40
MAINTENANCE
BRAKES
Always inspect the pedal travel before operating a vehicle to confirm some brake func-
tion is present.
All driving brake tests must be done in a safe location with regard for the safety of all
personnel.
NOTICE: Over time, a subtle loss of performance may take place. It is, therefor, important to establish the
standard with a new vehicle.
Test and service the brake system at the intervals indicated in the SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE CHART on page 32.
Periodic Brake Test
The Periodic Brake Test must be performed initially
and regularly as an evaluation of your vehicle’s
brake system performance. It is a method of identi-
fying a subtle loss of braking performance over
time.
Establish the ‘acceptable stopping distance’ when
your vehicle is new and the brakes are at their peak
of performance. As your vehicle is used, a subtle
loss of braking performance may be detected, so it
is important to establish the standard with a new
vehicle.
Actual stopping distances are influenced by
weather conditions, terrain, road surface condition,
vehicle weight and speed. No specific braking dis-
tance can be reliably specified, so it is important to
establish a base to test with.
The test is conducted by engaging the park brake
instead of the brake pedal to eliminate different
pedal pressures, to include affects of linkage mis-
adjustment and provide a more accurate test.
NOTICE: You must have enough space to
accelerate to maximum speed before
engaging the parking brake. Use a
marker to indicate the predetermined
line to engage the parking brake that
you will use for the performance test.
1. On a dry, level, clean, paved surface, acceler-
ate the vehicle to maximum speed.
2. Engage the parking brake at the predeter-
mined and marked line.
3. Mark the line where the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
4. If the vehicle stops in a significantly greater distance than the established distance in future tests, or pulls to one
side, it should be tested again.
5. If the vehicle fails the second test, discontinue use until it can be inspected and determined safe for operation by
a qualified mechanic.
Latch
Parking 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
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