Quote:
Originally Posted by RedRollingRoadblock  Truck Air Brake Warning: Manually Adjusting Automatic Slack Adjusters is Dangerous,
Can Lead to Deadly Consequences
Safety officials are warning hundreds of thousands of heavy truck operators, drivers,
mechanics, and federal and state commercial vehicle inspectors about the dangers of manually
adjusting automatic slack adjusters on vehicles equipped with air brakes.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Acting Chairman Mark V. Rosenker
bluntly warned: “Manually adjusting automatic slack adjusters is dangerous. It should not be
done, except during installation or in an emergency... http://www.ntsb.gov/Events/journalis..._air_brake.txt
Very interesting article.
Some years ago I took a class so we were qualified to "Inspect and Adjust Brakes" but don't recall how to do the ASA's. [Just give me the little card to please the DOT man.]
Maybe some of the wrench turners would like to jump in about this. |
back in the time when i attended trucking school we were taught how to adjust the brakes. now mind you, i was an ASE Certified auto-mechanic BEFORE i got into driving, so i knew many things the average person didn't.........
but don't you know, nearly EVERY trucking company i ever worked for, FORBIDDED ME from ever touching the brakes.
that was fine, till i had to decend the "hills" of the colorado and west coast areas...
i was told to get the truck to a repair shop, pay someone else, a mechanic in truck repairs, and then go on my way.....
i think it IS better we get an ASE Certified mechanic, or in some areas, a licensed mechanic to do the job.
from my understanding, all i have to do is take the ASE tests for brakes, get certified, then i CAN do my own adjustments.........
BUT, i'd rather someone else takes the heat if something "should" go wrong.....i'd be in too much hot water if something should go wrong, on top of all the other DOT/state problems we face in any accident investigation(s).......and subsequent law suits.......
Adjusting Automatic Slacks 
Linear Mode
