OOSC, Part II, Item 1. Brake System, h. - Leaks and Improper Connections

There have been questions and inconsistent enforcement with air leaks discovered at "other than proper connections" for hoses that are not directly related to the braking system. For example, a large hole was recently discovered in a large diameter air line, but the vehicle passed the air loss rate test. The vehicle was placed OOS for 393.45(a). The mechanic that arrived told the inspector the air line was used for the transmission. Would this example, and similar situations meet the OOSC violation that states "audible air leak at other than proper connection"? Does the "brake hose" definition in 393.5 and 571.106 apply to all air hoses when it states "lines used in a brake system to transmit or contain the medium used to apply the motor vehicle's brakes"? This seems similar to a hydraulic brake system that supplies hydraulic fluid to the power steering system. A broken/damaged hydraulic line supplying the power steering would be OOS under 393.45. Would this logic apply to all air lines that contain air from the brake system?

Submitted for clarification from the Vehicle Committee. Not urgent.

Would like to see clarification added to Operational Policy 15 regarding leaks in hoses not directly related to the brake system. I have checked with other Part B instructors and discovered we are teaching this inconsistently in Part B courses.