[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 5]
[Revised as of October 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR570.55]

[Page 179]
 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
                            OF TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 570--VEHICLE IN USE INSPECTION STANDARDS--Table of Contents
 
        Subpart B--Vehicles With GVWR of More Than 10,000 Pounds
 
Sec. 570.55  Hydraulic brake system.

    The following requirements apply to vehicles with hydraulic brake 
systems.
    (a) Brake system failure indicator. The hydraulic brake system 
failure indicator lamp, if part of a vehicle's original equipment, shall 
be operable.
    (1) Inspection procedure. Apply the parking brake and turn the 
ignition to start to verify that the brake system failure indicator lamp 
is operable, or verify by other means recommended by the vehicle 
manufacturer.
    (b) Brake system integrity. The hydraulic brake system shall 
demonstrate integrity as indicated by no perceptible decrease in pedal 
height under a 125-pound force applied to the brake pedal and by no 
illumination of the brake system failure indicator lamp. The brake 
system shall withstand the application of force to the pedal without 
failure of any tube, hose or other part.
    (1) Inspection procedure. With the engine running in vehicles 
equipped with power brake systems and the ignition turned to ``on'' in 
other vehicles, apply a force of 125 pounds to the brake pedal and hold 
for 10 seconds. Note any additional decrease in pedal height after the 
initial decrease, and whether the brake system failure indicator lamp 
illuminates.
    (c) Brake pedal reserve. When the brake pedal is depressed with a 
force of 50 pounds, the distance that the pedal has traveled from its 
free position shall be not greater than 80 percent of the total distance 
from its free position to the floorboard or other object that restricts 
pedal travel. The brake pedal reserve test is not required for vehicles 
with brake systems designed by the original vehicle, manufacturer to 
operate with greater than 80 percent pedal travel.
    (1) Inspection procedure. Measure the distance (i) from the free 
pedal position to the floor board or other object that restricts brake 
pedal travel. Depress the brake pedal, and with the force applied 
measure the distance (ii) from the depressed pedal position to the floor 
board or other object that restricts pedal travel. Determine the pedal 
travel percentage as

[(A - B) / A] x 100


The engine must be operating when power-assisted brakes are checked.
    (d) Brake hoses, master cylinder, tubes and tube assemblies. 
Hydraulic brake hoses shall not be mounted so as to contact the vehicle 
body or chassis. Hoses shall not be cracked, chafed, or flattened. Brake 
tubes shall not be flattened or restricted. Brake hoses and tubes shall 
be attached or supported to prevent damage by vibration or abrasion. 
Master cylinder shall not show signs of leakage. Hose or tube protective 
rings or devices shall not be considered part of the hose or tubing.
    (1) Inspection procedure. Examine visually brake master cylinder, 
hoses and tubes, including front brake hoses, through all wheel 
positions from full left turn to full right turn for conditions 
indicated.

[39 FR 26027, July 16, 1974, as amended at 40 FR 5160, Feb. 4, 1975]