# 49 C.F.R. § 229.55 (2026): Piston travel

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T49_P229_S229_55

## Section

- **Citation:** 49 C.F.R. § 229.55 (2026)
- **Heading:** Piston travel
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 49 CFR: Transportation / Chapter II: FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION / Part 229: RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS / Subpart C: Safety Requirements / § 229.55: § 229.55   Piston travel.

## Text

(a) Brake cylinder piston travel shall be sufficient to provide brake shoe clearance when the brakes are released.
(b) When the brakes are applied on a standing locomotive, the brake cylinder piston travel may not exceed 1
1/2
inches less than the total possible piston travel. The total possible piston travel for each locomotive shall be entered on Form FRA F 6180-49A.
(c) The minimum brake cylinder pressure shall be 30 pounds per square inch.

## Nearby sections

- [49 C.F.R. § 229.41 (2026) § 229.41   Protection against personal injury.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T49_P229_S229_41.md)
- [49 C.F.R. § 229.43 (2026) § 229.43   Exhaust and battery gases.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T49_P229_S229_43.md)
- [49 C.F.R. § 229.45 (2026) § 229.45   General condition.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T49_P229_S229_45.md)
- [49 C.F.R. § 229.46 (2026) § 229.46   Brakes: general.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T49_P229_S229_46.md)
- [49 C.F.R. § 229.47 (2026) § 229.47   Emergency brake valve.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T49_P229_S229_47.md)
- [49 C.F.R. § 229.49 (2026) § 229.49   Main reservoir system.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T49_P229_S229_49.md)
- [49 C.F.R. § 229.51 (2026) § 229.51   Aluminum main reservoirs.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T49_P229_S229_51.md)
- [49 C.F.R. § 229.53 (2026) § 229.53   Brake gauges.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T49_P229_S229_53.md)
- [49 C.F.R. § 229.55 (2026) § 229.55   Piston travel.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T49_P229_S229_55.md)
- [49 C.F.R. § 229.57 (2026) § 229.57   Foundation brake gear.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T49_P229_S229_57.md)
- [49 C.F.R. § 229.59 (2026) § 229.59   Leakage.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T49_P229_S229_59.md)
- [49 C.F.R. § 229.61 (2026) § 229.61   Draft system.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T49_P229_S229_61.md)
- [49 C.F.R. § 229.63 (2026) § 229.63   Lateral motion.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T49_P229_S229_63.md)
- [49 C.F.R. § 229.64 (2026) § 229.64   Plain bearings.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T49_P229_S229_64.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T49_P229_S229_55. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.