Operational Policy 5 - Brake Adjustment Measurements during a Level II Inspection

There appears to be a conflict within CVSA Operational Policy 5 regarding the inspection of "brake systems" under the NAS Level II Inspection items and the reporting requirements found under "Brake Measurements" section of the policy. The "Brake Measurements" section of CVSA Operation Policy 5 states "It shall be the policy of CVSA to record on inspection forms all brake measurements, if obtained during North American Standard Level I or Level V Inspections." The NAS Inspection Levels section states under "Level II" the "brake systems" is an inspection item which would include all components of said system. The sections conflict where the NAS Level II inspection section allows the inspection of the entire brake system, including front brakes, and the Brake Measurement section mandates that only brake measurements obtained during a Level I or V be documented. By way of this language, it appears an inspector could inspect the front brakes, measure pushrods, add violations if found, and possibly place the vehicle OOS without having to document brake measurements on the inspection report.

The intent of these sections are not clear and it's left to interpretation as to what is allowed to be inspected during a Level II inspection. The description of "brake systems" under the Level II inspection suggests ALL components of the brake system are an inspection item which would include front brakes. Most CMV's allow for the inspection of front brakes without having to get under the vehicle and could reasonably be inspected during a Level II inspection.

CVSA Operational Policy 5 needs to be clarified on the issue of "brake systems" as it relates to the Level II inspection, and whether brake measurements can be taken during this inspection. If brake measurements are allowed during a level II inspection, then the "Brake Measurements" section needs to be amended to include Level II inspection.