36
MAINTENANCE
Read all of SAFETY and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
Owner’s Guide
BRAKES
Always inspect the pedal travel before you operate a
vehicle to confirm some brake function is found.
Make sure you do all brake tests in a safe location
with regard to the safety of all personnel.
A subtle loss of performance can occur over time; therefore, it is
important to establish the standard with a new vehicle.
The Periodic Brake Performance Test should be performed regu-
larly as an evaluation of braking system performance. It is useful
as a method of identifying subtle loss of performance over time.
Periodic Brake Test
This test compares the brake performance of the vehicle to the
brake performance of new or ‘known to be good’ vehicles or to an established acceptable stopping distance. Actual stop-
ping distances are influenced by weather conditions, terrain, road surface condition, actual vehicle weight (accessories
installed) and vehicle speed. No specific braking distance can be reliably specified. The test is conducted by latching the
park brake to eliminate different pedal pressures and to include the affects of linkage mis-adjustment.
Establish the acceptable stopping distance by testing a new or ‘known to be good’ vehicle and recording the stopping
location or stopping distance. Several vehicles should be tested when new and the range of stopping locations or dis-
tances recorded.
Over time, a subtle loss of performance may occur; therefore, it is important to establish the standard with a new vehi-
cle.
Drive the vehicle at maximum speed on a flat, dry, clean, paved surface.
Quickly press the brake pedal to lock the parking brake at the line or marker in the test area and remove foot from pedal.
The vehicle must stop fast. The wheel brakes may or may not lock.
Observe the vehicle stopping location or measure the vehicle stopping distance from the point at which the brakes were
locked. The vehicle must stop within the ‘normal’ range of stopping distances. If the vehicle stops more than 4 ft. (1.2 m)
beyond the acceptable stopping distance or pulls to one side, the vehicle has failed the test and must be tested again.
If the vehicle fails the second test, it must
immediately
be removed from service. The vehicle
must
be inspected by a
qualified mechanic who should refer to the TROUBLESHOOTING or FAULT DIAGNOSIS section in the Technician’s
Repair and Service Manual.
Latch park
brake and take
foot off pedal.
Line or Marker
Acceptable
Stopping
Distance
Normal Range of
Stopping Distance
Any vehicles that stop
more than 4 ft. (1.2 m)
beyond the acceptable
stopping distance or
pulls to one side should
be removed from service
and inspected by a
qualified mechanic.
Accelerate to
maximum speed.
4 ft. (1.2 m)
Line or Marker
Dry, Level, Clean, Paved Surface
