spring pack that has shifted laterally or longitudinally out of alignment toward moving parts.
Accurate defect classification is necessary to determine the required regulatory response.
2
Evaluate the operational hazard caused by shifted suspension leaves.
Contact with a rotating tire or wheel can cause friction heat, tire failure, or loss of steering control.
Physical interference with wheel assemblies creates an imminent collision risk.
3
Apply standard commercial vehicle inspection and out-of-service criteria.
The condition requires immediate vehicle grounding and repair before operation.
Commercial motor vehicle regulations mandate an out-of-service order whenever suspension displacement threatens tire or frame contact.

Key Concept

Suspension Defect Severity and Out-of-Service Criteria for Shifted Leaf Springs
Estimated Time:45s
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