DOT Stop Question

My two manual slack adjusting wrenches were the only cards I carried.

The autos I stomp on a few times (Service brake to the floor and remeasured.)

I had never encounter a defect so bad that we were told to be OOS and stay at the scales until road service came out.

20 years ago one of the companies required brake certification for the workers. I was happy just to let someone else get under there and fool with the automatic stuff. When you get on in years it's easier to use the time for yourself.

 

Quote "Manual adjustment of an automatic slack adjuster should only be used to correct the adjustment in an emergency situation as it is likely the brake will soon be back out of adjustment since the procedure usually does not fix the underlying adjustment problem." quote

 

Umm... no.

 

Read Csa 2010

 

Fuel check is not part of any DOT inspection, that is done by the IRS since they are the taxing authority in fear of losing revenue. They occasionally work at an inspection site alongside DOT inspectors. Had a very nice inspector in VA on I-81 that had been a DOT inspector for about 25 years, he was somewhat confused by this guy asking my permission to sample my fuel. In all his years he had never even heard of this, so it is not very common. If you're pissed at your company (or a competitor!) call the IRS fuel tax division and tell them your boss is using off road fuel to save money. They will show up and start dipping tanks and the boss will be very uncomfortable as they look for 'other ways' he may have tried to save money.

 

The scales on I-77 In NC just south of Va.has a sign “ Official fuel test location”

 

The definition I’ve read as far as being certified for brake adjustments. Include on the job experience. I once had a card from a Company, they gave everyone a card at Orientation. Wouldn’t be a bad idea to have one, just in case. I’ve never had a problem, only once had to adjust fronts in Ohio. I had done a brake job and mistakenly backed them off too much. 2”” travel, only allowed 1.75 with 20/20 chambers. I learned something that day.

 

A few years ago one of the state mechanics adjusted the brakes backwards on a state dump truck.
The driver left and was killed when he couldn't slow down on the first down grade he got on.
The last I heard was the mechanic went to prison over it. I do not remember what the charge was that he was charged on.
Remember guys, if you keep adjusting it and the rod starts coming out of the brake can, you are going the wrong way.

 

I used have that card. I have not seen anyone get those cards anymore. I got stopped in Washington state with brakes out of adjustment. I manually adjusted the automatic slack adjuster. The D.O.T guy said he had verify my repair. Make sure it was now in adjustment. They let me go and still had to fix the automatic slack adjuster. I couldn't do that myself since it needed a new one

Can any find the law that says you can't adjust them yourself ? My understanding is every driver can. We can't do repairs to brakes unless you are certified. I have not received one those brake cards in like 14 years. I don't think anyone gives them out anymore.