OOSC, Part II, Item 1. Defective Brakes, h. (3) - proper connection

While at the 2023 NAIC, the question arose about brake hose fittings that have the swivel type joint on the hose side of the fitting assembly and leaking air from that swivel area not from the threaded area. After some discussion it was clear that there were different opinions of these fittings and what is a proper connection with these fittings specifically. This scenario discussed was if a fitting is loose at the threaded connection but leaking from this swivel and not the treads how is it treated. We are generally advised never to put a tool on a component to check it. If the threaded portion could not be moved by hand pressure, then it would be at other than a connection. In the attached video, a tool was used for demonstration that sometimes these swivel areas can be so worn that they leak at the swivel and cannot be simply tightened to be fixed therefore considered not at a proper connection for the determination of out of service.

I believe this issue was addressed in action item 11-029-VEH and the current guidance placed in operational policy 15 Brakes FAQ a.(2). In the discussion we reviewed this FAQ and the diagram associated with it. The first point of difference was what is considered the hose side of the fitting. Some believed that it was just where the fitting crimped to the hose not including this swivel piece, and some believed that it was up to the actual threads. The second point of difference was the diagram. The left hose in the image has three arrows. the top indicating a proper connection (threaded area) and the lower two not at a connection. The drawing it not really clear and drew different interpretations.

In the continued effort of uniformity on inspections, I request that the guidance answer in operational policy 15 1. Brake Systems FAQ a.(2) be amended read- An air hose with a leak at the hose side of a fitting (including the swivel portion) is not considered a proper connection: therefore, it should be placed out of service. Second, I would ask that the diagram also reflect what the middle arrow is pointing at, if that is intended to be this swivel area. Or use an actual photo similar to the one attached.