E-Z-GO Terrain 1500 Owner Manual - Page 62

MAINTENANCE Read all of this manual to become thoroughly familiar with this vehicle. Pay particular attention to all Notices, Cautions, Warnings, and Dangers. BRAKES To reduce the possibility of severe injury or death, always evaluate pedal travel before operating a vehicle to verify some braking function is present. All driving brake tests must be done in a safe location with regard for the safety of all personnel. NOTICE Over time, a subtle loss of performance may take place; therefore, it is important to establish the standard with a new 5 vehicle. The Periodic Brake Performance Test should be performed regularly as an evaluation of braking system performance. It is useful as a method of identifying subtle loss of performance over time. Periodic Brake Test For Mechanical Brakes The purpose of this test is to compare the braking performance of the vehicle to the braking performance of new or 'known to be Dry, Level, Clean, Paved Surface good' vehicles or to an established acceptable stopping distance. Actual stopping distances will be influenced by weather conditions, terrain, road surface condition, actual vehicle weight Accelerate To Maximum Speed (accessories installed) and vehicle speed. No specific braking distance can be reliably specified. The test is conducted by latch- ing the park brake to eliminate different pedal pressures and to include the affects of linkage mis-adjustment. Establish the acceptable stopping distance by testing a new or Latch Parking Brake and Take Foot Off Pedal Line or Marker 'known to be good' vehicle and recording the stopping location or stopping distance. For fleets of vehicles, several vehicles should Line or Marker be tested when new and the range of stopping locations or distances recorded. Acceptable Stopping 4 ft. (1.2 m) Distance Normal Range of Stopping Distance NOTICE Any vehicles that stop more than 4 ft. (1.2 m) Over time, a subtle loss of performance may take place; therefore, beyond the Acceptable Stopping Distance or it is important to establish the standard with a new vehicle. pulls to one side should Drive the vehicle at maximum speed on a flat, dry, clean, paved be removed from service and inspected by a surface. Quickly depress the brake pedal to latch the parking qualified mechanic brake at the line or marker in the test area and remove foot from pedal. The vehicle should stop aggressively. The wheel brakes may or may not lock. Observe the vehicle stopping location or measure the vehicle stopping distance from the point at which the brakes were latched. The vehicle should stop within the 'normal' range of stopping distances. If the vehicle stops more than 4 ft. (1.2 m) beyond the acceptable stopping distance or pulls to one side, the vehicle has failed the test and should be tested again. If the vehicle fails the second test, it should immediately be removed from service. The vehicle must be inspected by a qualified mechanic who should refer to the TROUBLESHOOTING section in the Technician's Repair and Service Manual. 5 - 16