Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves. Manual slack adjusters require consistent adjustment, while automatics should rarely be touched.

(Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves. Manual slack adjusters require consistent adjustment, while automatics should rarely be touched. Knowing the difference—and building it into your inspection ...

Automatic brake adjusters don’t need a lot of attention, but they certainly don’t fall in the set-it-and-forget-it category. Periodic inspection and lubrication are critical to optimal performance.

“Slack adjusters are secure; not cracked, bent, or broken and have no more than 1 inch of free play with the brakes released.” That’s the daily pre-trip inspection mantra of every driver who kicks the ...