Brake Test

Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)

5: Road Test

NOTE: It may be necessary to have the customer ride along or drive the vehicle to point out the symptom. During the road test, take into consideration the customer's driving habits and the driving conditions. The customer's concern just may be an acceptable operating condition for that vehicle.

The following is a brief overview of each test in the order in which it appears. A review of this information helps to quickly identify the most appropriate process necessary to make a successful diagnosis. After reviewing this information, select and carry out the appropriate test(s), proceeding to the next step of this process.

- The Slow Acceleration Test is normally the first test to carry out when identifying an NVH symptom, especially when a road test with the customer is not possible.
- The Heavy Acceleration Test helps to determine if the symptom is torque-related.
- The Neutral Coast Down Speed Test helps to determine if the symptom is vehicle speed-related.
- The Downshift Speed Test helps to determine if the symptom is engine speed-related.
- The Steering Input Test helps to determine how the wheel bearings and other suspension components contribute to a vehicle speed-related symptom.
- The Brake Test helps to identify vibrations or noise that are brake related.
- The Road Test Over Bumps helps isolate a noise that occurs when driving over a rough or bumpy surface.
- The Engine Run-Up Tests consist of the Neutral Run-up Test and the Engine Load Test. These tests help to determine if the symptom is engine speed-related.
- The Neutral Engine Run-Up (NERU) Test is used as a follow-up test to the Downshift Speed Test when the symptom occurs at idle.
- The Drive Engine Run-Up (DERU) Load Test helps to identify vibration/noise sensitive to engine load or torque. It also helps to reproduce engine speed-related symptoms that cannot be duplicated when carrying out the Neutral Run-up Test or the Neutral Coast Down Test.
- The Engine Accessory Test helps to locate faulty belts and accessories that cause engine speed-related symptoms.
- The Vehicle Cold Soak Procedure helps to identify symptoms occurring during initial start-up and when an extended time lapse occurs between vehicle usage.

Brake Test

To carry out this test, proceed as follows:

- With the brake released, accelerate the vehicle. While coasting (brake pedal released) to a stop in NEUTRAL, note any abnormal rate of deceleration. Abnormal deceleration could indicate a parking brake or service brake that is not fully releasing.
- Warm the brakes by slowing the vehicle a few times from 80-32 km/h (50-20 mph) using light braking applications.
- Accelerate to 89-97 km/h (55-60 mph). Moderately apply the brakes and slow the vehicle to a stop.
- A brake vibration can be felt in the steering wheel, seat or brake pedal. A brake noise can be heard upon brake application and should diminish when the brake is released. For vehicles with separate park brake shoes, noise or vibration from the parking brake system will not be affected by applying the hydraulic brakes. On these systems, the parking brake system requires inspection if a parking brake concern is suspected.
- If the source of the symptom has been identified as a result of this test, proceed to the appropriate brake system(s) for further diagnosis and repair. If the source has not been identified, continue with the road test.