Specifications

Brake assessment manual Ver 1.0 Published October 2013 8 (48 pages)
o verifies that the components are compatible with the host vehicle as specified by
the component’s manufacturer;
o the components have been installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions; and
o that the vehicle is in suitable condition to accommodate the components (eg
there are no signs of rusting where items are secured to the vehicle).
Method 2 – Tests to similar vehicles
If a vehicle is modified using a braking system or components identical to those that have
been used in a similar vehicle – i.e. if it is within the tolerances listed in Table 2 – that has
already been assessed and certified, a licensed certifier may issue a certificate of
compliance without the need for testing provided the following conditions are satisfied
• the engines are mounted in equivalent locations
• the components are identical to the ones used in the certified vehicle
• the components are examined to establish that they are in good condition
• a detailed examination of the vehicle is done to confirm its suitability for properly
accommodating the components, e.g. load-bearing members display no evidence of
structural degradation
• a detailed examination of the vehicle is done to ensure that the components have been
correctly installed
• results of the assessment, including test results, done on the similar vehicle is available
and referenced in the test report.
The Licensed Certifier must do the examinations listed above. A record of the examination
and the evidence used to determine that the two vehicles are similar must be retained.
The results only apply for vehicles that are similar to the tested vehicle and must not be used
for a vehicle once-removed. For example, if Vehicle X is tested and Vehicle Y is similar to
Vehicle X, the tests obtained for Vehicle X can be applied to Vehicle Y. If Vehicle Z is similar
to Vehicle Y but not similar to Vehicle X (i.e. it is outside the parameters), the test results
cannot be applied to Vehicle Z.)
NB This method also applies to standard vehicles manufactured to the Australian
Design Rule (ADRs) and supplied to the market in accordance with standard
Compliance Plate Approval Scheme administered by the Department of Infrastructure
and Transport or any of its predecessors and successors.
TABLE 2: TOLERANCES FOR DETERMINING A SIMILAR VEHICLE
Parameter Tolerance
Individual unladen axle mass + 10%
Wheel base ± 20%
Centre of gravity ± 50 mm
Power + 20% if this results in an increased rate of
acceleration or maximum speed where the
maximum speed of the original vehicle was
less than 200km/h
Tyre size ± 7%
For particular requirements for handbrakes, refer to Appendix 2.