Problems That Can Occur With Your Automatic Slack Adjuster

Having an automatic slack adjuster is a vital part of your commercial vehicle's braking system. In addition to enhancing brake performance, it also minimizes downtime and increases payload capacity. However, there are many problems that can lead to an ASA malfunction.

One of the most common problems that can occur is over-adjustment. If your slack adjuster is not working properly, it is important that you correct the problem as soon as possible. However, manual adjustments will not address all of the factors that cause an ASA to malfunction.

In August 2007, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a directive to manufacturers of automatic slack adjusters. The directive called for a change in the way that ASAs are regulated.

The NTSB recommended that ASAs should not be adjusted manually. While this may temporarily solve the problem, it is not a good solution for the long term.

If you decide to manually adjust your slack adjuster, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions.

First, you must remove the protective cap and then fit the adjustment arm to the bracket.

Next, use a torque wrench to torque the adjustment screw. After this, you should re-fit the cap.

In addition, you should check the clevis pins for free movement. If they are not moving freely, you may have a clevis pin stuck in the yoke. This can be corrected by performing a brake inspection.

Another problem that can cause an ASA to malfunction is an excessive pushrod stroke. When your brakes are in use, the pushrod should have a stroke of no more than two-thirds of its maximum length. If this is not the case, you may have a problem with the adjuster or another part of your brake system.