R714-162-10. Coupling Devices

  (1) When examining a fifth wheel coupling device, the inspector shall:

  (a) check the mounting to frame; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) a fastener is missing or ineffective;

  (B) any movement between mounting components is detected; or

  (C) a mounting angle iron is cracked or broken;

  (b) check mounting plates and pivot brackets; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) a fastener is missing or ineffective;

  (B) any cracks in welds or parent metal are detected;

  (C) more than 3/8 inch horizontal movement between the pivot bracket pin and bracket exists; or

  (D) a pivot bracket pin is missing or not secured;

  (c) check sliders; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) a latching fastener is missing or ineffective;

  (B) a fore or aft stop is missing or is not securely attached;

  (C) there is any movement more than 3/8 inch between the slider bracket and slider base; or

  (D) a slider component is cracked in the parent metal or weld;

  (d) check the lower coupler; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) horizontal movement between the upper and lower fifth wheel halves exceeds 1/2 inch;

  (B) the operating handle is not in a closed or locked position;

  (C) the kingpin is not properly engaged;

  (D) separation between upper and lower coupler allows light to show through from side to side;

  (E) a crack is detected in the fifth wheel plate, unless it is a crack in the fifth wheel approach ramps or a casting shrinkage crack in the ribs of the body of a cast fifth wheel; or

  (F) a locking mechanism part is missing, broken, or deformed to the extent the kingpin is not securely held.

  (2) When examining a pintle hooks coupling device, the inspector shall:

  (a) check the pintle hooks for proper mounting to the frame; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) there is a missing or ineffective fastener, except a fastener is not considered missing if there is an empty hole in the device but no corresponding hole in the frame or vice versa;

  (B) a mounting surface crack extends from point of attachment;

  (C) a pintle hook is loosely mounted;

  (D) the frame cross member providing the pintle hook attachment is cracked;

  (E) a crack is discovered anywhere in the pintle hook assembly;

  (F) any welded repairs have been made to the pintle hook;

  (G) any part of the horn section has been reduced by more than 20%; or

  (H) the pintle hook latch is not secure.

  (3) When examining a drawbar or tow-bar eye coupling device, the inspector shall:

  (a) check the drawbar or tow-bar eye for proper mounting; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) a crack in an attachment weld is present;

  (B) a missing or ineffective fastener is present;

  (C) a crack is present; or

  (D) any part of the eye is reduced by more than 20%.

  (4) When examining a drawbar or tow-bar tongue coupling device, the inspector shall:

  (a) check the drawbar or tow-bar tongue on a power or manual slider for proper operation; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) the latching mechanism is ineffective or disconnected;

  (B) a stop is missing or ineffective;

  (C) there is movement of more than 1/4 inch between the slider and housing; or

  (D) there is a leak, other than normal oil weeping around the hydraulic seals, including air, hydraulic cylinders, hoses, or chambers; and

  (b) check for cracks and movement of 1/4 inch between the slider and housing; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) a crack is discovered; or

  (B) there is movement of 1/4 inch or more between sub-frame and drawbar at point of attachment.

  (5) When examining all coupling safety devices, the inspector shall:

  (a) check for:

  (i) missing safety devices such as chains, metal wire, and rope;

  (ii) safety devices that are unattached or incapable of secure attachment;

  (iii) worn chains and hooks; and

  (iv) kinked or broken cable strands and improper clamps or clamping;

  (b) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (i) a safety device is missing;

  (ii) a safety device is unattached;

  (iii) a safety device is incapable of secure attachment;

  (iv) a chain and hook are worn to the extent of a measurable reduction in link cross section;

  (v) improper repairs are evident such as welding, wire, small bolts, rope, or tape;

  (vi) a cable is kinked or has broken cable strands; or

  (vii) a cable has improper clamps or clamping; and

  (c) check the saddle-mounts for the method of attachment; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) a fastener is missing or ineffective;

  (B) a mounting is loose;

  (C) a stress or load bearing member is cracked or broken; or

  (D) horizontal movement between upper and lower saddle-mounts exceeds 1/4 inch.