adjusting brakes yourself

true.

But with the automatic slack adjusters, I wouldn't even bother attempting to adjust brakes.

 

Kinda true. If you have proof that you are qualified to adjust them you are legal.

 

here buy a couple and sell them to your friends

http://www.mmtanet.com/files/truck_supplies_order_form.pdf

 

If you're in need of the travel length getting shorter, then yes. If you've smoked your brakes, and the travel length on the rod is now too short, the auto slack adjusters won't help you. Unless there were changes in the way the auto slack adjusters work nowadays. But, then again, just back them off a turn, then use the auto slack adjusters, and do it all BEFORE you're pulled over by DOT.

 

Go ahead and mess with the auto slack adjusters, IF you wanna take a chance at screwing crap up. If you don't know EXACTLY what you're doing get it to a shop.

 

I still adjust my brakes if they ever need it but...As long as the self adjusters are working right you should never need to.
I do my own brake jobs, Always have...It's easy and it's way less exspensive that way.

 

Just make sure you give your brakes a good strong application at least once a week... you can do that just sitting in the parking lot. If you're normally light on the brakes, the "automatic" slack adjusters won't adjust.

 

If you do a proper pre-trip you will be doing an air brake test every day. You will pump the brakes to get the air pressure down to check your low air buzzer.
So when doing this just make sure you apply good strong pressure. You will be killing 2 birds with one stone.
Many DOT officers will have you apply 30 lbs of pressure several times while doing an air buzzer test. The good ones will have you do this test before they get under the truck, and it gives your auto adjusters a chance to do their job.

 

ASE Certified!!! By the way, not the fault of the driver.