Method for testing hydraulic braking systems in vehicles

A method for testing a vehicle braking system, the braking system having a brake master cylinder adapted to be activated mechatronically, the method comprising:

• activating the brake master cylinder;
• measuring and recording a first set of measured decision ratios as a quotient of the distance travelled by a piston of the brake master cylinder and a corresponding pressure developed in the brake fluid of the braking system with respect to the piston's travel, and comparing the first set of measured decision ratios with a first set of reference decision ratios;
• measuring and recording a second set of measured decision ratios as a quotient of the power consumed by an actuator of the piston of the brake master cylinder and the distance travelled by the piston, and comparing the second set of measured decision ratios with a second set of reference decision ratios;
• detecting whether the first set of measured decision ratios lie within a range defined by the first set of reference decision ratios, and whether the second set of measured decision ratios lie within a range defined by the second set of reference decision ratios;
• and
• concluding a defect in one or more components of the braking system of the vehicle if the second set of measured decision ratios lie outside the predetermined range about the second set of reference decision ratios, and if the first set of measured decision ratios lie within the predetermined range about the first set of reference decision ratios.