How do you measure push rod stoke by your self?

stick a thick screwdriver as a lever to pull out the slack adjuster as if you were pressing the brake from the inside

it will give you the exact amount of adjustment needed, depending if you have long or short stroke

 

Also, make sure the brakes are released and if they have spring brakes, have air so the springs are released. Pull on the slack adjuster by hand, if you have over one inch you are out of service. You cannot adjust the brakes unless you are certified IAW the FMCSR's. Unless you have that certification, you can merely inspect them to the point of making sure they are within the tolerances for being in service.

 

Not true! May want to look that up.

Best regards

 

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/cvse/references_publications/booklets1-6/pdf/PI221.pdf

States it pretty clearly on page one of this little gem. Once you hit one inch of slack, your brakes are out of adjustment, and you are out of service.

Perhaps I should have stated "one inch or more," instead of over one inch.

 

Nowhere at the link you posted does it state you are OOS at an inch or over, nor is this found anywhere else. Read it again.


Best regards

 

I stand corrected. The O.P clearly stated "Stroke" and I gave info for slack. All apoligies.

1. Make an 80 to 90 PSI application. If
your truck doesn't have an application
pressure gauge, turn off the engine,
pump reservoir pressure down to between
90 and 100 PSI, and then fully apply
the brakes.
2. Check the stroke. If it meets or exceeds
the length specified in the table below,
make an emergency adjustment and take
the vehicle to a service depot.
This info specifies by chamber type.

20 -1 3/4
24 1- 3/4
24 LS-* 2
30 2
30 LS* 2


*LS (long stroke) chambers have squareshaped inlet ports or a tag on a clamp bolt.

 

http://www.brakchek.com/EZ_2.html

Yep it can be done all alone

Added since it was not posted, what you can use as a simple marker is small hose clamps set as the page I posted shows, paint the clamps any color you want I prefer orange and will show you the travel of the rods.

 

Aiwiron's post also clearly states that dbstr is correct, and I have been wrong on the internet. I looked up FMCSR and the CFR, and have learned that I have recieved some untrue info. While I understand as to the slack being checked as part of pre-trip, it does not on it's own place a vehicle OOS. I was properly informed of the stroke limits, but evidently I did not understand the slack portion, and should have paid better attention. Again, dbstr, all apologies.