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Question

Difficulty: MediumSteering System Inspection

A commercial motor vehicle driver is checking the steering assembly components in the engine compartment and front axle area prior to a trip. Which of the following observations indicates an unsafe defect that requires immediate maintenance?

  1. A
    Free play at the rim of a 20-inch steering wheel measures approximately 1 inch with the engine idling.
  2. B
    Fluid in the power steering reservoir reaches halfway between the 'ADD' and 'FULL' marks when checked at operating temperature.
  3. The steering column intermediate shaft universal joint has loose clamp bolts and noticeable binding when rotated.Answer
  4. D
    The serpentine belt driving the power steering pump shows 1/2 inch of deflection under firm thumb pressure.

Answer

The observation indicating an unsafe defect is that the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint has loose clamp bolts and noticeable binding when rotated.
The finding of loose clamp bolts and binding in the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint is correct because any looseness, missing hardware, or binding in the steering column assembly presents an immediate risk of mechanical failure and total loss of vehicle control.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Inspect the mechanical condition and security of the steering column intermediate shaft and universal joints.
Loose clamp bolts and rotational binding are identified, which violate safety standards and can lead to sudden steering lockup or separation.
Commercial vehicle safety standards require all steering column universal joints, slip joints, and mounting hardware to be tightly fastened and move freely without binding.
2
Evaluate the remaining inspection observations against standard commercial driver pre-trip tolerances.
One inch of steering wheel play on a 20-inch wheel, 1/2-inch belt deflection, and warm fluid between ADD and FULL all fall within allowable operating limits.
Acceptable limits permit up to 10 degrees of steering play (about 2 inches on a 20-inch wheel) and 1/2 to 3/4 inch belt deflection.

Key Concept

Identification of critical mechanical steering defects versus acceptable pre-trip component tolerances
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Steering System Inspection

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