![]() ![]() A manual adjustment gives drivers false sense that everything is working correctly.”ĭuring CVSA's three-day International Roadcheck last year, 26.5% of all vehicle out of service orders were the result of brake system violations. Brake adjustment (12.4%), was No. Manual adjustment or de-adjustment shortens ASA life, except Meritor Stroke Sensing ASA due to its unique pull pawl design. “Excess stroke is an indication of component malfunction that manual adjustment cannot fix. Kraus noted ASAs should not be manually adjusted to correct excess brake stroke, as doing so is a dangerous practice when a brake is only out of adjustment or over stroke limitations,” he said. “Having a functional slack adjuster that automatically adjusts free play clearance is not just about compliance, but rather it’s about having a loaded vehicle stop safely.” “Automatic slack adjusters are just that – automatic,” Roth said. ![]() That ruling eventually led to a mandate that led to a change to service literature on the topic of ASA adjustment. The NTSB went on to write that “warnings in existing materials available to owners, drivers, mechanics and inspectors of air-braked vehicles equipped with automatic slack adjusters have not been successful in communicating the inherent dangers of manually adjusting automatic slack adjusters to correct out-of-adjustment brakes.” NTSB ruled an ASA adjustment had led to a runaway truck accident in Pennsylvania in 2003 that claimed the life of the driver and an 11-year-old child riding in a car that the dump truck had struck during its descent on a steep downgrade. Silverback HDFollowing their mandated use on tractor-trailers in 1994 and trailers in 1995, the NTSB issued a scathing report in early 2006 condemning the practice of regularly adjusting ASAs. Manually adjusting an automatic slack adjuster can not only lead to more brake problems down the road, it can also lead to accidents.įollowing their mandated use on tractor-trailers in 1994 and trailers in 1995, the NTSB issued a scathing report in early 2006 condemning the practice of regularly adjusting ASAs. “Regular inspection to ensure that brakes are staying adjusted without human intervention is essential to any fleet maintenance PM,” he added. Any drum or disc brakes that require manual adjustment at a time other than installation are not functioning properly and need to be serviced by a trained mechanic, noted Silverback HD Vice President of Operations Keith Roth. ![]()
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