Truck Parts and Service | Heavy Duty Trucking, Aftermarket, Service Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/833526
M eritor has published a technical bulletin with guidance for ensuring automatic slack adjusters maintain peak performance. According to Meritor, keeping automatic slack adjusters operating at peak performance is key to safety and regulation compliance. When verifying a Meritor Stroke Sensing Automat- ic Slack Adjusters' operation, Meritor says to always remem- ber to check automatic slack adjuster torque to determine if replacement is needed. The company says checking torque can be done as follows: Verify the snap ring is correctly secured on the camshaft Check slack adjuster gear torque — use a lb.-in. torque wrench and turn adjusting nut counterclockwise to rotate the gear 360 degrees, or 22 turns of the wrench, as you read the torque scale on the wrench. The value should be less than 45 lb.-in. (5 N m) as you rotate the gear If the torque value is less than 45 lb.-in. (5 N m) as you rotate the gear, the slack adjuster is operating correctly If the torque value exceeds 45 lb.-in. (5 N m) as you rotate the gear, replace the slack adjuster Also important, Meritor says to verify brake slack adjuster position (BSAP) for the type of chamber (standard or long stroke) is correctly set, and verify the use of the proper clevis for the type of chamber (standard or long stroke) and BSAP. MAINTAINING SLACK ADJUSTER PEAK PERFORMANCE 12 Tech Updates T R U C K P A R T S & S E R V I C E | J u n e 2 0 1 7 SAFETY RECALLS Daimler Vans USA is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat seatbelt pretensioners that may not function properly in the event of a crash. If the front seat seatbelt pretensioners do not function properly, the seat occupants may not be adequately restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Jim Reed's Truck Sales, Inc. (JRTS) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Hino 338 trucks modifi ed by JRTS. The affected trucks have Certifi ca- tion labels that do not identify JRTS as the fi nal stage manufacturer. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certifi cation." Incorrect fi nal stage manu- facturer information on the certifi cation label may hinder owner awareness of safety recalls, increasing the risk of a fi re or a crash. Mack Trucks is recalling certain 2015-2018 LR and 2011-2018 TerraPro (LEU and MRU) trucks. The alternator cable may be insuffi ciently thick to handle the current, and, as a result, may overheat. If the alternator cable overheats, it would increase the risk of a fi re. Navistar is recalling certain 2016-2018 IC Bus CE school buses equipped with a plastic booster pump, 17k Webasto heater and a Webasto Smart Temp timer. The power circuit for the heater booster pump may be unfused. Without circuit protection, if the vehicle has a heater booster pump electrical failure, it can increase the risk of a fi re. Spartan Motors USA is recalling certain 2008- 2017 Gladiator and MetroStar emergency response vehicles equipped with a supplemen- tal park brake system (SPBS). The directions to activate the SPBS incorrectly state to "Pull" the actuation knob, when it should say "Push." If the operator follows the incorrect directions and believes that the supplemental front park brake is applied when it is not, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a crash. Stoughton Trailers is recalling certain 2017- 2018 DAVW and DVW 285S dry van single-axle trailers. The outside welds that attach the front suspension hangers to the subframe may crack, allowing the front hanger to detach. If the hang- ers detach, the axle assemblies will break loose from the trailer causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash. Volvo Trucks North America is recalling certain 2015-2017 VHD trucks. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the pusher or tag axle may be incorrect on the certifi cation label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the require- ments of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certifi cation." If the GAWR information is incorrect, the operator may overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. The following are safety recalls issued by the National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration: 22 turns Rotate gear 360°