Kenworth T880 Heavy Duty Truck Inspection Checklist

T880 Pre-Trip Inspection Procedures

Follow these structured inspection procedures before operating a Kenworth T880 heavy duty truck.

Engine & Fluids Check

Verify engine oil level is between min/max marks
Check coolant level in surge tank
Inspect power steering fluid level
Check transmission fluid level (if accessible)
Verify hydraulic fluid levels (if equipped)
Check DEF level and quality
Inspect for fluid leaks under the vehicle

Air System Inspection

Drain moisture from air tanks
Start engine and build air pressure to full
Turn off engine and monitor for pressure drop
Apply foot brake and hold for 1 minute
Check low air warning system activation
Test automatic spring brake activation
Check air system governor cut-in/cut-out PSI

Heavy Duty Suspension Check

Inspect heavy-duty air springs for damage
Check multi-leaf springs for cracks or shifted leaves
Verify torque rod condition and mounting
Inspect shock absorbers for leaks or damage
Check frame rails for cracks or damage
Inspect suspension height control valves
Verify ride height is set properly

Vocational Equipment Inspection

Check PTO engagement and operation
Inspect hydraulic system for leaks
Verify operation of specialized equipment
Check body/equipment mounting to chassis
Inspect outriggers/stabilizers (if equipped)
Test auxiliary power systems
Verify all safety interlocks function properly

T880 Heavy Duty Component Inspection

Verify these critical components as part of your Kenworth T880 heavy duty truck inspection.

Heavy Duty Powertrain

Inspect high-capacity cooling system
Check MX-13 or X15 engine mounts
Verify fan clutch operation
Inspect heavy-duty belts and tensioners
Check air-to-air aftercooler
Verify transmission fluid levels
Inspect driveline angles and U-joints
Check engine brake function

Axles & Differential

Check differential oil levels
Inspect tandem axle configuration
Verify inter-axle differential lock
Check axle vent caps
Inspect wheel seals for leakage
Check planetary hubs (if equipped)
Verify axle alignment
Inspect suspension to axle mounting

HD Wheels & Tires

Check for proper inflation (vocational rating)
Inspect for cuts, bulges or sidewall damage
Verify tread depth (minimum 4/32" steer, 2/32" drive)
Check wheel condition for cracks
Verify all lug nuts are tight
Inspect for signs of bearing issues
Check for dual tire spacing/debris
Verify proper valve stem caps

Heavy Duty Brakes

Inspect high-capacity air brake chambers
Check brake drum condition
Measure push rod travel on slack adjusters
Verify ABS sensors and wiring
Check for air leaks in brake system
Inspect brake hoses for chafing/damage
Test trailer brake controller
Verify parking brake operation

T880 Steering System

Check steering gear box mounting
Inspect power steering hoses
Verify steering shaft U-joints
Check steering linkage wear
Measure steering wheel free play
Inspect front axle components
Check for proper steering operation
Verify wheel alignment indicators

Heavy Duty Electrical

Check dual battery system connections
Verify high-output alternator function
Inspect all lights and reflectors
Test auxiliary power connections
Check body builder electrical connections
Verify ground circuit integrity
Test electronic brake controllers
Inspect chassis wiring for damage

T880 Cab & Controls

Verify operation of vocational controls
Check operation of PTO switches
Test differential lock controls
Verify HVAC system operation
Inspect cab mounting and air suspension
Check door operation and seals
Test all gauges and warning lights
Verify windshield visibility and wipers

Fifth Wheel & Coupling

Inspect heavy-duty fifth wheel mounting
Check fifth wheel plate for damage/wear
Verify locking mechanism operation
Test release handle and safety latch
Check kingpin engagement (if coupled)
Inspect air and electrical connections
Verify sliding fifth wheel locks (if equipped)
Check for proper lubrication

Application-Specific Inspections

Use these inspection procedures for common T880 vocational applications.

Mixer Application

Inspect mixer drum hydraulic system
Check water system for leaks
Verify drum rotation and controls
Inspect chute and chute extensions
Check drum drive components
Verify fender extensions position
Test high-capacity cooling system

Dump Truck Application

Inspect hydraulic hoist cylinder
Check dump body hinges and pins
Verify hydraulic pump operation
Test body prop safety device
Check tailgate operation and latches
Inspect body-to-frame mounting
Verify cab shield integrity

Heavy Haul Application

Check multi-axle configuration
Verify pusher/tag axle operation
Inspect heavy-duty cooling package
Check weight distribution systems
Verify auxiliary transmission function
Inspect heavy-duty crossmembers
Check heavy spec frame reinforcement

Roll-Off/Hook Lift Application

Inspect hydraulic cylinder operation
Check main lift frame components
Verify safety latches and locks
Test in-cab controls and indicators
Inspect hydraulic hoses for wear
Check rear roller assembly
Verify stabilizer function (if equipped)

Safety System Inspections

Verify these critical safety systems on your Kenworth T880 heavy duty truck.

Collision Mitigation Systems

Verify radar sensor is clean and aligned
Check forward camera operation
Test collision warning alerts
Verify automatic emergency braking
Check system status indicators
Inspect wiring connections
Verify system calibration status

Stability Control Systems

Check ESC/RSC warning light function
Verify yaw sensor operation
Inspect wheel speed sensors
Test steering angle sensor
Check lateral acceleration sensor
Verify system status on startup
Check for related fault codes

Lane Departure Warning

Verify camera lens is clean
Check system activation status
Test warning indicators/sounds
Verify driver alert functionality
Inspect wiring connections
Check mounting hardware security
Verify system calibration status

Blind Spot Monitoring

Check side radar sensors are clean
Verify indicator lights function
Test system activation
Inspect wiring connections
Check for physical damage to sensors
Verify system works during turns
Check for related fault codes

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