During a full or partial inspection, there currently exists no operational prohibition if an air-braked commercial motor vehicle is found with a labeled non-air-rated hose to supply air to the air brake system. In my most recent curcumstance, a truck tractor/semi-trailer combination became disabled on the highway and it was discovered that a mechanic and repair shop equipped the tractor with a rubber hose labeled for “fuel/emissions fluid 35psi” with brass end fittings to supply a brake chamber. The line failed at the relay and the tractor lost air pressure (fortunately in a manner he was able to get half of the vehicle off the roadway). The specific facts and circumstances in this case are under Case SO240002483.

An air braked CMV equipped with insufficient hoses by a mechanic and/or parts supplier, and labeled as a fuel, hydraulic, or other line, is a condition likely to cause a sudden and immediate loss of air pressure and should be immediately placed out of service.

It is requested that the CVSA review the facts surrounding this incident and modify the out of service criteria to and/or publish a bulletin making inspectors, repair shops, and carriers aware of this issue nationwide. LCSO Case SO24000

Suggested text includes (under brake hose and tubing adequacy): “Any air-braked CMV equipped with a hose or tubing which is clearly labeled for a different application than use in an air-brake system, and found in use as part of the air brake system.”

Brake manufacturers presented info in Operation Air Brake and suggested language of “Any air-braked CMV equipped with a hose or tubing which is clearly labeled for a different application than use in an air-brake system, and found in use as part of the air brake system. It was also determined that this should apply to hydraulic brake systems as well. After further discussion it was reworded to the following:

h. Air Brake Hose/Tubing
(6) Labeled for a different application other than in an air brake system.

o. Hydraulic Brakes
(3) Hydraulic or vacuum lines, hoses or connections are restricted, crimped, broken, damaged through the outer reinforcement ply or labeled for a different application other than in a hydraulic brake system.