Technical data

28
Park the vehicle on level ground and chock wheels. Build system pressure to governor cut-out 
and allow the pressure to stabilize for one minute. 
1: Observe the dash gauges for two additional minutes without the service brakes applied. 
2: Apply service brakes for two minutes (allow pressure to stabilize) and observe the dash 
gauges. 
If you see any noticeable decrease of the dash air gauge readings, repair leaks. Repeat this 
test to confirm that air leaks have been repaired and return vehicle to service.  Please repeat 
BASIC test at next service interval. Note: Air leaks can also be found in the charging system, 
parking brakes, and/or other components - inspect and repair as necessary. 
STEP E - If no air leakage was detected in Step D 
STEP D - Air Brake System Leakage Test 
STEP C - How to Use the BASIC Test
Sixty days since last air 
tank draining
Decision point
The Technician uses the chart (label) on the BASIC 
test cup to help decide the action to take, based on 
the amount of oil found. Use the lower acceptance 
line for low air use vehicles, and upper line for high 
air use vehicles (from Step A).
  If no air leakage was detected, and if you are conducting 
this test after completing Step C, go to Step E.
BASIC Test Example
An oil level of 4 units in a sixty-day period is within the 
acceptance area (at or below the line) for both low and 
high air use vehicles. Return the vehicle to service. 
1. Record days since air 
tanks were last drained.  
3. Action to 
take 
2. Record amount 
of oil found: 
If number of days is: 
30-60 days (high air 
use) or 
30-90 days (low air 
use) 
if oil level is at or below 
acceptance line for number
of days
if oil level is above 
acceptance line for number
of days 
System OK.
Return to service.
Otherwise . . .
(if the number of days is 
unknown, or outside the 
limits above)
if oil level is at or below 
30-day acceptance line 
if oil level is above 30-day 
acceptance line 
STOP
TEST
Stop inspection.
Test again 
after 30 days.
See Footnote 2.
_________ days
_________ units
Go to Step D
System OK.
Return to service.
STOP
TEST
STOP
+ CK.
The Technician looks for the point where the number 
of days since the air tanks were drained meets the 
oil level. If it is at or below the (low or high use) 
acceptance line, the vehicle has passed the test. If 
the point is above the line then go to the leakage 
test.
Air leakage is the number one 
cause of compressors having 
to pump excessive amounts of 
air, in turn run too hot and pass 
oil vapor along into the system. 
Here the Technician conducts 
a four-minute test to see if 
leakage is a problem with the 
vehicle being tested.
The Technician only reaches 
Step E if the amount of oil 
found, for the amount of 
time since the air tanks were 
last drained exceeds the 
acceptance level, AND the 
vehicle passes the four-minute 
leakage test (no noticeable 
leakage was detected).
Replace the compressor. 
Note: If  the  compressor  is  within  warranty period, 
please follow standard warranty procedures.  Attach 
the completed checklist to warranty claim.
Filling in the Checklist for the Bendix
®
 Air System Inspection Cup (BASIC) Test
Note: Follow all standard safety precautions. For vehicles using a desiccant air dryer.
Appendix A continued: Information about the BASIC Test Kit (Bendix P/N 5013711)
Oil 
Level
X
Acceptance
Lines










