Brake Line Repair: An Evaluation
2022-01-1001
03/29/2022
- Event
- Content
- Brake line failures do occur, and it can happen to any vehicle. However, due to the FMVSS requirements, the brake line systems are also designed to maintain certain braking capability in the event of a brake line failure. This study was intended to further understand the effects of a brake line failure and examine the braking capability and controllability of the vehicle. A minivan was used as the test vehicle for this research. One of the brake lines of the minivan was cut and then reconnected with a compression fitting. When the compression fitting is not fully tightened, it will allow brake fluid leakage, and in the tests, the brake fluid was completely drained to simulate the empty brake fluid reservoir by repeatedly pushing the brake pedal. After the test vehicle lost all the brake fluid, braking tests were conducted. The stopping distance and the tire marks on the ground were documented. The test results show contrary to the unfounded myth that a brake line failure will result in a sudden loss of braking and control capabilities of the vehicle.
- Citation
- Arnett, M., Chen, H., and Guenther, D., "Brake Line Repair: An Evaluation ," SAE Technical Paper 2022-01-1001, 2022, .