Note: Nothing in this standard supercedes applicable laws and regulations.

Note: In the event of conflict between the English and domestic language, the English language shall take precedence.

Purpose. This procedure describes the component level validation tests for an exhaust system flexible decoupling element with regard to its static characteristics and structural durability.

Foreword. The validation of a flexible decoupling element includes the determination and evaluation of its static characteristics as well as the evaluation of its durability when subjected to real time load and displacement profiles. A road load data acquisition (RLDA) is required to define the real time load and displacement profiles of the applicable road test modules.

Applicability. This procedure is applicable to all passenger cars, sport utility vehicles and light trucks equipped with a load bearing or non-load bearing flexible decoupling element.