Your brakes will inevitably stop working when you are driving a motor vehicle. This problem will get worse if the compression accessories are of poor quality. Because of this, using DOT approved brake line compression fittings may be a wiser and safer decision for you.
So how effective are compression fittings with DOT approval?
Where do you usually go to replace brake parts, the garage or at home? Self-replacement is usually less expensive, but it is not guaranteed. Do the devices you purchase meet DOT requirements? In this article, we will discuss the dangers that non-DOT compliant accessories can pose.
What are the brake compression fittings that are approved? Follow the steps in the article to find the best answer to your question.
What Are Compression Fittings?
The traditional equivalent of a quick-connect fitting is a compression fitting. Even though these fittings might take longer to install, they nonetheless offer robust, tight, and dependable seals for all of your water treatment setups.
A compression fitting creates a watertight seal between two distinct lines by compressing one of its components into another component, often some kind of tubing.
The compression fitting was used less frequently after quick-connect style fittings were introduced to the water treatment industry, but it is still a fantastic fitting that can withstand high pressure and provide you with a dependable, tight seal.
A compression fitting is made up of the fitting body itself, a sleeve, and a nut. When the nut compresses the sleeve into the fitting body, it serves as the seal.
A number of materials are used to create compression fittings. Brass is the most typical material for compression fittings, however you must make sure to choose lead-free brass fittings because using any fitting with lead content in the United States is prohibited.
They are frequently made of stainless steel and plastic as well. The amount of pressure or temperature that the fitting can withstand varies depending on the material or your fitting.
Numerous applications call for the usage of compression fittings. A compression fitting is used anywhere you’re joining waterlines or air/pneumatic lines.
You’ll most likely utilize a quick-connect or quick-disconnect type fitting if you’re only connecting drinking water systems.
A compression thread is similar to the angle-stop under your sink. These flex lines frequently connect to devices like coffee makers using compression-type threads.
Some have the angle-stop connection, which is your compression thread, on one side and the faucet connection on the other. Attaching tubing to the top of an angle-stop is as simple as using a standard compression nut and sleeve. All of these fittings attach in the same manner.
What are DOT Approved Brake Line Compression Fittings
With more and more commercial vehicles using our roads and highways, there is a growing need for solutions to assist drivers in a variety of situations in the current Compliance, Safety & Accountability (CSA) environment.
There are regulations for driving a car with air brakes in each state. There is rigorous training and testing required to become a commercial driver in order to earn a license.
In a similar vein, certain procedures must be followed throughout vehicle construction and maintenance to ensure that all parts adhere to DOT. requirements.
There are three fundamental actions that must to be performed regularly throughout a short or long journey in order to promote road safety:
The topic type must be specific, have a required PSI (pounds per square inch) pressure rating, and have a corresponding hose type and material.
Verify that the air-brake systems’ minimum working pressure is at least 100 PSI for trucks and 85 PSI for buses.
Make sure the time it takes for the air pressure to increase from 85 PSI to 100 PSI at 600 to 900 RPM is no more than two minutes.
Make sure that the air compressor’s cut-out governor pressure is between 120 PSI and 135 PSI, and the cut-in pressure is 20 PSI to 25 PSI lower.
Avoid condensed air, which might lead to water in the air-brake system. Ice can prevent air from reaching the brakes in colder weather, locking the wheel.
In order to avoid this issue, many of the more recent braking systems have automatic drain valves fitted in each air tank.
Why Should You Use DOT Approved Brake Line Compression Fittings?
Although compression fittings typically cost less than push-to-connect fittings, installation takes longer with compression fittings.
Push-to-connect designs can be more expensive, but the speedy installation, low maintenance requirements, and decreased risk of leakage can offset this.
Compression fittings must also be installed with tools, which can take time and be more challenging in small places.
When push-to-connect fittings can be installed or removed quickly by using tools only on the pipe thread ends, not on the tube ends, this saves time and lowers the risk of damaging nearby parts or machinery.
For the correct seal, the nut on a compression fitting must be cranked to a specified rated torque; push-to-connect fittings do not contain a compression nut.
Instead, by simply pressing the fitting onto the tube or hose, a leak-free seal is achieved.
And to halt a leak, compression fittings frequently need to be tightened again. This raises the likelihood of subsequent leaks by crimping or distorting the tube. Push-to-connect fittings, however, rarely need to be adjusted after installation in order to remain leak-free.
Even yet, there are still certain benefits to compression fittings. Additionally, some compression fittings can have a higher pressure rating than a push-to-connect of the same size, and they are more widely available in more combinations and sizes.
What Dangers Can Non DOT Approved Brake Line Compression Fittings Cause?
The risks of employing poor compression are due to three factors: At extreme temperatures, poor-quality compression fittings frequently melt. Additionally, they are poorly constructed and made of inferior steel. Many states forbid the use of low-quality compression gear.
Unfortunately, using brake compression fittings leads to a lot of issues because the components are under a lot of pressure from your brakes. Additionally, when used on brake lines, they frequently leak, resulting in the loss of brake fluid and ultimately the breakdown of the brake system.
Compression fittings that are not DOT-compliant cannot often be used to repair lines on public transportation. Due to the inherent risk, many jurisdictions have also outlawed this repair on passenger vehicles.
However, automobiles not using public roads, highways, or high speeds can use this kind of repair.
A compression attachment can also be used for quick fixes. In particular, using a typical compression accessory is not always necessary when performing car maintenance.
Also read: Why Brakes Still Spongy After Bleeding?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you use compression fittings on steel fuel lines?
Anywhere hydraulic hoses are produced, hydraulic compression fittings are available. In comparison to “plumbing” compression fittings, these fittings are significantly more robust. They typically use two compression sleeves and are made of steel.
Q: What are the disadvantages of using compression fittings?
Compared to a soldered joint, compression fittings are larger and possibly less aesthetically attractive. Compression fittings are substantially more vulnerable to high strains since they are far less durable than soldered fittings.
Q: Is it OK to reuse compression fittings?
They apply to half of the pipe’s extension away from the fitting and are safe to reuse. Compression fittings essentially ensure a stable fit in pipe connections in hydraulic processes. Only improper installation at each end of the fluid line can result in leaks.
Final Thoughts
Although accessories are a less expensive alternative, they are not a sustainable solution. Compression fittings for brake lines are effective in some circumstances. You can make temporary repairs with inferior components if the car is being restored or used off-road. Additionally, DOT approved items must be used in expressway or public transportation vehicles.