Any driver knows that the ability for the car to stop efficiently and reliably is the most crucial factor to consider when it comes to safety. With brake hoses playing an essential role in a car’s ability to stop effectively, it’s important we use the best and most rigorous testing methods available when designing these components for a car.
At Proterial Cable America Automotive (PCA-Automotive), we conduct jounce and rebound testing on our brake hoses so we can guarantee their performance in all driving conditions. Read on to learn all about jounce and rebound testing and why it is a vital part of the brake hose design process.
When a car is driven, it isn’t guaranteed to be on a totally flat even surface all the time. While highways provide smooth driving conditions, real-world roads aren’t always so predictable. Drivers frequently encounter potholes, uneven terrain, and other challenging road conditions that put a vehicle’s components to the test.
The brake hose connects the brake fluid system to the wheel’s brake components, and as the car is driving through twists, turns and bumps you need to be 100 percent certain that the hose will be just as effective.
Jounce and Rebound testing is performed by PCA-Automotive for just this reason. During the test, the suspension is placed in a metal-to-metal condition, which is when struts and springs are removed so the vehicle can bend and twist beyond typical suspension capabilities. The suspension is then positioned at both its highest and lowest points. It is also brought to its leftmost and rightmost steering positions. Engineers do this so they can see how the brake hose interacts with the other components when they are stretched or bent to the furthest points the vehicle is capable of.
A proper jounce test involves first removing the struts and springs from the vehicle so the suspension doesn’t have these impediments and can move into more extreme positions. Then, engineers evaluate the brake hose in nine different suspension positions.
Next, engineers evaluate the vehicle through all extremes of suspension and steering motion. Assessed motions include a combination of steering (full right, center, full left), while the suspension is in rebound (shock/springs fully extended), curb height (position of the car at rest), and jounce (shock/springs fully compressed).
During each of these nine positions, the hose is measured for:
In addition, 3D scans and photographic documentation are both analyzed for hose performance in each position, so the final design meets automotive engineering standards.
Jounce and rebound testing makes sure the brake hose will stay secure, won’t stretch too far and won’t be kinked or damaged while the suspension returns to its normal position.
At PCA-Automotive, we perform jounce and rebound tests using brake hoses made to minimum and maximum length specifications so we know for a fact they will perform under any conditions. By performing the test with hoses at maximum and minimum manufacturing lengths we validate results and remove any potential failures.
Jounce and rebound tests make sure a brake hose meets vehicle safety standards and regulations, but that’s not all they do. By performing these tests, our automotive engineers can:
The advanced testing procedures used by PCA-Automotive mean that our brake hoses are among the safest and most reliable option for our customers.
Whatever part or component we are manufacturing at PCA-Automotive, we make sure safety and reliability are our top priorities, which is why we take jounce and rebound testing seriously. Designed to handle real-world conditions, our brake hoses are put through the wringer with our series of tests and the result is an excellent product we are proud to offer.
Contact PCA-Automotive today so we can help you with your next project.
