SURFACE J844

REV.
JUN1998
VEHICLE
400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001
STANDARD Issued 1963-06
Revised 1998-06

Superseding J844 MAY97

Submitted for recognition as an American National Standard

Nonmetallic Air Brake System Tubing

1. Scope1— This SAE Standard covers the minimum requirements for nonmetallic tubing as manufactured for
use in air brake systems. Nonreinforced products are designated type A and reinforced products type B. It is
not intended to cover tubing for any portion of the system which operates below –40 °C (–40 °F), above +93 °C
(+200 °F), above a maximum working gage pressure of 1030 kPa (150 psi), or in an area subject to attack by
battery acid. This tubing is intended for use in the brake system for connections which maintain a basically
fixed relationship between components during vehicle operation. Coiled tube assemblies required for those
installations where flexing occurs are covered by this document and SAE J1131 to the extent of setting
minimum requirements on the essentially straight tube and tube fitting connections which are used in the
construction of such assemblies2.

2. References

2.1 Applicable Publications—The following publications form a part of this specification to the extent specified
herein. Unless otherwise specified, the latest issue of SAE publications shall apply.

2.1.1 SAE PUBLICATIONS—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J246—Spherical and Flanged Sleeve (Compression) Tube Fittings

SAE J1131—Performance Requirements for SAE J844 Nonmetallic Tubing and Fitting Assemblies Used
in Automotive Air Brake Systems
SAE J1149—Metallic Air Brake System Tubing and Pipe

2.1.2 ASTM PUBLICATIONS—Available from ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

ASTM D 4329—Practice for Operating Light- and Water-Exposure Apparatus (Fluorescent UV-
Condensation Type) for Exposure of Plastics
ASTM G 53—Recommended Practice for Operating Light- and Water-Exposure Apparatus (Fluorescent
U-Condensation Type) for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials

1. See SAE J1149 for Metallic Air Brake System Tubing and Pipe.
2. Federal regulations covering designed requirements and accepted applications for coiled tube assemblies are set forth in 49CFR393.45.
Conformance to SAE J844 does not imply compliance with Federal regulations for air brake tubing. Sizes 3.97 mm (5/32 in) and below may
not meet 49CFR571.106 requirements for air brake systems.

SAE Technical Standards Board Rules provide that: “This report is published by SAE to advance the state of technical and engineering sciences. The use of this report is entirely
voluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent infringement arising therefrom, is the sole responsibility of the user.”

SAE reviews each technical report at least every five years at which time it may be reaffirmed, revised, or cancelled. SAE invites your written comments and suggestions.

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS DOCUMENT: (724) 772-8512 FAX: (724) 776-0243

TO PLACE A DOCUMENT ORDER; (724) 776-4970 FAX: (724) 776-0790
SAE WEB ADDRESS [Link]

Copyright 1998 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.

All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
 SAE J844 Revised JUN1998

2.1.3 FEDERAL REGULATIONS—Available from The Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402.

49CFR393.45—Brake Tubing and Hose Adequacy

49CFR571.106—Brake Hoses

3. Installation and Assembly Recommendations

3.1 End Fittings—End fittings are to be assembled to the tubing in accordance with the fitting manufacturer’s
recommendations. The fitting may be of the design shown in SAE J246, or any other design suitable for use
with nonmetallic air brake tubing. Performance test requirements for nonmetallic air brake assemblies are
covered in SAE J1131.

3.2 Noncoiled Tubing—Noncoiled tubing should not be used in flexing applications such as frame to axle.

3.3 Support and Routing—When installed in a vehicle this tubing shall be routed and supported so as to:

a. Eliminate chafing, abrasion, kinking, or other mechanical damage

b. Minimize fatigue conditions
c. Be protected against road hazards by installation in a protected location or by providing adequate
shielding at vulnerable areas
d. Not to be exposed to temperatures, internal or external, over +93 °C (+200 °F) or below –40 °C (–40 °F)
e. Not to be exposed to attack by battery acid
f. Avoid excessive sag

4. Identification—Air brake tubing shall be labeled in a contrasting color with the legend repeated every 380 mm
(15 in) or less along the entire length of tubing in legible block capital letters.

The following minimum information, in the order listed, is required. Additional information and/or another lay
line may be added, if necessary.

a. Air brake
b. SAE J844
c. Type, A or B
d. Nominal, tubing OD in fractions of 6.4, 9.5, 12.7 mm (1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in), etc.
e. Tubing manufacturer’s identification

5. Manufacture—The tubing shall be manufactured to comply with the requirements outlined in this document.

6. Construction—Type A tubing shall consist of a single wall extrusion of 100% virgin nylon (polyamide)
containing additives which provide heat and light resistance. Type B tubing shall consist of a core extrusion of
100% virgin nylon (polyamide) containing additives which provide heat resistance. This core shall be
reinforced with polyester braid or equivalent, and covered with a protective jacket of 100% virgin nylon
(polyamide) containing additives which provide heat and light resistance. The protective covering shall be
bonded to the core through the interstices of the braid. The inner core and outer jacket shall be of contrasting
colors.

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 SAE J844 Revised JUN1998

7. Dimensions and Tolerances—The tubing shall conform to dimensions shown in Table 1 under all conditions
of moisture. Conformance with this requirement shall be determined on samples which have been subjected
to 110 °C (230 °F)3 for 4 h4 in a circulating air oven, and on separate samples which have been immersed in
boiling water for 2 h. Dimensional tests shall be made after samples have been returned to room temperature
for 1/2 to 3 h.

TABLE 1—DIMENSIONS AND TOLERANCES

Outside Outside Outside Outside Inside Inside Wall Wall Wall Wall
Type Nominal Diameter Diameter Diameter Diameter Diameter Diameter Thickness Thickness Thickness Thickness
of Tubing max max min min Basic Basic Basic Basic Tolerances Tolerances
Tubing OD mm in mm in mm in mm in mm in
A 1/8 3.25 0.128 3.10 0.122 2.01 0.079 0.58 0.023 ±0.08 ±0.003
A 5/32 4.04 0.159 3.89 0.153 2.34 0.092 0.81 0.032 ±0.08 ±0.003
A 3/16 4.83 0.190 4.67 0.184 2.97 0.117 0.89 0.035 ±0.08 ±0.003
A 1/4 6.43 0.253 6.27 0.247 4.32 0.170 1.02 0.040 ±0,08 ±0.003
A 5/16 8.03 0.316 7.82 0.308 5.89 0.232 1.02 0.040 ±0.10 ±0.004
B 3/8 9.63 0.379 9.42 0.371 6.38 0.251 1.57 0.062 ±0.10 ±0.004
B 1/2 12.83 0.505 12.57 0.495 9.55 0.376 1.57 0.062 ±0.10 ±0.004
B 5/8 16.00 0.630 15.75 0.620 11.20 0.441 2.34 0.092 ±0.13 ±0.005
B 3/4 19.18 0.755 18.92 0.745 14.38 0.566 2.34 0.092 ±0.13 ±0.005

8. Mechanical Properties—The tubing shall conform to the mechanical properties shown in Table 2, when
tested according to the methods outlined in this document.

TABLE 2—MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Minimum Burst Minimum Burst
Nominal Pressure at Pressure at Test Test Maximum Maximum
Type of Tubing 24 °C (75 °F) (1) 24 °C (75 °F)(1) Bend Radius(2) Bend Radius(2) Stiffness Stiffness
Tubing OD kPa psi mm in N lbf

A 1/8 6900 1000 9.4 0.37 4.4 1

A 5/32 8300 1200 12.7 0.50 4.4 1
A 3/16 8300 1200 19.1 0.75 4.4 1
A 1/4 8300 1200 25.4 1.00 8.9 2
A 5/16 6900 1000 31.8 1.25 27.0 6
B 3/8 9700 1400 38.1 1.50 36.0 8
B 1/2 6600 950 50.8 2.00 89.0 20
B 5/8 6200 900 63.5 2.50 222.0 50
B 3/4 5500 800 76.2 3.00 356.0 80
1. With moisture content of tubing 0.06% maximum.
2. For test purpose only.

3. All test temperatures specified may vary by ±3 °C (±5 °F).

4. All times are minimum unless otherwise specified.

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 SAE J844 Revised JUN1998

9. Performance Requirements—The tubing shall satisfactorily meet the following performance tests (see
footnotes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8).

9.1 Leak Test5—The tubing manufacturer shall subject each continuous length of tubing to test at a gage
pressure of 200 psi +50, –0 (1380 kPa +350, –0) with an appropriate gas for a period of time (minimum 30 s)
sufficient to determine the presence of any leaks. Defective sections shall be cut off and scrapped. The
remaining tubing shall be recoupled at the points where defective sections were removed and again subjected
to the 200 psi +50, –0 (1380 kPa +350, –0) pressure test. The procedure shall be repeated until all sections of
tubing designated for distribution to users have successfully withstood the test.

9.2 Moisture Absorption6—Expose sample of tubing for 24 h in a circulating air oven at 110 °C (230 °F).
Remove from oven, weigh immediately and expose for 100 h at 100% relative humidity and 24 °C (75 °F).
Within 5 min from humidity conditioning, wipe surface moisture from both the interior and exterior surfaces of
the tubing and reweigh. Moisture absorption shall not exceed 2% by weight.

9.3 Ultraviolet Resistance6—Place samples of tubing in the sample racks of a Q-Panel QUV test apparatus*
equipped with Phillips bulbs, type UVA-340. Expose for 300 h minimum. If the test apparatus is equipped with
a “Solar Eye,” the bulbs need not be rotated and the irradiance should be set at 0.85, however all bulbs should
be discarded after 4800 h maximum, or if they fall below the 0.85 irradiance level, whichever occurs first. If the
test apparatus is not equipped with a “Solar Eye,” the bulbs must be rotated every 400 h maximum, as
recommended by the manufacturer and ASTM G 53, this procedure will result in discarding lamps after 1600 h
of use. Control the temperature of the appartus to 45 °C ± 3 °C. The distance from the plate upon which the
specimens are mounted and the light bulbs will be 51 mm (2 in) maximum. The automatic humidity cycling
must be turned off. Rotate the specimens according to ASTM D 4329 except the time interval should be each
96 hours maximum instead of weekly. Maintain and operate the QUV tester in accordance with the
manufacturers instructions. Immediately following this exposure, subject the tubing to the impact test shown in
Figure 1. Subject tubing to room temperature burst as specified in 9.10. Tubing shall withstand no less than
80% of the burst pressure shown in Table 2.

* The Q-Panel QUV Accelerated Weathering Tester is available from:

The Q-Panel Company

26200 First Street
Cleveland, OH 44145
(216) 835-8700

9.4 Cold Temperature Flexibility6—Expose sample of tubing for 24 h in a circulating air oven at 110 °C (230 °F).
Remove from oven and within 30 min expose for 4 h at –40 °C (–40 °F). Also expose a mandrel at –40 °C
(–40 °F) having a diameter equal to 12 times the nominal diameter of the tubing. (In order to obtain uniform
temperatures, the tubing and mandrel may be supported by a nonmetallic surface during the entire period of
test.) Immediately following this exposure, bend tubing 180 degrees over the mandrel, accomplishing the
bending motion within a period of 4 to 8 s. The tubing shall show no evidence of fracture.

5. Normally an Inspection Test conducted on each lot of tubing, and where a lot is defined as “the output of one production shift of one size and
color of tubing.”
6. A Qualification Test.

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 SAE J844 Revised JUN1998

FIGURE 1—TYPICAL NYLON TUBING IMPACT APPARATUS

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 SAE J844 Revised JUN1998

9.5 Heat Aging7—Three separate heat aging tests shall be conducted; each phase shall be run on separate
tubing samples. Subject tubing to room temperature burst test as specified in 9.10. Tubing shall withstand
80% of the burst pressure shown in Table 2.

a. Phase 1—Bend samples of tubing 180 degrees around a mandrel having a diameter equivalent to
twice the test bend radius specified in Table 2. While in this position, expose tubing and mandrel for
72 h in a circulating air oven at 110 °C (230 °F). Remove from oven and permit tubing to return to 24
°C (75 °F) while still on the mandrel. Within 30 min after stabilization at 24 °C (75 °F), return the tubing
to a straight position in a minimum of 4 s, then rebend (against the set) 180 degrees around the
mandrel, accomplishing the bending motion within a period of 4 to 8 s.
b. Phase 2—Expose samples of tubing for 72 h in a circulating air oven at 110 °C (230 °F). Remove from
oven and permit tubing to return to 24 °C (75 °F). Within 30 min after stabilization at 24 °C (75 °F),
subject tubing to the impact test shown in Figure 1.
c. Phase 3—Immerse samples of tubing in boiling water for 2 h. Remove from water and permit to return
to 24 °C (75 °F). Within 30 min after stabilization at 24 °C (75 °F), subject tubing to the impact test
shown in Figure 1.

9.6 Resistance to Zinc Chloride7—Bend tubing to the test bend radius shown in Table 2. While in this position,
immerse in a 50% (by weight) aqueous solution of zinc chloride for 200 h at 24 °C (75 °F). Remove from
solution. Tubing shall show no evidence of cracking on the outside diameter.

NOTE—Fresh, anhydrous zinc chloride should be used to make up a concentration of 50% (by weight)
aqueous solution (specific gravity of 1.576 or a Baume rating of 53 degrees at 16 °C (61 °F)).

9.7 Resistance to Methyl Alcohol7—Bend tubing to the test bend radius shown in Table 2. While in this position,
immerse in 95% methyl alcohol for 200 h at 24 °C (75 °F). Remove from solution. Tubing shall show no
evidence of cracking.

9.8 Stiffness7—Use samples 280 mm (11 in) long. Insert a rod of suitable size into the tubing to maintain a
straight position within 3.2 mm (±0.125 in). Expose tubing and rod for 24 h in a circulating air oven at 110 °C
(230 °F). Remove from oven and permit tubing and rod to return to 24 °C (75 °F). Within 30 min after
stabilization at 24 °C (75 °F), remove rod and subject tubing to stiffness test shown in Figure 2. Tubing shall
require no more force than specified in Table 2 to deflect 51 mm (2 in).

9.9 Boiling Water Stabilization and Burst Test7—Immerse tubing in boiling water for 2 h. Remove from water
and subject to the room temperature burst test as specified in 9.10. Tubing shall withstand no less than 80% of
the burst pressure shown in Table 2.

9.10 Room Temperature Burst Test8—Tubing shall be stabilized for 0.5 to 3.0 h at 24 °C (75 °F) and tested by
increasing pressure at a constant rate to reach the specified minimum burst pressure in Table 2 within a time
period of 3 to 15 s. Tubing that bursts below the pressure specified in Table 2 shall be rejected.

7. A Qualification Test.
8. Normally an Inspection Test conducted on each lot of tubing, and where a lot is defined as “the output of one production shift of one size and
color of tubing.”

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 SAE J844 Revised JUN1998

FIGURE 2—STIFFNESS TEST APPARATUS

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 SAE J844 Revised JUN1998

9.11 Cold Temperature Impact9—Condition tubing by exposing one half the samples for 24 h at 110 °C (230 °F) in
a circulating air oven, and one half the samples in boiling water for 2 h; then expose all the samples to
–40 °C (–40 °F) for 4 h. Also, expose impact test apparatus, shown in Figure 1, to –40 °C (–40 °F). While
tubing and apparatus are at this cold temperature (approximately –40 °C (–40 °F), subject tubing to impact as
specified. The tubing shall show no evidence of cracks. After impact testing, permit tubing to return to 24 °C
(75 °F). Within 30 min after stabilization at 24 °C (75 °F), subject tubing to room temperature burst test as
specified in 9.10. Tubing shall withstand at least 80% of the burst pressure shown in Table 2. Sample size
shall be 10 specimens per lot. In the event of any failures, a second sample from the same lot consisting of 20
specimens shall be tested. If another failure occurs, the lot shall be rejected.

9.12 Adhesion Test9

9.12.1 This test applies only to the reinforced products, Type B.

9.12.2 CONDITION—This test shall be conducted at 24 °C (75 °F) ambient temperature.

9.12.3 PROCEDURE AND REQUIREMENTS—Cut a strip of tubing into a 6.0 mm (0.25 in) wide helical coil equal in length
to five times the circumference of the tubing. Bend the helical coil in reverse of coiling so as to expose the
braid gap between the outer jacket and core tube section. Start by working a sharp knife blade into the braid
gap to initiate separation, and then attempt to separate the outer jacket from the core tube at the braid
interstices. The bonded surface (excluding the braided area) between the outer jacket and core section shall
be inseparable for the entire test sample length.

9.13 Heat Aging Adhesion Test10

9.13.1 PROCEDURE—Subject samples to Phase 1 of the heat aging test procedure per 9.5.

9.13.2 REQUIREMENTS—After completion of the Phase 1 procedure, the tubing shall meet the requirements of 9.12.

9.14 Collapse Resistance Test Procedure10

9.14.1 GENERAL—All tests are to be conducted at room temperature 93 °C (75 °F)11 unless otherwise specified.

9.14.2 PREPARATION OF TEST SAMPLES—Three samples shall be prepared for testing. The free tube length of the
samples shall be as follows:

3.14 x (min kink radius) + 10 x (tube OD) + 2 x (length of supporting pin)

9.14.3 TEST PROCEDURE—Place a reference mark at the middle of each sample and measure the cross section
diameter (Minor Diameter [unbent]) at this point and record.

NOTE—See Figures 3 and 4 for location of minor diameters.

9. Normally an Inspection Test conducted on each lot of tubing, and where a lot is defined as “the output of one production shift of one size and
color of tubing.”
10. A Qualification Test.
11. All test temperatures specified may vary by ±3 °C (±5 °F).

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 SAE J844 Revised JUN1998

FIGURE 3—MINOR DIAMETER (UNBENT)

FIGURE 4—MINOR DIAMETER (BENT)

9.14.4 Carefully install the samples on a bend test fixture (as shown in Figure 5) in a 180-degree bend condition.
The tube shall be bent in the direction of the natural curvature of the tube. Samples prepared per 9.14.2
shall be bent to a radius equal to the minimum kink radius called out in Table 3.

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 SAE J844 Revised JUN1998

FIGURE 5—BEND TEST FIXTURE

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 SAE J844 Revised JUN1998

TABLE 3—MINIMUM KINK RADIUS(1)

Tubing Minimum Kink Radii Minimum Kink Radii
Size (mm) (in)
1/8 A 9.4 0.37
5/32 A 12.7 0.50
3/16A 19.1 0.75
1/4 A 25.4 1.00
5/16 A 38.1 1.50

3/8 B 38.1 1.50

1/2 B 63.5 2.50
5/8 B 76.2 3.00
3/4 B 88.9 3.50
1. It should be noted that these values represent unsupported kink
radii which can be used for installation purposes.

9.14.5 Age samples on test fixture at 93 °C (200 °F)12 for 24 h13. Allow the samples to cool to room temperature.
While the samples are on the test fixture, measure the minor diameter (bent). Collapse of greater than 20%
is considered a failure (see Equation 1).
Minor OD [unbent] – Minor OD [bent]
Percent Collapse = --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- × 100 (Eq. 1)
Minor OD [unbent]
10. Notes

10.1 Marginal Indicia—The change bar (l) located in the left margin is for the convenience of the user in locating
areas where technical revisions have been made to the previous issue of the report. An (R) symbol to the left
of the document title indicates a complete revision of the report.

PREPARED BY THE SAE FLUID CONDUCTORS AND CONNECTORS TECHNICAL COMMITTEE SC4—
AIR BRAKE TUBING AND FITTING

12. All test temperatures specified may vary by ±3 °C (±5 °F).

13. All times are minimum unless otherwise specified.

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 SAE J844 Revised JUN1998

Rationale—Not applicable.

Relationship of SAE Standard to ISO Standard—Not applicable.

Application—This SAE Standard covers the minimum requirements for nonmetallic tubing as manufactured
for use in air brake systems. Nonreinforced products are designated type A and reinforced products type
B. It is not intended to cover tubing for any portion of the system which operates below –40 °C (–40 °F),
above +93 °C (+200 °F), above a maximum working gage pressure of 1030 kPa (150 psi), or in an area
subject to attack by battery acid. This tubing is intended for use in the brake system for connections
which maintain a basically fixed relationship between components during vehicle operation. Coiled tube
assemblies required for those installations where flexing occurs are covered by this document and SAE
J1131 to the extent of setting minimum requirements on the essentially straight tube and tube fitting
connections which are used in the construction of such assemblies.

NOTE—Federal regulations covering designed requirements and accepted applications for coiled tube
assemblies are set forth in 49CFR393.45. Conformance to SAE J844 does not imply
compliance with Federal regulations for air brake tubing. Sizes 3.97 mm (5/32 in) and below
may not meet 49CFR571.106 requirements for air brake systems.

Reference Section

SAE J246—Spherical and Flanged Sleeve (Compression) Tube Fittings

SAE J1131—Performance Requirements for SAE J844 Nonmetallic Tubing and Fitting Assemblies Used in
Automotive Air Brake Systems

SAE J1149—Metallic Air Brake System Tubing and Pipe

ASTM D 4329—Practice for Operating Light- and Water-Exposure Apparatus (Fluorescent UV-
Condensation Type) for Exposure of Plastics

ASTM G 53—Recommended Practice for Operating Light- and Water-Exposure Apparatus (Fluorescent
UV-Condensation Type) for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials

49CFR393.45—Brake Tubing and Hose Adequacy

49CFR571.106—Brake Hoses

Developed by the SAE Fluid Conductors and Connectors Technical Committee SC4—Air Brake Tubing
and Fitting

Sponsored by the SAE Fluid Conductors and Connectors Technical Committee