Overview

In North America the Law requires that your equipment is outfitted with a visual means of checking air brake stroke adjustment.

Since October 1994, manufacturers of air brake chambers with exposed push rods have been required to provide a visual indication of air brake stroke travel. (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 121 49 CFR 571.121,S5.18. In Canada CMVSS 121.)

The Code of Federal Regulations Transportation Section S571.121 states:

(B) Brake adjustment indicator (air brake systems) For each brake equipped with an external automatic adjustment mechanism and having an exposed push rod the condition of the service brake under adjustment shall be displayed by a brake adjustment indicator that is discernible when viewed with 20/40 vision from a location adjacent to or underneath the vehicle when inspected pursuant to S5.9.

The intent of the legislation and the mandating of a visual stroke indicator was to assist a driver or maintenance individual during pre-trip inspections and brake inspections to determine whether the air brakes were sufficiently in adjustment to safely operate the vehicles and trailers. This would in-turn reduce the number of out of adjustment conditions.

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