![]() ![]() ![]() The maximum allowable stroke under CVSA guidelines is based on the chamber size and type. The difference between the two measurements is the chamber stroke. As always, it’s critical to maintain, adjust, or replace slack adjusters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.”īendix typically recommends measuring the chamber stroke on each wheel-end by checking the distance from the chamber to the pin with the brakes released, and again after a full brake application. Manual adjustment may seem to temporarily solve the out-of-adjustment issue, but there may be other factors at play that must be addressed – otherwise the condition will reoccur. “This may be a holdover from the days of manual slacks, but it’s simply not acceptable for ASAs. We continue to hear stories of technicians or vehicle owners who believe that it’s acceptable to routinely adjust automatic slacks,” continued Gilboy. Gilboy noted that while there are many factors that can cause an ASA to be out of adjustment, it is likely that none of these will be remedied with a manual adjustment. “Bendix recommends greasing with an NGLI grade-2 lubricant every 30,000 miles, but you can also make things less complicated by greasing the ASAs every time you do a preventive maintenance inspection.”īecause properly installed, operating, and lubricated automatic slack adjusters should never need adjusting after the initial setup, aside from brake relining, Bendix also emphasizes that an out-of-adjustment ASA should never simply be manually adjusted to correct an out-of adjustment brake stroke. It should easily take less than a minute per adjuster,” Gilboy said. The release location varies depending on the maker – for the Bendix® Versajust® LS™, it’s on the boot for others, it’s a hole in the casting – and manufacturer instructions will offer advice on how much grease to purge from the adjuster, and what lubricant to use. Just locate the ASA’s grease fitting, attach the hose from a grease gun, and inject new grease until old grease is forced through the release opening. Lubrication is a simple process, regardless of the adjuster’s manufacturer. Both are necessary to keep the ASA working properly to maintain correct brake stroke and provide optimal stopping performance. Greasing the ASA serves two vital purposes: Forcing the new lubricant in purges the old grease from the adjuster, along with any water or contaminants that have found their way in and it protects the adjuster’s internal gear sets, clutches, and other components from wear. “And slack adjusters that don’t perform properly through lack of lubrication can have a direct impact on both safety and regulatory compliance.” As part of its Bendix Tech Tips series, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC stresses two key recommendations for automatic slack adjusters: keep them properly lubricated, and do not routinely manually adjust out-of-adjustment wheel-ends equipped with ASAs.Īll too often, we see automatic slack adjusters that are not being greased regularly during scheduled maintenance and inspections,” said Frank Gilboy, product manager, automatic slack adjusters at Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC, a joint venture between Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC and Dana Commercial Vehicle Products, LLC. Automatic slack adjusters (ASAs) are a key part of keeping today’s commercial vehicle brakes operating at peak performance and up to regulatory standards. ![]()
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