Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems VERSAJUST AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTER User Manual
Page 7

7
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
1. Inspect the worm gear camshaft splines for damage.
If damaged, replace the Versajust slack adjuster.
2. Clean and inspect the yoke pin and link pin holes in
the yoke, the adjuster link, and the slack adjuster body.
The holes should be visually round with no perceptible
“egg shaping.” A new yoke pin and link pin can be used
to make this inspection. If this condition is noted, the
affected part must be replaced.
3. Clean out the retaining ring grooves in the yoke.
REASSEMBLY
1. If the Versajust slack adjuster uses a yoke pin bushing,
press it into the slack adjuster arm.
2. Depending on environmental conditions, an application
of anti-seize compound to both the yoke and link pins
may facilitate later removal. Install the yoke and secure
it to the Versajust slack adjuster body and link using the
yoke pin and link pin. Install washers and cotter pins
in the yoke pin and link pin, and secure each. Bend
each leg of the cotter pins to a minimum of 25 degrees,
creating an included angle of at least 50 degrees
between the legs.
3. 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.
RETROFITTING THE
BENDIX
®
VERSAJUST
™
SLACK ADJUSTER
PREPARATION
The Bendix Versajust automatic slack adjuster can replace
a manual slack or competitive automatic slack adjuster
provided some considerations are kept in mind:
1. Excessive duty cycles, high application pressures and
brake force compounding can result in reduced slack
adjuster durability.
2. Determine that the AL factor of the vehicle to be
retrofitted is 195 or less. To determine the AL factor,
multiply the slack adjuster arm length (from the center
of the cam spline to the center of the yoke pin hole in
use) times the brake chamber size. For example: a
Type 30 brake chamber connected to a 6 inch arm slack
adjuster: A = 30 square inches, L = 6 inches; therefore,
30 x 6 = 180, AL factor.
3. Make sure the foundation brake components are in
good condition. Excessive drum out-of-roundness
will result in excessive lining wear. See the In Service
Inspection section of this manual.
4. In order to select the proper slack adjuster, choose
a Versajust slack adjuster with the same arm length,
spline size, push rod thread size and offset as the slack
adjuster it is replacing.
5. When retrofitting the Versajust slack adjuster, make
certain to read the instructions packaged with all service
replacement Versajust slack adjusters.
C. Rotate the manual adjustment hex counterclockwise
until the Versajust slack adjuster is clear of the brake
actuator push rod.
Note: Considerably more torque is required to rotate the
manual adjustment hex counterclockwise than is necessary
to rotate it clockwise. The torque may be as high as 70
foot pounds.
2. If the Bendix
®
Versajust
™
slack adjuster is equipped with
the quick-connect yoke assembly illustrated in Figure 3:
A. Rotate the Versajust slack adjuster's manual
adjustment hex counterclockwise until the brake
actuator push rod begins to move just out of the
actuator.
B. Pinch the legs of the retaining ring together and pull
the Versajust slack adjuster away from the brake
actuator push rod until the adapter bushing is free
of the yoke. Remove the retaining ring from the
adapter bushing.
C. Rotate the manual adjustment hex counterclockwise
until the Versajust slack adjuster is clear of the brake
actuator push rod.
3. Remove the Versajust slack adjuster from the camshaft
of the foundation brake by removing the retaining clip
and any spacers or washers that may be present.
DISASSEMBLY
GENERAL
A reasonable level of cleanliness should be observed when
working on the Versajust slack adjuster. Clean the exterior
before disassembly.
The following disassembly and assembly procedure is
presented for reference purposes and presupposes that
a rebuild or repair of the Versajust slack adjuster is being
undertaken. Several replacement parts and maintenance
kits are available which do not require full disassembly. The
instructions provided with these parts and kits should be
followed in lieu of the instructions presented here.
1. Clamp the Versajust slack adjuster ARM in a bench
vise. Do not clamp across the portion of the body that
contains the adjuster assembly or worm gear. Using
a wire brush, thoroughly clean the exterior of the slack
adjuster, paying particular attention to the area around
the manual adjustment hex and its retaining ring. Wipe
all loose contaminants away before proceeding.
2. Remove the cotter pins and washers from the yoke pin
and link pin.
3. Remove the yoke pin and link pin, and separate the
yoke from the Versajust slack adjuster.
4. If the Versajust slack adjuster has a yoke pin bushing,
press it out of the slack adjuster arm.
5. No further disassembly of the Versajust slack adjuster
is permitted.