PASSENGER VEHICLE AND LIGHT-TRUCK BRAKING SYSTEMS INSPECTION EQUIPMENT-PHASE II

This program consisted of developing and operationally demonstrating an inspection system that is capable of detecting safety related brake system defects and degradations in-passenger vehicles and light trucks. The developed inspection system consists of a low-speed high retarding chassis brake force dynamometer, a pedal force and and displacement transducer, two hand held inspection control consoles, automatic data processing equipment, and inspection procedures. The brake inspection is conducted using performance tests and non-performance checks. The performance tests consist of static vehicle tests, such as for hydraulic leaks, and dynamic brake tests conducted on the chassis brake dynamometer. All of the performance tests are conducted with controlled test inputs and automatic inspection results measurement and processing. The non-performance checks include visual checks under the vehicle and under the hood and a series of checks requiring vehicle wheel removal. The inspection system and individual major components were tested to insure that function and performance meet the required specifications. The system testing and evaluation was done using dead weight calibration techniques, known inputs from an instrumented test vehicle, preprogrammed brake faults installed in a test vehicle and brake system inspections on selected in-use vehicles.