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Difficulty: HardSteering System Inspection

During a pre-trip inspection of a commercial motor vehicle equipped with power steering and a 20-inch diameter steering wheel, a driver inspects mechanical linkages, belt tension, fluid levels, and cab controls. Which of the following findings indicates an unsafe condition that exceeds allowable safety limits?

  1. A
    A power steering pump drive belt that exhibits 1/2 inch of play when pressed firmly midway between the pulleys
  2. Steering wheel free play of 2.75 inches (approximately 14 degrees) before the front wheels begin to turnAnswer
  3. C
    A steering wheel movement of 1.25 inches along the outer rim before engaging the steering gear mechanism
  4. D
    A power steering reservoir fluid level resting at the hot mark when checked immediately following engine warm-up

Answer

Steering wheel free play measuring 2.75 inches (approximately 14 degrees) before wheel movement occurs.
According to official CDL vehicle inspection standards, power steering wheel play must not exceed 10 degrees, which equates to approximately 2 inches of movement on a standard 20-inch diameter steering wheel before the steering gear turns the wheels. A free play reading of 2.75 inches (14 degrees) is a hazardous defect that makes steering response sluggish and unpredictable.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the standard allowable steering wheel free play tolerance for commercial vehicles.
CDL regulations state that steering wheel play should not exceed 10 degrees, which corresponds to approximately 2 inches on a 20-inch steering wheel.
Excessive free play compromises vehicle control, causes delayed steering response, and can indicate worn components in the steering box, column, or linkage.
2
Evaluate the observed measurement against the established threshold.
A free play measurement of 2.75 inches exceeds the 2-inch (10-degree) maximum allowable limit by 0.75 inches (14 degrees total).
Operating a vehicle with free play exceeding safe limits poses severe directional stability risks.
3
Verify the status of other secondary inspection parameters.
Belt deflection of 1/2 inch and fluid at the warm full mark are both within acceptable manufacturer operating tolerances.
Isolating the single failing component confirms the out-of-tolerance defect.

Key Concept

Steering Wheel Free Play Limits and Defect Identification
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Steering System Inspection

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