| Subject: | Vacuum brake booster failure |
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| Investigations Summary: | This investigation was opened on May. 22, 2001. It was closed on Dec. 15, 2002. Odi upgraded the preliminary evaluation to conduct a full technical analysis, including testing. The testing and analysis shows that a torn diaphragm is a slow progressive type of failure. The tear propagates in a slow methodical manner and braking performance is similar to an untorn unit until the tear exceeds 1/2 inch. Odi's testing indicates that tears greater than 1/2 inch required increased pedal effort. However, as the length of the tear increased beyond 1/2 inch, a hissing sound could be heard emitting into the passenger compartment where the master cylinder plunger passed through the firewall. Odi has determined that a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves the right to take further action in the future if warranted by the circumstances. Odi's complete technical analysis with test data is attached. |
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