Utah Admin. Code 714-160-12

Current through Bulletin No. 2024-21, November 1, 2024

Section R714-160-12 - Brakes

(1) Safety inspection stations are not required to use a computerized brake testing device as a mandatory piece of inspection equipment.

(2) When using a plate brake tester, Safety inspection stations and inspectors shall:

(a) follow the equipment manufacturer procedures for testing;

(b) be certified by the equipment manufacturer or an authorized agent of the division;

(c) renew the inspector certification every three years;

(d) display the inspector certification card for the equipment being used in a prominent location;

(e) display the computerized brake testing equipment certification in a prominent location;

(f) ensure the manufacturer has certified the equipment annually;

(g) pull two wheels upon the failure of the plate brake test to check brake components; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate on vehicles failing the plate brake test, even if the vehicle has adequate pad and or shoe thickness;

(h) complete a visual two-wheel inspection of brake components when requested by a customer; and

(i) display at the station a sign in a conspicuous location with the following components:

(i) the sign must be 14 x 24 inches;

(ii) lettering shall be one inch in vertical height and not less than one quarter of an inch in width; and

(iii) the sign must contain a statement with the Station name and station number followed by the quotation "only uses a computerized plate brake tester to inspect the braking system efficiency of a vehicle for a safety inspection. This test does not measure brake lining thickness or condition of the drum / rotor; however, at the customer's request, we will pull two wheels for a visual check of the braking system (per Utah Safety Inspection requirements)".

(j) If the vehicle failed on a plate brake tester, then it must pass safety inspection on a plate brake tester.

(3) When conducting a visual inspection of a vehicle's brake system, the inspector shall:

(a) remove at least one front and one rear wheel for a brake inspection on all vehicles less than 10,000 pounds GVWR;

(i) vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVWR are not required to have wheels pulled if the vehicle is equipped with inspection ports/slots; and

(b) inspect the brake drum, linings, pads, discs, calipers, and the condition of all mechanical components;

(i) visual inspection through the wheel openings is not an approved inspection procedure; and

(ii) adjustment slots are not adequate for inspecting brakes or if the vehicle has open brake drums.

(4) When inspecting the hydraulic brake system of a vehicle, the inspector shall:

(a) test the pedal reserve according to the manufacture's specifications; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when there is less than 20% of the total available pedal travel when the brakes are fully applied;

(b) check the wheel cylinders for leakage; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when any wheel cylinders leak;

(c) inspect hydraulic hoses and tubes for exposed fabric cord, flattened, restricted, or unsecured lines; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when hoses or tubing are cracked, leaking, or show exposed fabric cord, flattened, restricted, or are unsecured; or

(ii) brake hoses are not DOT approved or have been altered; and

(d) inspect master cylinder for leakage and fluid level; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(A) master cylinder leaks or fails to operate properly;

(B) master cylinder is below the add line or less than 3/4 full, whichever is less; or

(C) master cylinder gasket is damaged.

(5) When inspecting the dual hydraulic circuits of a vehicle, the inspector shall:

(a) check any vehicles equipped with a brake warning light and test for operation of light; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(A) a warning light remains illuminated or comes on when brake pedal is depressed; or

(B) a warning light does not operate when required.

(6) When inspecting brakes with vacuum assist of a vehicle, the inspector shall:

(a) check the condition of vacuum system for collapsed, broken, badly chafed, improperly supported tubes, and loose or broken hose clamps; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(A) hoses, tubes, or booster are leaking;

(B) the system is collapsed, broken, badly chafed, showing metal or fabric cord;

(C) the system is improperly supported or loose; or

(D) hoses or tubes are exposed to damage from excessive heat, debris, or rubbing; and

(b) determine if the system is operating by turning off engine and depressing the brake pedal several times to deplete all vacuum in the system, and then starting the engine while maintaining pedal force and observe if the pedal falls slightly when the engine starts; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when the service brake pedal does not fall slightly as engine is started and while pressure is maintained on pedal.

(7) When inspecting brakes with a hydraulic booster of a vehicle, the inspector shall:

(a) check the integrated hydraulic booster; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(A) the brake pedal does not move down slightly as the pump builds pressure; or

(B) the brake warning lights remain on longer than 60 seconds; and

(b) check the braking system, while fully charged, for leaks and proper fluid levels; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(A) fluid reservoir is below the add line or less than 3/4 full, whichever is less;

(B) braking system has broken, kinked or restricted fluid lines or hoses; or

(C) braking system has any leakage of fluid at the pump or brake booster, or on any of the lines or hoses in the system.

(8) When inspecting brake drums of a vehicle, the inspector shall:

(a) check the condition of the drum friction surface for damage, contamination, and substantial cracks; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(A) there are substantial cracks, other than short hairline heat cracks, on the friction surface extending to the open edge of the drum; or

(B) any part of the brake drum missing or is in danger of falling away;

(ii) a vehicle may pass inspection with short hairline heat cracks;

(b) check for cracks on the outside of drum; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when a brake drum has external cracks, other than short hairline cracks;

(c) check for mechanical damage; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when there is evidence of mechanical damage other than wear;

(d) check for leaks at all grease or oil seals; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when the leakage of oil, grease, or brake fluid contaminates the brake components; and

(e) check the drum diameter; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when the drum is turned or worn beyond the manufacturer's specifications.

(9) When inspecting brake rotors of a vehicle, the inspector shall:

(a) check the condition of the rotor friction surface for substantial cracks; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(A) there are substantial cracks, other than short hairline cracks, on the friction surface extending to open edge of rotor;

(B) the friction surface is contaminated with oil or grease; or

(C) any part of the brake rotor is missing or is in danger of falling away; and

(b) check the rotor thickness; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when the rotor thickness is less than the manufacturer's specifications.

(10) When inspecting the bonded lining and pads of a vehicle, the inspector shall:

(a) check the primary and secondary lining thickness at the thinnest point; and

(i) advise the customer when the lining thickness is worn to 2/32 inch; or

(ii) issue a rejection inspection certificate when the lining thickness is worn to less than 2/32 inch.

(11) When inspecting the riveted lining and pads of a vehicle, the inspector shall:

(a) check for loose or missing rivets; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(A) any rivets are loose or missing; or

(B) the lining thickness is worn to less than 2/32 inch; and

(b) check the primary and secondary lining thickness above the rivet head by measuring at the thinnest point with the calipers removed; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when the lining thickness is less than 2/32 inch above any rivet head.

(12) When inspecting the brake linings of a vehicle, the inspector shall:

(a) check for broken or cracked linings; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when the linings are broken, cracked, or not firmly and completely attached to shoe;

(b) check for contamination of the friction surface; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when the friction surface is contaminated with oil, grease, or brake fluid;

(ii) once a brake lining has been contaminated, replacement is required; and

(c) check for uneven lining wear; and

(i) advise the customer when the lining is uneven or grooved.

(13) When inspecting the mechanical brake components of a vehicle, the inspector shall:

(a) check for missing or defective mechanical components; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when mechanical parts are missing, incompatible, broken, or badly worn;

(b) check for frozen calipers, rusted or inoperative components, missing spring clips, and defective grease retainers; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(A) any mechanical parts are frozen, inoperative, missing, or defective; or

(B) the backing plate or brake shoe is damaged, restricting free movement of the brake shoe; and

(c) check for restriction of shoe movement at the backing plate and for binding between the brake shoe and anchor pins; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when the shoes and anchor pins are improperly positioned or misaligned.

(14) When inspecting the parking brake of a vehicle, the inspector shall:

(a) check holding ability; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when the parking brake does not operate or fails to hold the vehicle; and

(b) check the ratchet or the locking device; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when the ratchet, pawl or other locking device fails to hold the brake in an applied position.

(15) When inspecting the Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) of a vehicle, the inspector shall:

(a) check the ABS warning light and system for proper operation; and

(i) advise the customer when:

(A) the ABS light fails to light, fails to shut off after 60 seconds, or when 5 rapid beeps are heard when ignition switch is turned to the on position; or

(B) ABS components are broken, missing, or disconnected.

Utah Admin. Code R714-160-12

Adopted by Utah State Bulletin Number 2016-20, effective 9/27/2016