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Question

Difficulty: EasyCab Inspection and Engine Start

While performing an in-cab safety check with the engine running, a commercial driver tests the power steering system for excessive play. What is the maximum allowable steering wheel free play on a standard 20-inch steering wheel before the vehicle must be serviced?

  1. A
    Zero movement (any free play indicates a mechanical defect)
  2. Approximately 10 degrees, or about 2 inches of movementAnswer
  3. C
    Approximately 25 degrees, or about 4.5 inches of movement
  4. D
    Approximately 45 degrees, or about a quarter turn of the wheel

Answer

Approximately 10 degrees, or about 2 inches of movement on a 20-inch wheel
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and standard CDL inspection guidelines specify that power steering free play should not exceed 10 degrees, which translates to roughly 2 inches of circumferential movement on a typical 20-inch steering wheel.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the standard maximum tolerance for steering wheel play during the cab inspection.
Commercial driving safety standards state that free play should not exceed 10 degrees.
Excessive free play impairs steering precision and indicates worn linkages, gearboxes, or tie rods.
2
Convert 10 degrees of rotation to distance along the rim of a standard 20-inch diameter steering wheel.
10 degrees corresponds to approximately 2 inches of rim travel.
Verifying the physical travel distance provides the driver with an accurate pre-trip measurement criterion.

Key Concept

Steering wheel free play tolerance during in-cab inspection
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Cab Inspection and Engine Start

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