SURFACE J134

REAF.
SEP93
VEHICLE
400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001
RECOMMENDED Issued 1970-12
PRACTICE Reaffirmed 1993-09

Superseding J134 MAY85

Submitted for recognition as an American National Standard

BRAKE SYSTEM ROAD TEST CODE—PASSENGER CAR

AND LIGHT-DUTY TRUCK-TRAILER COMBINATIONS

Foreword—This Document has not changed other than to put it into the new SAE Technical Standards Board
Format.

This SAE Recommended Practice, in conjunction with SAE J135(1) is intended for use primarily by:

a. Tow vehicle manufacturers' testing with unbraked trailers to determine the maximum unbraked trailer
weight which can be towed.
b. Tow vehicle manufacturers' testing with braked trailers to evaluate tow vehicle braking performance for
vehicle combinations.
c. Trailer or brake system suppliers to evaluate trailer brake and actuation system performance.

This procedure assumes a tow vehicle complying with existing applicable legal requirements. It is recommended
that tow vehicles incorporate that manufacturer's trailering package. Tow vehicle manufacturer's recommendations
regarding hitch type shall be followed. Trailer loading shall be in accordance with trailer manufacturer's
recommendations except as modified in this procedure. Tires shall be inflated to vehicle manufacturer's
recommendations.

1. Scope—This SAE Recommended Practice establishes a uniform procedure for the level road test of the brake
systems of all combinations of new multipurpose passenger vehicles, new light-duty trucks up to and including
4500 kg (10 000 lb), and new passenger cars when coupled with new trailers (braked or unbraked).

1.1 Purpose—The purpose of the test code is to establish a uniform test procedure to determine capabilities with
regard to:

1.1.1 Deceleration versus input, as affected by vehicle speed, brake temperature, and usage.

1.1.2 Brake system integrity within the limits of this test.

1.1.3 Stopping ability during:

[Link] Emergency (partial brake) conditions.

[Link] Inoperative power assist conditions.

1. For passenger cars only. Light truck requirements to be determined.

SAE Technical Standards Board Rules provide that: “This report is published by SAE to advance the state of technical and engineering sciences. The use of this report is entirely
voluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent infringement arising therefrom, is the sole responsibility of the user.”

SAE reviews each technical report at least every five years at which time it may be reaffirmed, revised, or cancelled. SAE invites your written comments and suggestions.

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS DOCUMENT: (724) 772-8512 FAX: (724) 776-0243

TO PLACE A DOCUMENT ORDER; (724) 776-4970 FAX: (724) 776-0790
SAE WEB ADDRESS [Link]

Copyright 1993 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.

All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
 SAE J134 Reaffirmed SEP93

2. References

2.1 Applicable Publications—The following publications form a part of the specification to the extent specified
herein. Unless otherwise indicated the lastest revision of SAE publications shall apply.

2.1.1 SAE PUBLICATIONS—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J135—Service Brake System Performance Requirements—Passenger Car-Trailer Combinations

SAE J843—Brake System Road Test Code—Passenger Car

3. Instrumentation

3.1 Tow vehicle line pressure and/or pedal force gage.

3.2 Decelerometer (U-tube or equivalent).

3.3 Direct reading temperature instrument.

3.4 Speedometer (calibrated vehicle unit or fifth wheel type).

3.5 Tire pressure gage.

3.6 Odometer (calibrated).

3.7 Thermometer—ambient (or ambient-sensitive thermocouple).

3.8 Stopmeter (fifth wheel, distance only).

3.9 Voltmeter and ammeter (where applicable).

3.10 Stop watch.

3.11 Trailer line pressure gage (where applicable).

3.12 Optional instrumentation.

3.12.1 Pedal travel gage.

3.12.2 Stop counter.

3.12.3 Strain gage ball or equivalent and required equipment to record fore and aft loads imposed on the tow
vehicle.

4. Installation Details

4.1 Friction Material Preparation—Attach and finish friction material per vehicle manufacturer's specifications.

4.2 Thermocouples—Install thermocouples in each tow vehicle and trailer brake per current SAE J843d.

4.3 Brake Drum (or Rotor) and Hub Assembly—New drums (or rotors) recommended for each complete test
(Section 5). Surface finish and dimensional characteristics including runout of rubbing surface to be in
accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

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4.4 Brake Assembly

4.4.1 TOW VEHICLE—Brakes to be prepared in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. New springs and
linings recommended on all brakes for each complete test (Section 5). Adjust brakes to manufacturer's
specifications.

4.4.2 TRAILER—Applicable only when evaluating trailers or combination brake systems. For all other tests, trailers
should be unbraked. Brakes are to be prepared in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. New
springs, linings, magnets, and armatures where applicable are recommended on all brakes for each
complete test (Section 5). Adjust brakes to manufacturer's specifications.

4.5 Tow Vehicle Test Weight

4.5.1 PASSENGER CARS

[Link] Passenger Car (Rated for less than four passengers)—Test loading shall be curb weight plus 135 kg
(300 lb) min including driver, observer, test equipment, and ballast, if necessary. Tongue load is additional,
which may cause vehicle to exceed GVWR and/or GAWR.

[Link] Passenger Car (Rated for four or more passengers)—Test loading shall be curb weight plus 270 kg
(600 lb) min including driver, observer, test equipment, and tongue load, which may cause vehicle to
exceed GVWR and/or GAWR.

4.5.2 LIGHT TRUCKS AND MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES

[Link] Light Truck and Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (Ballasted)—The ballasted condition shall be the tow
vehicle including driver, observer, test equipment, tongue weight, and ballast, if required to reach tow
vehicle GVWR, plus trailer to equal GCWR; or, if evaluating performance with an unbraked trailer, ballast to
reach the lesser of GVWR or GCWR with the maximum weight unbraked trailer recommended by the tow
vehicle manufacturer. When adding ballast, distribute to attain, or approach as nearly as possible the
gross axle weight rating (GAWR) on the axle on which the weight, prior to the addition of ballast, is
proportionately nearest the rated capacity. Do not exceed GAWR on any axle.

[Link] Light Truck and Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (Unballasted)—When the weight of the ballast added to
the tow vehicle in [Link] exceeds 450 kg (1000 lb), unballasted checks shall be run per 5.5 and 5.6 of this
procedure. The unballasted condition shall be the tow vehicle at curb weight plus driver, observer, test
equipment, plus tongue load. When the trailer is being evaluated, maintain trailer GVWR.

4.6 Trailer Test Weight—For purpose of testing, trailer manufacturer's gross weight rating (trailer GVWR) shall be
maintained throughout the full test procedure. For purpose of testing, in order to achieve reproducible results,
a static-tongue load of 10% gross trailer weight rating shall be used except for fifth wheel trailers. This may
cause trailer axle loading in excess of manufacturer's ratings. Fifth wheel trailers shall follow manufacturer's
recommendations.

4.6.1 The tow vehicle manufacturer's maximum recommended gross trailer weight shall be maintained when the
tow vehicle is being evaluated except when [Link] is applicable.

4.6.2 The trailer manufacturer's gross trailer weight rating (trailer GVWR) shall be maintained when the trailer is
being evaluated.

4.7 Weight Distributing Hitch Adjustment—When a weight distributing hitch is used, the hitch shall be adjusted
as follows:

The hitch ball height on the tow vehicle prior to hook-up, at curb weight, shall be set so that the trailer is level.

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Check the height from hitch to ground on the tow vehicle. Connect trailer and adjust the hitch so that the hitch
point checked is as high as but not more than an inch higher than before the trailer was connected.

5. Test Procedure

5.1 Test Notes

5.1.1 Effectiveness, stopping distance, fade, and recovery test stops shall be conducted on a substantially level
(not to exceed a ± 1% grade), dry, smooth, hard-surfaced roadway of Portland cement concrete (or other
surface with equivalent coefficient of surface friction) that is free from loose materials.

5.1.2 During all phases of this procedure, any unusual performance such as wrap-up or noise characteristics are
to be noted and recorded. Also note, at the appropriate stops, which wheel or wheels of the tow vehicle or
trailer skidded. Note any uncontrollable braking action causing either of the vehicles to pull or swerve out of
a 3.7 m (12 ft) wide roadway lane.

5.1.3 Initial brake temperature is considered to be the average temperature of brakes on the hottest axle with
brakes off 0.3 km (0.2 mile) before stop.

5.1.4 If brakes require warming to a prescribed temperature, use burnish procedure and shorten interval if
necessary.

5.1.5 Because variations in ambient temperature have a significant effect on test results, fade and recovery tests
must be conducted within a range of ambient temperature of 4.4 °C to 32.2 °C (40 °C to 90 °F).

5.1.6 Decelerations used in the various fade, recovery, or warm-up procedures refer to values at which the
decelerometer is held approximately constant during the stop by varying the input pressure.

5.1.7 Deceleration and line pressure (pedal force) readings shall not be taken below 8 km/h (5 mph).

5.1.8 Vehicles with manual transmissions should be declutched below 10 mph when stops are made in normal
driving gear.

5.2 Preburnish Check—In order to allow for a general check of instrumentation, brakes, and vehicle function, the
following stops are to be run: 10 stops, 48 to 0 km/h (30 to 0 mph), 3 m/s2 (10 fpsps), 1.6 km (1 mile) interval,
64 km/h (40 mph) cooling speed in normal driving gear. Record tow vehicle line pressure (pedal force) and
trailer brake input.

NOTE—Assuming instrumentation, brakes, and vehicle are functioning satisfactorily, proceed

immediately with First Effectiveness Test.

5.3 First (Preburnish) Effectiveness Test—Initial brake temperature, 93.3 °C (200 °F) before each application.

5.3.1 STOP SPEED—48 and 97 km/h (30 and 60 mph) (full stops in neutral).

[Link] Increments—Curve to be defined to point of loss of lateral control or 4.9 m/s2 (16 fpsps) by adequate
number of points (wheel slide permitted).

[Link] Record—Deceleration, tow vehicle line pressure (pedal force), trailer brake input, and method of brake
application (that is, machine or manual). When using manual method, full stops are to be made at each
deceleration level and maximum line pressure (pedal force) recorded. Optional—Record fore and aft load
at ball.

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5.4 Burnish

5.4.1 STOP SPEED—64 to 0 km/h (40 to 0 mph).

5.4.2 STOP DECELERATION—3.7 m/s2 (12 fpsps) (in normal gear).

5.4.3 STOP INTERVAL—As required to achieve 121 °C (250 °F) initial brake temperature(2) or a maximum of 1.6 km
(1 mile).

NOTE—The 1.6 km (1 mile) maximum must be observed even though the initial temperature exceeds
121 °C (250 °F).

5.4.4 COOLING SPEED—64 km/h (40 mph) (moderate acceleration to cooling speed).

5.4.5 STOPS REQUIRED—200. Record tow vehicle line pressure (pedal force), trailer brake input, and brake
temperature for stops 1, 20, and each successive 20th stop.

5.4.6 OPTIONAL—Record fore and aft load at ball.

5.4.7 AFTER BURNISH CYCLE

a. Inspect and adjust trailer brakes.

b. Inspect and adjust towing vehicle brakes.
c. Record any operations performed.

5.5 Second Effectiveness Test—Repeat 5.3. Also, if tow vehicle additional payload capacity (ballast) with trailer
coupled exceeds 450 kg (1000 lb), repeat this test in the unballasted condition ([Link]). In this case, leave tow
vehicle unballasted for the next test sequence.

5.6 Emergency System Test

5.6.1 INITIAL BRAKE TEMPERATURE—65.6 °C (150 °F) before each stop.

5.6.2 PROCEDURE—With one subsystem of the tow vehicle brake system open to atmosphere, determine the
shortest stopping distances (a) with 667 N (150 lb) maximum allowable pedal force and, if no more than one
wheel slides, (b) with 890 N (200 lb) maximum allowable pedal force. Stops are to be made in normal driving
gear from 97 km/h (60 mph) without any portion of the vehicles leaving a 3.7 m (12 ft) lane. Repeat the
procedure for each other subsystem of the tow vehicle brake system open to atmosphere. Three stops are
to be made at each test condition and the average of the three recorded in the summary sheet.

5.6.3 RECORD—Pedal forces (maximum) and stopping for each failure mode. If first portion of this test was run at
the unballasted condition ([Link]) following 5.5, reballast to [Link] and repeat this section.

5.7 Inoperative Power System Test

5.7.1 INITIAL BRAKE TEMPERATURE—65.6 °C (150 °F).

5.7.2 PROCEDURE—With the tow vehicle brake system's primary source of power assist inoperative and its reserve
depleted, determine the shortest stopping distances (a) with 667 N (150 lb) maximum allowable pedal force
and, if no more than one wheel slides, (b) with 890 N (200 lb) maximum allowable force. Stops are to be
made in normal driving gear from 97 km/h (60 mph) without leaving a 3.7 m (12 ft) lane. Three stops are to
be made at each test condition and the average of the three recorded in the summary sheet.

2. See test notes 5.1.3.

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5.7.3 RECORD—Pedal forces (maximum) and stopping distances.

5.8 First Fade and Recovery Test

5.8.1 BASELINE CHECK STOPS

a. Initial Brake Temperature—65.6 °C (150 °F) before each stop.

b. Stops Required—3.
c. Stop Speed—48 to 0 km/h (30 to 0 mph).
d. Stop Deceleration—3 m/s2 (10 fpsps) (in normal driving gear).
e. Record—Tow vehicle line pressure (pedal force) and trailer brake input.

5.8.2 FADE

a. Initial Brake Temperature—65.6 °C (150 °F) before first stop.

b. Stops Required—10.
c. Stop Speed—97 to 0 km/h (60 to 0 mph).
d. Stop Deceleration—4.6 m/s2 (15 fpsps) (in normal driving gear) or maximum obtainable at 890 N
(200 lb) pedal force (or equivalent line pressure).
e. Stop Interval—1.2 km (0.8 miles).
f. Cooling Speed—97 km/h (60 mph).
g. Acceleration to Cooling Speed—Intermediate at a moderate rate.
h. Record—Maximum tow vehicle line pressure (pedal force) and deceleration [if 4.6 m/s2 (15 fpsps)
cannot be held] and trailer brake input. Brake temperatures 0.3 km (0.2 mile) before every stop, all
brakes. Ambient air temperature at beginning of run. Total elapsed time from end of the first fade stop
to end of last fade top - to maintain a check on driver consistency and car performance.
i. Optional—Record fore and aft load at ball.

NOTE—Drive 1.6 km at 64 km/h (1 mile at 40 mph) immediately after last fade stop and make first
recovery stop.

5.8.3 RECOVERY

a. Stops Required—12.
b. Stop Speed—48 to 0 km/h (30 to 0 mph).
c. Stop Deceleration—3 m/s2 (10 fpsps) (in normal driving gear), or maximum obtainable at 890 N
(200 lb) pedal force (or equivalent line pressure).
d. Stop Interval—1.6 km (1 mile).
e. Cooling Speed—64 km/h (40 mph).
f. Rate of Acceleration to Cooling Speed—Moderate.
g. Record—Maximum tow vehicle line pressure (pedal force), deceleration [if 3 m/s2 (10 fpsps) cannot be
held] and trailer brake input. Initial brake temperatures before every stop, all brakes.
h. Optional—Record fore and aft load at ball.

5.9 First Effectiveness Spot Check

a. Initial Brake Temperature—93.3 °C (200 °F) before each stop.

b. Stops Required—2.
c. Stop Speed—97 to 0 km/h (60 to 0 mph).
d. Stop Deceleration—4.6 m/s2 (15 fpsps) (in normal driving gear).
e. Record—Maximum tow vehicle line pressure (pedal force) and trailer brake input.
f. Optional—Record fore and aft load at ball.

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5.10 First Reburnish—Repeat 5.4, except 35 stops required.

5.11 Second Fade and Recovery Test—Repeat 5.8, except 15 fade stops required.

5.12 Second Effectiveness Spot Check—Repeat 5.9.

5.13 Second Reburnish—Repeat 5.10.

5.14 Third Effectiveness Test—Repeat 5.3.

5.15 Final Inspection—Disassemble all brakes, inspect and record all pertinent observations.

6. Report Forms—The recommended report forms listed provide space for the data required for this road test
code as well as nonmandatory data.

6.1 General Data, Figure 1.

6.2 Summary Sheet, Figure 2.

6.3 Input Correlation and Preburnish Check Data Sheet, Figure 3.

6.4 First (Preburnish) Effectiveness Data Sheet, Figure 4.

6.5 Burnish and Inoperative Power System Test Data Sheet, Figure 5.

6.6 Emergency System Test Data Sheet, Figure 6.

6.7 Second Effectiveness Test Data Sheet, Figure 7.

6.8 First Baseline Check and First Fade Test Data Sheet, Figure 8.

6.9 First Recovery, First Effectiveness Spot Check and First Reburnish Data Sheet, Figure 9.

6.10 Second Baseline Check and Second Fade Test Data Sheet, Figure 10.

6.11 Second Recovery, Second Effectiveness Spot Check and Second Reburnish Data Sheet, Figure 11.

6.12 Third Effectiveness Test Data Sheet, Figure 12.

6.13 Final Inspection Data Sheet, Figure 13.

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FIGURE 1—GENERAL DATA SHEET

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FIGURE 2—SUMMARY SHEET

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FIGURE 3—INPUT CORRELATION AND PREBURNISH CHECK DATA SHEET

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FIGURE 4—FIRST (PREBURNISH) EFFECTIVENESS TEST DATA SHEET

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FIGURE 5—BURNISH AND INOPERATIVE POWER SYSTEM TEST DATA SHEET

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FIGURE 6—EMERGENCY SYSTEM TEST DATA SHEET

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FIGURE 7—SECOND EFFECTIVENESS TEST DATA SHEET

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FIGURE 8—FIRST BASELINE CHECK AND FIRST FADE TEST DATA SHEET

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FIGURE 9—FIRST RECOVERY, FIRST EFFECTIVENESS SPOT CHECK, AND FIRST REBURNISH DATA SHEET

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FIGURE 10—SECOND BASELINE CHECK AND SECOND FADE TEST DATA SHEET

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FIGURE 11—SECOND RECOVERY, SECOND EFFECTIVENESS SPOT CHECK,

AND SECOND REBURNISH DATA SHEET

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FIGURE 12—THIRD EFFECTIVENESS TEST DATA SHEET

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FIGURE 13—FINAL INSPECTION DATA SHEET

PREPARED BY THE SAE BRAKE STANDARDS COMMITTEE 7—ROAD TEST PROCEDURES

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Rationale—Not applicable.

Relationship of SAE Standard to ISO Standard—Not applicable.

Application—This document establishes a uniform procedure for the level road test of the brake systems of all
combinations of new multipurpose passenger vehicles, new light-duty trucks up to and including 4500 kg
(10 000 lb), and new passenger cars when coupled with new trailers (braked or unbraked).

Reference Section

SAE J135—Service Brake System Performance Requirements—Passenger Car-Trailer Combinations

SAE J843—Brake System Road Test Code—Passenger Car

Developed by the SAE Brake Standards Committee 7—Road Test Procedures