- Overview
- Manual Slack Adjusters (MSA)
- How slack adjusters work
- Product Catalogue
- Installation & Removal
- Replacement
- Failure Analysis
- Preventive Maintenance
- Automatic Slack Adjusters (ASA)
- Components of Slack Adjusters
RoadsideE Brake Adjustment
If the driver has to adjust brakes on the road, the following procedure is recommended: If the vehicle is equipped with a self-adjusting brake adjuster, use pry bar to put on the brake adjuster. If the movement is more than 5⁄8", a manual adjustment should be made following the same procedure described below for a manual brake adjuster. If the self-adjusting brake adjuster is equipped with a pawl, remove the pawl for the brake adjustment and then properly reinstall the pawl. If the self-adjusting brake adjuster needs adjustment, inform maintenance personnel.
1. Block the wheels or mechanically secure the vehicle. On the brakes to be adjusted, spring brakes must be mechanically caged or released with air.
2. Rotate the adjusting mechanism until the brake shoes contact the drums. Using a pry bar, pull on the brake adjuster by hand to make sure it will not move. If there is a movement, adjustment was made in the wrong direction and the adjusting mechanism must be turned in the opposite direction. Tap the brake with a wrench; you should hear a dull clunk indicating the brake linings are tight against the drum.
3. Back of the brake adjuster a small amount at a time, while tapping on the brake drum with a wrench in between adjustments. Stop backing of the adjuster when you hear a clear ringing sound from the brake drum when tapped with a wrench.
4. Using a pry bar, pull on the slack adjuster by hand. If movement is more than 5⁄8", adjustment was not done properly or here is a problem with foundation brake.
NOTE Some brake chamber push rods are marked to warm of an over-stroke condition while making themselves may vary, the marking system as to basic features.
They are: There is a mark on the brake chamber push rod near its clevis attachment to signal that it incorporates a stroke alert indicator. There also is a mark on the brake chamber push rod opposite its clevis attachment end which is exposed from the brake chamber whenever over-stroke occurs.