"Dougal" <DougalAThiskennel.free-online.co.uk> wrote in message
news:zdCdnRy-0c_kEqPYRVnyrQ@eclipse.net.uk...
> EMB wrote:
>
> > Hugh Hogan wrote:
> >
> >> How is the hand break tested in other Countries. Here in Ireland, the
> >> last time I went, they drove the Range Rover and pulled it on. If the
> >> contraption they had installed on the floor registered the correct
> >> reading all was ok. If not it failed. No mention of the transmission
> >> and damage it might have caused.
> >>
> >> I have to go for another test in the near future and I am seriously
> >> hoping they have changed the test methods.
> >
> >
> > The last ****wit vehicle tester who applied a cardan shaft handbrake
> > like that on one of my vehicles was unemployed shortly thereafter.
> >
> > It is NOT an acceptable practice - I've seen the backing plate torn off
> > the back of the gearbox after somebody tried this. The only safe
> > methods of testing this type of handbrake are either statically by
> > checking it will hold the vehicle on a slope of the required grade, or
> > loading the brake by engaging first gear and GENTLY releasing the clutch
> > to ensure that the vehicle does not move.
>
> You could start by nicely explaining the hazards with reference to the
> owner's manual (I think that there's something there).
>
> There is this document on the website of the Irish Department of
> Transport (effectively the testers' manual)- no guarantee that this is
> the appropriate document but it looks right:
> http://www.transport.ie/viewitem.asp?id=6480&lang=ENG&loc=1865
>
> You should look at Item 23 on page 32.
>
> It doesn't make very comforting reading as they mention only a roller
> test (apply the parking brake slowly...) or if a roller test cannot be
> used a decelerometer test. Transmission brakes are acknowledged but if
> the roller test cannot be used there is no official 'get out' to save
> your driveline.
>
Bottom line for a landrover in the UK (Areas covered by VOSA rules):- You
basically have 2 choices;
1. Roller brake test if vehicle is of a design that allows, i.e. not viscous
centre coupling;
2..Decelerometer test.
The ONLY (legal) way your vehicle will legally pass an MOT is if the
handbrake is tested in accordance with the MOT rules, nothing else. On
series and pre-viscous centre diff motors, I tend to try the rollers but if
any snatching occurs I stop. I always work out the brake force required for
a "pass" regardless (16% for dual-circuit brake system types) and stop when
(if!) I reach that figure. If a decelerometer test is required, again the
handbrake is applied very slowly and only until the required force is
indicated, no further.
Personally, I strongly disagree with having to test landrover transmission
handbrakes in this fashion, however, the handbrake has passed type-approval
for the vehicle which means that it must be suitable/safe to be applied in
an emergency if a total brake failure occurs, and there is no other
procedure open to the tester within the limits of the tester's manual.
Another point I would add - as long as there is no excessive free-play in
drive members, diff, prop u/j's and splines, and the handbrake is operating
correctly, then they don't snatch and judder and are therefore safe to test
by either of the 2 above methods. From experience, there are only problems
if there is a fault or wear somewhere. I still don't agree with it however,
but there is no other way of (legally) getting an MOT pass.
Before I was an MOT tester myself, my "local" tester would try to gently
pull away with the parking brake applied, if it didn't move it passed.
However, this isn't "legal" for VOSA, and if the vehicle subsequently has an
issue requiring VOSA's involvement (post-R.T.A. investigation, appeal, etc
etc) and they test it "correctly" and it fails, it's the tester that gets it
in the neck big-style! (Unless he/she can prove that they tested it
correctly and it was ok at the time of testing) I've been a witness at a
VOSA investigation, and believe me when I say I wouldn't want to be the one
getting investigated!!
Badger.