PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-670
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 670
SEPTEMBER 2008
15
PS 670
SEP 08
Dear Half-Mast,
Our unit has received M105A3 trailers to replace the -A2 models. But we
are having trouble with the brakes dragging while going down the road. We
couldn’t find a solution in the TM, and have ended up burning up the brakes
on several trailers!
The brakes are adjusted, the master cylinder is at 3/4 full, and the
parking brake is okay. When brake dragging occurs, we have to crack
the bleeders, or loosen the brake line at the rubber hose near the master
cylinder to unlock the brakes. What’s the best solution?
SSG T.M.
Avoid a Load Tip Over
Oversize Cargo
Before operating a rig with a heavy or odd-
sized load, check with your unit movement
ofFcer to determine if the load complies with
local, state or foreign government laws for
movement on public highways. That way he
can issue any special permits that may be
needed to move the load off the installation.
Measure both the height and width of the
trailer with its cargo. A load that exceeds the
maximum measurements
must
be reported
to the Battalion Movement OfFcer for the
necessary clearance and permits.
When you have further questions or need
help, get a copy of AR 55-162,
Permits
for Oversize Overweight, or other Special
Military Movements on Public Highways in
the United States.
Overhead Clearance
What it comes down to is this:
know the overhead clearance
needed for your vehicle. Signs
on most overpasses show the
clearance in feet and inches.
When transporting a load
and you’re not sure your load
will clear a bridge or overpass,
approach the bridge slowly
enough that you can stop before
a collision occurs if the cargo
will not clear.
You
also
need
to
pay
attention
to
other
hazards,
such as low hanging objects,
electrical wires, trafFc lights
and tree limbs.
Publications
The following publications should be available in the motor pool and you should
use them when you have questions or need more info on transport operations:
AR 385-55,
Prevention of Motor Vehicle Accidents
AR 600-55,
The Army Driver and Operator Standardization Program (Selection,
Training, Testing and Licensing)
FM 4-01.40,
Army Transport Units and Operations
FM 21-305,
Manual for the Wheeled Vehicle Driver, Trucks, Tractors, Semitrailers
and Special Purpose Vehicles
FM 55-15,
Transportation Reference Data
SDDC MTMCTEA PAM 55-20,
Tiedown Handbook for Truck Movements
STP 55-88M14-SM-TG,
Soldier’s Manual and Trainer’s Guide 88M, Motor
Transport Operator–Skill Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4
TC 21-305-20,
Training Program for Wheeled Vehicle Accident Avoidance
TEA PAM 70-1,
Transportability for Better Deployability
(Take a close look at the Vehicle Sizes and Weights Chart in TEA PAM 70-1.)
Dear Sergeant T.M.,
It’s certainly not normal to have brakes drag going down the road! Here’s what
TACOM LCMC recommends:
1.
Start by checking the hand brake system. Make sure the hand brake cable is
returning completely. If either side is sticking, replace both of them.
2.
Next, check the hand brake handle. Lube it and make sure it functions properly.
Fix any problems you ±nd.
3.
Finally, inspect the surge brake device. If it’s damaged, rusted, or not functioning
properly, that may be the culprit behind the brake dragging. There aren’t any repair
or replacement parts for it, so you’ll have to order a new surge brake assembly.
Right now, TM 9-2330-324-14&P doesn’t cover troubleshooting the surge brake
device adequately, but the plan is to ±x that at the next update. Until then, keep this
info in your motor pool. See WP 0004 00-1 in the TM.
By the way, a smaller version of this surge brake device is used on M101 and
M116 trailers. So the brake troubleshooting procedure I just told you about applies
to those models, too.
M105/M101/M116-Series Trailers…
Brake Drag
in the Bag
what’s up with
your brakes?
they keep
dragging!
ask half-
mast. he
can help!
Here are some
things to keep
in mind to help
prevent a load
from tipping
over…
•
Place the heaviest items at the bottom of
the load.
•
Avoid stacking heavy items too high.
•
Slow the vehicle before turning.
•
Watch and listen for possible load shifting.
670.14-15.indd
1-2
7/31/08
3:50:02 PM
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