environmental conditions, an application of
INSTALLATION
1.Select the proper Bendix® Versajust™ slack adjuster.
2.Install the Versajust slack adjuster on the brake camshaft.
3.If the Versajust slack adjuster has the easy‑on yoke (see Figure 3), position the brake actuator push rod jam nut approximately 15/16 inches from the end of the brake actuator push rod. Thread the easy‑on yoke adapter on the brake actuator push rod until it is approximately 3/8 inch from the end of the brake actuator push rod end. Turn the Versajust slack adjuster manual adjustment hex clockwise until the adapter extends into the threaded bore of the yoke approximately 1/8 inch. Thread the adapter into the yoke and tighten to 10 foot pounds.
The installation below depicts the angle of a properly installed Versajust slack adjuster:
FIGURE 5 - INSTALLATION ANGLE
Slack Adjuster
Arm Length | Angle |
5" | |
51/2" | |
6" |
CHART 1 - SLACK ADJUSTER ARM LENGTH/ANGLE
4.If the Versajust slack adjuster has the quick connect yoke (see Figure 4), position the brake actuator push rod jam nut approximately 1 inch from the end of the brake actuator push rod. Thread the quick connect adapter bushing on the brake actuator push rod until it is flush with the end of the brake actuator push rod. Install the retaining ring on the adapter bushing, making certain it is in the adapter bushing groove. Turn the Versajust slack adjuster manual adjustment hex clockwise until the adapter bushing begins to enter the yoke. Fully compress the retaining ring “legs” and continue turning the Versajust 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 Versajust slack adjuster arm, 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 either the vehicle or brake manufacturer’s recommendation. If these 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 the Brake Maintenance Inspection in this document.
7.Manually uncage the spring brakes before returning the vehicle to service.
8.With the Versajust slack adjuster installed, check to ensure clearance requirements with the brake fully released 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. (Also observe any more frequent brake adjustment inspections or maintenance intervals specified by the vehicle manufacturer)
At a minimum, the Versajust slack adjuster should be inspected every 3 months or 500 operating hours, whichever comes first, for proper operation. Should the Versajust slack adjuster not meet the elements of the operational tests noted in this document, further investigation and service of the adjuster may be required.
Every 25,000 miles/3 months/ or 500 operating hours – or at the time of routine vehicle chassis lubrication – whichever occurs first, the following steps should be followed:
1.Visually check for physical damage, such as broken air lines and broken or missing parts.
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