In Service Inspection; Preventive Maintenance - BENDIX ASA-5 AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTER Manual

is in the adapter bushing groove. Turn the ASA-5
adjuster manual adjustment hex clockwise until the
adapter bushing begins to enter the yoke. Fully
compress the retaining ring "legs" and continue turning
the ASA-5 ™ slack adjuster manual adjustment hex until
the adapter bushing is completely in the yoke.
Allow the retaining ring to expand into the corresponding
groove in the yoke. Make certain the retaining ring is
seated in both the yoke and the adapter bushing groove
by manually pulling the ASA-5
attempting to separate the adapter bushing and yoke.
5. Run the brake actuator push rod jam nut down against
the adapter or adapter bushing. Hold the adapter or
adapter bushing hex with a wrench and tighten the jam
nut to 300-400 inch pounds for the 1/2"-20 thread and
400-600 inch pounds for the 5/8"-18 thread.
6. Manually adjust the brakes.
Note: The vehicle brakes should be adjusted using the
vehicle or brake manufacturer's recommendation. If they
are not available, the following procedure can be used:
Rotate the manual adjustment hex clockwise until the
linings are snug against the drum. Turn the adjustment
hex counterclockwise 1/2 turn. Pull the actuator push
rod to confirm that approximately 1/2 inch of push rod
free stroke exists. Apply 85 psi and check that the push
rod stroke is below the readjustment limit. If the stroke
exceeds the readjustment limit, check the condition of
the foundation brake. Refer to Brake Maintenance
Inspection.
7. Manually uncage the spring brakes before returning the
vehicle to service.
8. With the ASA-5 ™ slack adjuster installed, check to
ensure clearance requirements with the brake fully releas-
ed and at the actuator's maximum stroke. Also consider
clearances with the vehicle suspension springs
depressed to the jounce bumpers, as well as in rebound.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Important: Always review the Bendix Warranty Policy before
performing any intrusive maintenance procedures. A warranty
may be voided if intrusive maintenance is performed during
the warranty period.
No two vehicles operate under identical conditions, as a
result, maintenance intervals may vary. Experience is a
valuable guide in determining the best maintenance interval
for air brake system components. At a minimum, the ASA-5
slack adjuster should be inspected every 3 months or 500
operating hours, whichever comes first, for proper operation.
™
Should the ASA-5 slack adjuster not meet the elements
of the operational tests noted in this document, further
investigation and service of the adjuster may be
required.
Visually check for physical damage such as broken air lines
and broken or missing parts.
™
slack
™
slack adjuster arm,
™
Every 25,000 miles, or 3 months, or 500 operating hours or
at the time of routine vehicle chassis lubrication, whichever
occurs first, the following steps should be followed (Also
observe any shorter brake adjustment inspections or
maintenance intervals specified by the vehicle manufacturer):
1. Lubricate the automatic slack adjuster through the lube
fitting with a quality multipurpose chassis lubricant
(N.L.G.I. Grade 2).
Lubricate the slack adjuster until clean lubricant flows
from the grease relief opening in the boot.
2. Perform the In Service Inspection described in this
manual.

IN SERVICE INSPECTION

1. Apply and release the vehicle brakes several times while
observing the ASA-5 ™
adjuster and brake actuator should move freely without
binding or interference and should return to the full
released position. Observe the looseness that exists
between the yoke and adapter bushing and the yoke
and link pins and their mating parts (yoke, body, link).
Replace these parts if looseness appears excessive.
Make certain the brake actuator push rod jam nut is
tight against the yoke adapter.
2. Inspect the ASA-5 ™ slack adjuster for physical damage
paying particular attention to the link, boot and yoke.
Inspect for bent, broken, loose or misaligned brake
actuator push rods and cracked or damaged brake
actuator brackets. Repair or replace any components
found to be damaged.
ACTUATOR STROKE TABLE
STANDARD STROKE
Brake
Actuator Size
30
24
20
16
12
LONG STROKE
Brake
Actuator Size
30LS
24L
24LS
20L
16L
3. Measure the brake actuator push rod stroke while making
an 80-90 psi service brake application. Actuator push
rod strokes should not exceed the values shown in the
following actuator stroke tables. The correct pressure
for this test can be achieved as follows: Build the system
pressure up to 100 psi reading on the vehicle gauge.
slack adjuster. The ASA-5
Recommended Maximum
Operating Stroke
2"
1-3/4"
1-3/4"
1-3/4"
1-3/8"
Recommended Maximum
Operating Stroke
2-1/2"
2"
2-1/2"
2"
2"
™ slack
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