Virginia State Inspection Practice Test

When are crack(s) in brake drums or discs considered unacceptable during inspection?

1. When they are deeper than 1 inch

2. When they cover the entire surface

3. When they are more than half the width of the friction surface

4. When they emit noise during braking

The correct answer is: When they are more than half the width of the friction surface

Cracks in brake drums or discs are critical to the safe operation of a vehicle, as they can significantly compromise braking performance. When assessing the condition of brake components, a crack that exceeds half the width of the friction surface indicates a serious structural failure. This would suggest that the integrity of the braking component is severely compromised, which increases the risk of brake failure under load. In practice, a crack of that size could result in excessive heat generation during braking, leading to further deterioration or even the complete failure of the brake drum or disc. The inspection standards focus on ensuring that all braking components maintain their structural integrity to provide reliable stopping power. Thus, a crack that is more than half the width of the friction surface is deemed unacceptable, representing a clear indication that the safety of the vehicle is at stake.