Adjusting brakes

If you need to adjust your self-adjusters then they need to be replaced. Adjusting your brakes is however something you should have your show show you, you should know how

 

If you're the one making the decision, be sure to find the root cause for the malfunction. In many cases, slack adjusters don't self adjust because of worn s-cam bushings, simply replacing the slack adjuster won't do any good.

 

Really simple. Air brakes off on part you want to adjust ie tractor or trailer. Chock wheels. Turn all the way tight, then back them off 1/4-1/2 turn.

Best to have someone show you. I'd rather do it myself than waste my time at a shop ggetting it done

 

the one I have and use.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200395582_200395582

 

I had my trailer in the show for a full brake job a few years ago. When they got done I pulled it out and hit the road. 200 miles later I get pulled in for a full DOT inspect. Got tagged for 2 axles being out of adjustment on the trailer. Rule of thumb, never trust a shop to do proper work. Always double check it yourself.

 

I wouldve checked out about suing them

OP: CYA cover your butt regardless of company policy on slack adjusters check them during your PTI
if you get checked by dot it would be your ticket
and after getting them done at shops per above drivers situation

 

That's the problem with this country, too many @$%#in' lawyers

 

When you get a brake job done, even if everything is new all those parts have to wear in to fit properly, you have to adjust the brakes, very soon after you leave the shop.
When you get pulled over for a DOT check, you want to apply your brakes with a 100 lb application so the brakes adjust up. You have to know the shop set all the slacks with a guage so they will adjust as they are suppose to. You have to know that the slacks were working properly when you brought it into the shop, and if there is a problem advise the shop, you pay them flat rate, that does not give them any time to do the extras. You also have to have done the maintenance before hand. Grease, amazing stuff.
If they did not change the "S cams and bushings then it has to wear the bottom shoe untill all is worn round.
One other thing, as a mechanic,if you put limits as to what you want fixed and then the mechanic finds more problems are you available to make a decision, I did engines and it is amazing how many people would bring in a unit, you find the problem, then wait for hours to get the OK to proceed, small shops will not wait, they just fix to the minimum and kick it out the door.
Just a thought!

 

Everyone seems to be forgetting that one needs to be 'qualified' [trained] to adjust the foundation brakes on a CMV. Everything done should be performed by a qualified individual 49CFR396.23.

Most likely unless your carrier has given you training, or collected a copy of your training certificate, they do not want you to touch the brakes. Doing so could turn you into a 'liability' nightmare in an accident.