Automatic slack adjusters

well, you SHOULD know how to adjust slack adjusters, both manual and automatic. I'm assuming you are persuing a mechanic position, but in any case DOT technically requires you to be certified to even touch the adjusters/ And you'll always adjust both manual and automatic ones when you change shoes

 

Well yes and no... Some companies don't even want you to mess with the breaks...

Manual breaks you have to have the breaks released and tighten the adjuster screw all the way in and back them back out 1/2 turn... (on all four slack adjuster for the trl , if you are doing tractor 6)
(keep in mind you should have wheels chalked for safety)
Automatic they adjust when you backup......
You can adjust them manually though.. You need to remove the spring that is inside the second adjuster, then you need to do the same as you would with manual, once you back out 1/2 turn you need to replace the spring.. (you may need to adjust the 1st adjuster back and forth a little in order to get the spring back in...
Once you have them adjusted you need to backup and let them adjust again...

 

Unless your state has some unusual law you don't need to be "certified" to adjust manual slack adjusters. Any information required should be covered in your CDL class or air brake class if done seperately. Unless you are a mechanic you really shouldn't be messing with automatic adjusters unless as a "last resort" issue (as recommended by the manufacturers). If automatic adjusters are not working they need to be replaced ASAP.

Go to this link and then send the $125 to Wiseone in support of this board instead.

And yes, you run the risk of an OOS ticket with a hefty price tag if you're dragging a trailer with improperly adjusted/functioning brakes (not to mention the possibility of killing yourself or someone else), but in no way do you need to spend $125 to learn how to adjust manual slack adjusters.

 

you do need to be certified to touch them for the dot. If you get caught on a scale with brakes out of adjustment you can adjust them and be on your way if you have the certification. if not you are sitting there while a mechanic comes to adjust them. DOT Will nt let you adjust them if you don't have the certification. and if it's your truck you don't want to know what the cost for a mobile mechanic to come t the scale is
that said though, any company that will let you adjust brakes will give you certification and it's free. just read the book and take about a 10 question test

 

Hmm. Well, I stand corrected then ... at least partially.

Up here, an air brake endorsement is integral with the Class 1 license. Included in the air brake course is how to adjust the brakes. I am assuming that the certification is similar to our air brake endorsement.

As an aside, it does make for some interesting discussions sometimes with po-pos on your side of the border because on the back of the license it shows the letter requirement for the air brake endorsement (required for other classes of license where air brakes are used, but not a Class 1, such as an air brake equipped school bus), but because it is integral with the Class 1 it doesn't show on the front of the license. Same thing with the medical ... we don't get a seperate medical card as it is required in order to hold a Class 1.

 

Great link LostNFound...have you got the URL to the entire document that the brake adjustment part in the link above comes from?

 

Ask and ye shall receive.

http://www.icbc.com/licensing/lic_utility_resman_commercial.asp

Just be aware that this is the commercial vehicle driver's manual for the Province of British Columbia so some of the regulations, etc. will be different in U.S. jurisdictions. Per their website:

Throughout this guide, references are made to acts and regulations that govern driving and the design and
construction of air brake-equipped vehicles in British Columbia. This guide refl ects the law in British Columbia as
set out in these acts and regulations as of September 1, 2008. These references are written in plain language for ease
of understanding. In the event of a difference between the material included in Driving Commercial Vehicles and any
of these acts or regulations, the acts or regulations shall apply.​

 

How long is the course? It seems when I took it in B.C. it was 8 hours and was seperate from drivers licence. WCB required it for anything with air brakes. All our loader operators and tower operators had to have it but they just had regular drivers licence. Wish I had never given up my B.C. licence.

How often do you have to renew your medical?