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MAINTENANCE
Read all of SAFETY and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
Owner’s Guide
The Periodic Brake Performance test should be performed regularly as an evaluation of braking system performance. It
is useful as a method of identifying subtle loss of performance over time.
Periodic Brake Test
Unit should be empty, all drawers and cabinet doors secured, and passenger side coun-
tertop removed prior to performing the periodic brake test.
The purpose of this test is to compare the braking performance of the vehicle to the braking performance of new or
‘known to be good’ vehicles or to an established acceptable stopping distance. Actual stopping distances will be influ-
enced 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 elimi-
nate 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.
A subtle loss of brake performance may occur over time; therefore, it is important to establish the standard with a new
vehicle.
Drive the vehicle at maximum speed on a flat, dry, clean, paved surface.
Quickly press the brake pedal to latch the parking brake at the line or marker in the test area; remove foot from pedal.
The vehicle should stop aggressively. 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 latched. The vehicle should stop within the
‘acceptable stopping distance’ range of stopping dis-
tances. If the vehicle requires more than 4 ft. (1.2 m)
beyond the acceptable stopping distance, or pulls to
one side, the vehicle has failed the test and should be
tested again.
If the vehicle fails the second test, it should
immedi-
ately
be removed from service. The vehicle
must
be
inspected by a qualified mechanic who should refer to
the TROUBLESHOOTING section in the Technician’s
Repair and Service Manual.
Latch
parking brake
and take foot
off pedal
Line or Marker
Acceptable
Stopping
Distance
A vehicle requiring
more than 4 ft. (1.2 m)
beyond the ‘acceptable
stopping distance’, or
pulls to one side, must
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
