How do you adjust the trailer brakes?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by expedite_it, Jan 18, 2025.

  1. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    Don’t you even get everyone started on how to adjust disc brakes…….we’ll be here all night.
     
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  3. Sons Hero

    Sons Hero Road Train Member

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    How does this apply to the OP? Please remain on topic:cool:
     
  4. IH Truck Guy

    IH Truck Guy Road Train Member

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    @expedite_it will be along to tell us we all don't know ####.
     
  5. Kyle G.

    Kyle G. Road Train Member

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    Star Rider do you agree with Sons Hero that Goodysnap needs to stay on topic?
     
  6. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    Are they disc or disk? 10 years ago my trainer said that makes a difference in adjustment procedure.
     
  7. Kyle G.

    Kyle G. Road Train Member

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    My green semi has a disc engine brake.

    (Or whatever color it was... now I don't remember)
     
  8. JolliRoger

    JolliRoger Road Train Member

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    The way I would have told him, and I haven't adjusted anything since about 1992, Thought all was automatic.
    As an aside, in the 50's-60's the slack adjuster did not have the push covered 9/16. Had a 4" butterfly piece cotter pinned on, Just pull and twist.
    No wrench needed.. Kinda like hand milking, tug the adjuster, twist one. Tug again, twist again, till won't tug... Back off. Done.
     
  9. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    When i was in cdl school they never told us about disc engine brakes so I think you made that up. If they didn't mention it then it must not exist.
     
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  10. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    Still see those from time to time on old survivors. Still in working condition. Along with the first invented McGurdy Brothers Anchorlok spring brake chambers that were bolted on a type 30 can.
     
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  11. Oxbow

    Oxbow Road Train Member

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    A guy I used to work for had an electromagnetic driveling retardee. It has sort of a disc affair around the driveline, but no wear against it. It actually worked really good, but I think that they never got the driveline angle right when they installed it (aftermaket) because he went through several power dividers after it was installed.

    There, now we're REALLY off topic.

    FWIW both our tractors still have manual slack adjusters, and I kind of like it because I am forced to get underneath every 3K miles or so and adjust/check things out.
     
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