Safety Check

Safety Check

Checkpoint, expert in wheel safety, offers readers its best practice guide to using its wheel nut indicators, as well as explaining the major causes of wheel loss.


When Mike Marczynski identified a need in the commercial vehicle market for a device to help prevent wheel nuts from loosening, Checkpoint was born. The company’s range of wheel nut indicators are designed to avoid the potential implications of a wheel detaching itself from a vehicle, and has therefore devised a handy guide to promote best practice in wheel safety.

Check

■ Wire brush the base and threads of each stud to remove any rust or dirt that could compromise the wheel nuts
■ Ensure the studs and nuts are free of dirt and grease
■ Use a Checkthread kit to check for any damage to the studs and threads
■ Replace any parts that are worn or damaged
■ Ensure correct replacement studs are used, in order to prevent stud breakage

Fit

■ Attach the wheel
■ Torque the wheel nuts to the manufacturer’s specification using a correctly calibrated torque wrench
■ Ensure the nuts are torqued in the correct sequence, as shown in the image here

Apply

■ Fit a product of your choice from the Checkpoint range
■ If you are using a Checkpoint Original, Dustite, Dustite LR or Checklink, we recommend fitting one in red as a reminder to re-torque this wheel
■ Fit the indicators in a recognisable pattern, we recommend point-to-point

Re-torque

■ It is recommended that the wheel is inspected and re-torqued after either 30 minutes of driving, or 40-80 miles
■ If movement has occurred, a second re- torque is necessary. Continue using the red product until this process is complete
■ If on the third inspection any further movement is visible, the wheel should be removed and a full investigation carried out
■ If there is no movement, replace red products with yellow

Inspect

■ Carry out daily checks as part of your standard maintenance procedure
■ Ensure periodic re-torques are completed in line with maintenance procedures
■ Report any movement of the indicators directly to the fleet manager and ensure re-torque is completed
■ Report any melting of the indicators directly to the fleet manager, as this could be a sign of faulty brakes or bearings

What are the major causes of wheel loss?

Excess Vibrations: Poor road conditions or overloaded vehicles can lead to movement between the mating faces, which can gradually work a wheel nut loose.

Worn/damaged studs: Studs can be damaged over time and need to be inspected and replaced. Damage to studs can lead to stresses, resulting in the shearing of the stud.

Stud hole elongation: Stud hole elongation is caused by the poor fitment of the wheel. This can be enhanced by excessive acceleration, braking and cornering forces.

Incorrect torqueing: Under or over torqueing and the incorrect torqueing sequence can result in a loss of clamping force. Over torqueing can result in stretched threads and potentially the shearing of studs.

Inaccurately calibrated torque wrench: Torque wrenches need regular calibration to avoid false values being applied to a nut.

Incorrect use of air impact tools: Torque is not measurable using these tools and is often excessive, causing damage to the studs, nuts and washers.

Inconsistent safety inspections: A lack of regular visual checks for wheel damage or loose wheel nuts can lead to a vehicle being operated with unknown defects. This can present a serious safety risk and lead to further damage of the vehicle components.


www.checkpoint-safety.com

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