Inspetion questions?

[thekidd]

What is the minimun width of brakes and rotors for a car to pass inspection?
What else do they inspect on cars?
Thanks all, Steve.

[Pazuzu]

Googleing "Pennsylvania vehicle inspection" leads me to the state inspection page, where there is a FAQ, where there is a "What are the inspection criteria for passenger cars and light duty trucks?" link where it tells you, including a link to the state statutes.
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/inspections/safety_motorist_faq.shtml
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter175/s175.80.html

[thekidd]

Ah, OK, great! Thank you very much!

[Pazuzu]

I didn't find one as good as Texas, where they tell you EXACTLY what is inspected, and what is go/no go for each, but you can get the point.

When I was in AZ, there was no real "inspection", but the vehicle had to be street legal according to the word of the law...which was found in the state statutes.

[on2wheels52]

Mininum thickness used to be marked on the drum/rotor, but I quit the mechanic field in the mid-80's.
Jim

[thekidd]

OK, yeah. The minimun is stamped on the rotor. "MIN. TH. 19.1mm" Thanks

[Neilk]

They measure the rotor thickness? I don't think they have ever done that in Texas, at least where I went.

[thekidd]

Yeah, I think they measure the thickness, and also measure the pads too. Its a safety inspection. All exterior lighting, suspesion, defroster, speedo/odemeter working, tires that kind of stuff.

[Pazuzu]

(4) Check the brake pedal and reject if one or more of the following apply:
(i) The brake pedal travel exceeds 80% of the total available travel unless originally designed to do so.
(ii) The brake pedal fades while the vehicle is stopped unless originally designed to do so.
(iii) There is excessive friction in pedal linkage or components, pedal levers are misaligned or improperly positioned or the pedal pad is missing.
(iv) A brake warning lamp or other device indicates a malfunction of the braking systems unless the vehicle is equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS) which is designed to revert to standard braking operation and no driveability deficiency or loss of braking performance is present.
(5) Check the parking brake operation and reject if the pedal or lever reaches its limit of travel before parking brakes are set.


(7) Inspect the braking system. Remove at least one front and one opposite rear wheel and reject if one or more of the following apply:
(i) The hydraulic hoses or tubing leaks; is flattened, restricted, insecurely fastened or improperly retained; or has exposed cords.
(ii) The wheel cylinder leaks, has missing parts, is improperly retained or is not functioning.
(iii) The caliper leaks, has missing parts, is improperly retained or is not functioning.
(iv) The lining is broken; not firmly attached to shoe; or contaminated with oil, grease or another substance that would affect proper brake operation.
(v) There is mechanical damage other than wear.
(vi) The inside diameter of the drum is greater than maximum diameter stamped on drum or greater than .090 inch over original drum diameter for unmarked drums.
(vii) The disc thickness is less than minimum stamped on assembly or less than manufacturer’s specifications.
(viii) The bonded linings are less than 2/32 inch at the thinnest point.
(ix) The riveted linings are less than 1/32 inch above rivet head at thinnest point.
(x) The drums or rotors are scored deeper than .015 inch.


They tell you exactly what you need to check before you head down there. If they ask for more than that, it's against the law.

[thekidd]

Hey thanks again Mike. You last post here was really helpful. Ifound out that I need a blower motor for the deforster. I just took all 4 wheels off and to my looks everything look OK, but Im no pro. Thanks again, Steve.

[Pazuzu]

They have some goofy stuff on there, that's for sure. Tell them that Porsche's didn't have defrosters, they just willed the mist off the window by their German Force.

[thekidd]

HAHA, yeah. I think that has happened many of times now that you mentioned it. Ill let 'em know that. And if they dont take it, Ill put one of those portable hand-held fans with foam blades inplace of the blower, and turn it on.

[fastfredracing]

Brakes minimum thickness is 1/32" Riveted, 2/32" Bonded, rotor and drums thickness, and diameter should be checked, Battery hold down. all lighting, wipers horn etc. gas cap, visual emissions inspection if you are not in an emissions county. all suspension, tires, glass. speedo/odo. body, frame fuel tank lines etc,, exhaust. seat belts. etc etc.... Is there a specific area that you are worried about???

[thekidd]

I took it to one place and they said that my whole drivers side rear lighting wasn't working, the defroster wasnt working, and i needed a battery tie down kit for it to pass inspection. My odometer wasn't working either, but they didnt say anything about that. I fixed the odometer, the rear lights, and I put in a tie down kit. The tie down kit is a bithc, it won't saty on the battery, but it's there. My blower motor finally smoked, that answers what was a matter with the defroster. I was looking at my brakes and rotors, well tried. Couldn't get the drivers front wheel off, and the passenger rear off, didnt try the driver rear tire. I did get get the pass. front wheel off and the pads loked pretty much new, and the rotor measured out to be about 20.1mm thick. On PP, they say the rotor replacement thickness is 18.5. The pass. rear pad looked like it was getting thin, but couldn't get a good look. Everything else on the car should be OK.