§436.APPENDIX J. Steps, Entrance through Suspension

a)         STEPS, ENTRANCE

 

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

 

The bottom step in the entranceway shall not extend beyond the exterior of the body.  With all seats empty, the bottom step shall be not less than 300 mm (11.8") and not more than 400 mm (15.7") from the roadway.  At least two steps shall be provided. The steps shall be enclosed.  Risers shall be approximately equal.  Each step, including the floor at the top riser, shall be surfaced with a nonskid material with a 40 mm (1.6") to 80 mm (3.1") white nosing as an integral piece.

 

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

 

Steps or risers are not solid.  Steps, risers or nonskid material covering is missing, loose, or not in good condition.  White nosing is missing or in poor condition.

 

b)         STOP SIGNAL ARM PANEL (not applicable)

 

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

 

MFSAB cannot be equipped with stop signal arm panels.

 

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

 

Stop signal arm panel is present.

 

c)         STORAGE COMPARTMENT (optional)

 

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

 

Covered, fire-resistant container securely fastened of adequate strength and capacity for tire chains and tools for minor emergency repairs.

 

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

 

If installed, does not meet requirements.

 

d)         SUN VISOR

 

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

 

Shall be interior, adjustable and not less than five inches by 16 inches.  Must be installed above windshield.

 

Not required to be transparent, but must not interfere with view of interior rear view mirror.

 

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

 

Sun visor does not meet requirements.

 

e)         SUSPENSION

 

1)         Shocks

 

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

 

Equipped with front and rear heavy-duty, double acting shock absorbers.

 

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

 

Shocks are missing, broken, or have severe leakage (not slight dampness).  Mounting bolts or mounts are broken or loose, or rubber bushing is partially or completely missing.

 

2)         Springs

 

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

 

A)        Coil

 

Visually inspect:

 

i)          Spring

 

ii)         Control arms

 

iii)        Torque arms (rear)

 

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

 

Coil is missing, is disconnected, is broken, has loose bushings, is welded or is damaged.

 

B)        Leaf

 

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

 

With use of a pry bar and using frame as a pivot, attempt to pry front and rear spring attachments and check for movement.  Front of vehicle must be jacked up on chassis for checking front suspension.  Visually inspect:

 

i)          Springs

 

ii)         Shackles

 

iii)        Hangers

 

iv)        U-bolts

 

v)         Center bolts

 

vi)        Bushings or pivot

 

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

 

Springs are missing or broken.  Shackles or U-bolts worn or loose.  Center bolt in springs sheared or broken.  Steering stops allow tire to rub on frame or metal.  Any leaves are cracked or missing.  Any shackle, shackle pins, hangers, or U-bolts are worn, loose or missing.

 

C)        Torsion Bar (Stabilizer Bar)

 

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

 

Visually inspect:

 

i)          Torsion bar

 

ii)         Mounting brackets

 

iii)        Control arms

 

iv)        Torque arms (if applicable − rear)

 

v)         Stabilizer bars (if applicable)

 

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

 

Torsion bar is missing, disconnected, broken, loose, welded, damaged.

 

D)        Air Suspension

 

PROCEDURES/SPECIFICATIONS:

 

Visually inspect:

 

i)          Air bag/bellows

 

ii)         Mountings

 

iii)        Air lines

 

iv)        Leveling devices

 

REJECT VEHICLE IF:

 

Air leaks are present; improper inflation; vehicle is resting on one or both axles; vehicle is not level (tilting to either side); air bag/bellow belting is exposed; air lines are excessively worn; loose mountings.