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.