E-Z-GO FREEDOM TXT 2+2 - Manual (Page 42)

MAINTENANCE
Read all of this manual to become thoroughly familiar with this vehicle. Pay particular attention to all Notices, Cautions, Warnings, and Dangers.
34
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 loca-
tion with regard for the safety of all personnel.
Over time, a subtle loss of performance may take place; there-
fore, it is important to establish the standard with a new vehi-
cle.
The Periodic Brake Performance Test should be performed regu-
larly as an evaluation of braking system performance. It is useful
as a method of identifying subtle loss of performance over time.
Periodic Brake Test
The purpose of this test is to compare the braking performance
of the vehicle to the braking performance of new or ‘known to be good’ vehicles or to an established acceptable stop-
ping distance. Actual stopping distances will be influenced by weather conditions, terrain, road surface condition, actual
vehicle weight (accessories installed) and vehicle speed. No specific braking distance can be reliably specified. The
test is conducted by latching 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 ‘known to be good’ vehicle and recording the stopping
location or stopping distance. For fleet vehicles, several vehicles should be tested when new and the range of stopping
locations or distances recorded.
Over time, a subtle loss of performance may take place; therefore, it is important to establish the standard with a
new vehicle.
Drive the vehicle at maximum speed on a flat, dry, clean, paved surface. Quickly depress the brake pedal to latch the
parking 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 dis-
tances. 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.
SYSTEM TEST
At monthly intervals, test the controller by allowing the vehicle to roll down an incline with the accelerator pedal
released. Braking force should be felt at approximately 2 mph (3 kph) indicating that the system is functioning. If vehicle
speed continues to rise, apply the service brake and have vehicle inspected by a trained mechanic.
Latch
Parking Brake
and Take Foot
Off Pedal
Line or Marker
Acceptable
Stopping
Distance
Normal Range of
Stopping Distance
Any vehicles that stop
more than 4 ft. (1.2 m)
beyond the Acceptable
Stopping Distance or
pulls to one side should
be removed from service
and inspected by a
qualified mechanic
Accelerate To
Maximum Speed
4 ft. (1.2 m)
Line or Marker
Dry, Level, Clean, Paved Surface
NOTICE
NOTICE