OOSC, Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems, m. Air Reservoir (Tank) - Leaking

I discovered an air reservoir tank in the air brake system of a truck tractor as well as another trailer that was severely rusted to the point where it was leaking air. In both cases, the tractor could maintain air but it could not build air past a certain point (90 PSI). These air leaks were in the body of the tank due to corrosion. Currently, this would only be an out-of-service violation if the leak causes the vehicle to fail the air loss rate test, which it did not. This issue was addressed in a previous Request for Action - Issue Number 12-005-VEH. In the previous RFA, the committee discussed a pin hole in the tank. The one I inspected had a hole large enough where I could put my finger into the tank. The tank around the hole was so rusted that if I pushed on it my whole hand would go into the tank.

I believe this is as important or more important than an air line with an audible leak at other than a proper connection. With the integrity of the tank compromised the potential for rupture is imminent. In this case the trailer only had one air tank which, if it did fail, would have affected all 4 brakes on the trailer.

I would like to see this issue revisited and take into account air tanks that have leaks and/ or are rusted so severely that they are in imminent danger of failing. Suggested Wording: An air reservoir (tank) has an air leak due to corrosion or damage at a location other than a valve or proper connection.