OOSC, Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems h. Brake Hose/Tubing, (5) - Crimped

Air hoses have always had to be crimped in a manner to restrict air flow. The problem arose when the OOS guide said that brake tubing had to be crimped in such a manner to restrict air flow. Tubing has memory; it has always been our understanding that any kink, due to this memory was an out of service condition. Now we have people who are trying to make their own determination if a restriction exists to place the vehicle out of service. It is my understanding that tubing, a thermoplastic material when kinked, even if the driver straightens it, the tubing will re-kink due to the memory. Due to the wording of tubing having to have a restriction, I feel trucks are being allowed to continue down the road because unless the tubing is about smashed the inspectors feel a restriction does not exist.

The brake hose section of the OOS now combines brake hose and tubing in one general area. This has caused confusion for some of the commercial inspectors and officers in our area. Please review for clarification.

My proposal is to divide the two sections brake hose and brake tubing. Example: Brake Hose (1) Hose with any damage extending through the outer reinforcement ply. (Rubber impregnated fabric cover is not a reinforcement ply) (2) Bulge or swelling when air pressure is applied. (3) Hose with an audible leak at other than proper connection. (4) Two hoses improperly joined, such as a splice made by sliding the hose ends over a piece of tubing and clamping the hose to the tube. (5) Damage by heat, cut or crimped in a manner as to restrict air flow. Brake Tubing (1) Thermoplastic nylon may have braid reinforcement or color difference between cover and inner tube. Exposure of second color is Out-Of-Service. (2) Tubing with an audible leak at other than a proper connection. (3) Tubing cracked, damaged by heat, broken, cut or crimped.