Specifications

Brake assessment manual Ver 1.0 Published October 2013 12 (48 pages)
Pre-test check
In the interests of road safety and before doing any of the tests described in Appendix 5, the
vehicle should be thoroughly examined to ensure it is in a roadworthy condition. The person
or persons testing brakes should check the following prior to doing the tests:
• the vehicle is in good repair and the brake lights are functioning correctly
• the type of fluid used is appropriate for the braking system, it is in good condition, and the
correct identification symbols are used and affixed in a visible position in indelible form
within 100mm of the filling ports of the fluid reservoirs
• the modification to the brake system is complete and free of obvious defects
• the wheels and tyres are appropriate for the vehicle and the tyres inflated to the correct
pressure
• the wheel alignment is within specified safety limits
• the vehicle is structurally sound and will withstand the likely stresses induced in the tests
• the vehicle passes a rudimentary brake test as follows:
– with the vehicle in the unladen state, accelerate it to 40 km/h;
– put the transmission into neutral and coast down to 30 km/h;
– with both hands on the steering wheel, bring the vehicle to a stop as quickly as
possible with one sustained and smooth braking action using the service brake control;
– the vehicle must not pull to one side;
– the brake pedal pressure must not exceed 885N;
– average deceleration rate for the service brake must be at least 2.9 m/s
2
; and
– peak deceleration rate for the service brake must be at least 3.4 m/s
2
.
If the vehicle does not meet the above requirements, it will be deemed to be in an
unacceptable condition and must not be subjected to the tests outlined in Appendix 5.
In addition, it is essential to check that the test instrumentation is functioning correctly. This
should be done by applying up to 20 decelerations. For vehicles subject to Modification 19,
the deceleration shall be done from 40 km/h; for all other vehicles, it shall be conducted from
a speed of not more than 65 km/h. In all cases, the actual deceleration must not exceed 3.5
m/s
2
.
Notes in relation to testing
1. When doing the series of tests, it is important that the tests are done correctly to avoid
unnecessary damage to the vehicle, the brake components or the tyres. This includes
driving the vehicle at the specified speeds and using the specified force to apply the
brakes.
2. A licensed certifier must be satisfied that that the tests specified in Table 3 are sufficient to
certify the subject vehicle. The Licensed Certifier may increase the test speeds if they
believe those specified in Table 3 are not sufficient to properly assess the vehicle’s
braking performance based on its dynamic capabilities. The test speeds may not be
decreased.
3. The test schedule is not necessarily exhaustive and further testing may be required at the
discretion of the person or persons carrying out the brake testing.
4. It is not necessary to do a test required for one modification if the test has been done for
another modification.
5. Tests done on public roads must comply with the conditions specified by the applicable
road authority; and not interfere with or disrupt traffic; pose a risk to the persons doing the
tests and other road users; or cause damage to the road and roadside infrastructure.