OOSC, Part II, Item 14.g Wheel Fasteners

Request CVSA consider adding incorrectly installed wheel fasteners (tapered end facing out) as an approved violation of 396.3A1 - general in Operational Policy 15.

49 CFR Part 396.3A1 states parts and accessories shall be in safe and proper operating condition at all times. The key words in this request are "proper operating condition". The regulation further goes on to state the regulation includes any parts and accessories beyond what is stated in 49 CFR Part 393 which may affect the safe operation. Again, the key words for this request are "may affect the safe operation". Rims, wheel studs, and the tapered lug nut all play a critical role in the keeping rims secured to the vehicle for the safe operation. When lug nuts that are designed to be used in a specific way, to serve the specific purpose of ensuring the gap between rim stud holes and wheel studs are kept tight, are installed improperly, it creates a condition that could create a safety issue resulting in the loss of a tire. A safety issue like this should not just verbally spoken to the driver. It should be documented as a violation because it is a situation that MAY affect the safe operation of the vehicle. If one argues that it does not, then why would manufactures create the rim stud hole, stud, and lug nut system they do. All three parts play a role in assuring the wheel stays firmly seated to the vehicle. When you improperly install one item, the whole system becomes compromised.

Operational Policy 15 state that a vehicle with incorrectly installed wheel fasters be documented as a violation of Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance under 396.3A1 - general.