Brakes Out of Adjustment?

The manual adjustment of automatic slack adjusters is a dangerous practice that could have serious consequences, because it can give the operator a false sense of security about the effectiveness of the brakes, which are likely to go out of adjustment again soon.

Do not make manual adjustments of an automatic slack adjuster once it can no longer automatically adjust the brakes. Manual adjustment DOES NOT fix the underlying wheel end adjustment.

As soon as possible, have the vehicle inspected by a qualified technician or consult the manufacturer’s troubleshooting guidelines to locate and fix the actual adjustment problem.

The automatic slack adjuster is not designed to function as a manual adjuster once it is unable to maintain adjustment automatically. Manual adjustment should only be done as a one-time temporary measure to correct brake adjustment in an emergency situation, for example, to correct an OOS violation on a DOT inspection.

The routine manual adjustment of an automatic slack adjuster that is still within adjustment limits may shorten its service life.

Automatic slack adjusters should not be manually adjusted in an effort to correct excessive pushrod stroke, because this condition indicates that a problem exists with the automatic adjuster, with the installation of the adjuster, or with related foundation brake components, which manual adjustment will not fix.

Replacement of the automatic slack adjuster or other foundation brake components may be necessary.

Always consult with the manufacturer’s troubleshooting guidelines to locate and fix the actual adjustment problem.