When brakes with manual slack adjusters are out of adjustment, they must be re-adjusted so that the pushrod stroke is less than the adjustment limit. Only certified technicians may repair and perform brake re-adjustments on manual slack adjusters. In Ontario, drivers can become certified to perform brake re-adjustments on manual slack adjusters. Only those who have obtained certification are permitted to perform brake re-adjustments. This certification does not permit you to manually re-adjust automatic slack adjusters.

Automatic slack adjusters, if they are working properly, do not require regular re-adjustment. If periodic re-adjustments are required it means that the automatic slack adjuster is defective and must be repaired by a certified technician. Only certified technicians are permitted to perform re-adjustments or repairs on automatic slack adjustors. It is dangerous for someone who is not certified to attempt to adjust the automatic slack adjustors. You may unknowingly damage the brake and cause it to malfunction. Check your automatic slack adjusters often to ensure that the adjustments are correct; however, do not attempt to repair them yourself.

Important: The Ontario Highway Traffic Act and regulations prohibit the operation of a vehicle with a brake that is out of adjustment.