Periodic Brake Test for Hydraulic Brakes
The purpose of this test is to compare the braking performance of the subject vehicle
to
the braking performance
of a new or vehicle or to an established safe and acceptable stopping distance.
Actual stopping distances will be influenced by weather conditions, terrain, road surface condition, actual vehicle
weight (accessories installed) and the vehicles speed. No safe braking distance can be reliably specified.
The test is conducted by latching the parking brake to eliminate different pedal pressures and to include the
affects of linkage miss-adjustment.
Establish the acceptable stopping distance by testing a new or ‘known to be good’ vehicle and recording the
stopping location or stopping distance. For fleets of vehicles, several vehicles should be tested when new and the
range of stopping locations or distances recorded.
Note: Over time, a subtle loss of performance may take place; 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 depress the brake pedal to latch
the parking brake at the line or marker in the test area and remove foot from pedal. (Be sure to be seated securely
and have
a firm grip of the steering
wheel.
) 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 ‘normal’
rage of stopping distances.
If the vehicle
stops more than 4ft.
(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 immediately take the vehicle out of service and contact your selling dealer
or service agent. The rear axle is provided with a lubricant level check/fill plug located on the bottom of the
differential. Unless leakage is evident, the lubricant needs only to be replaced after five years.
Service & Maintenance
WARNING!
Only qualified persons should undertake service. To reduce the possibility of sever injury or death from improper
servicing techniques:
•
Do not attempt any type of servicing operations before reading and understanding all notes, cautions and
warnings in this material.
•
To reduce the possibility of motor damage, never operate vehicle at full throttle for more than 4-5 seconds
while vehicle is in a ‘no load’ condition.
•
Wear eye protection when working on the vehicle. Use extra caution when working around batteries, or using
solvents or compressed air.
•
To reduce the possibility of causing an electrical arc, which could result in a battery explosion, turn off all
electrical loads from the battery before removing battery wires.
•
Wrap wrenches with vinyl tape to reduce the possibility of a dropped wrench ‘shorting out’ a battery, which
could result in an explosion.
•
Reduce the possibility of accidental starting by removing and grounding wires and disconnecting battery at
negative terminal before servicing.
•
Electrolyte spills should be neutralised with a solution of 2 teaspoons (10ml) sodium bicarbonate (baking
soda) dissolved in 1litre of water and flushed with water.
•
Aerosol containers of battery terminal
protectant must be used with extreme caution. Insulate
metal container
to reduce the possibility of contacting battery terminals which could result in an explosion.
•
It is in the best interest of the vehicle owner and service technician to carefully follow the procedures
recommended in this material. Preventative maintenance, applied at regular intervals, is the best guarantee
for keeping the vehicle both dependable and economical.
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