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Brake adjustment question

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by drewfarmsllc, Oct 17, 2010.

  1. Oct 17, 2010 #1
    drewfarmsllc

    drewfarmsllc Light Load Member

    80
    26
    Oct 18, 2008
    South Carolina
    0
    I have 2 semi's , one is a 95 Volvo and the other is a 98 Pete. I don't have to adjust the brakes on the volvo very much at all and always seem to have "firm" brakes, on the other hand I have to adjust the brakes on the Pete more often and doesn't seem to have that "firm" feel to it. Both trucks have more than 60% brakes and I can switch the trailers they are pulling and it does not make any difference. Both have the same type of adjustment so they are the same ( i don't know if they are auto adjust or not but know that both are the same ). I tighten the brakes and back off 1/4 of a turn. That may not be the "correct" way but I do both trucks the same. Am I doing something wrong or does anyone know of a better way?
     
    drewfarmsllc, Oct 17, 2010
    drewfarmsllc, Oct 17, 2010
    #1
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  3. Oct 17, 2010 #2
    jbatmick

    jbatmick Road Train Member

    2,198
    2,507
    Dec 1, 2009
    hastings, Fl
    0
    Sounds like manual adjustment. Possible drivers different, one using the hand [ trailer ] brake and not using foot pedal. Some older trucks used to have a proportioniong valve than sent different amounts of air to tractor and trailer. Maybe that is sending more [ or less ] pressure to tractor than it is supposed to. I would start by using a pressure gauge at the glad hand and checking air pressure that is being sent to trailer.
     
    jbatmick, Oct 17, 2010
    jbatmick, Oct 17, 2010
    #2
  4. Oct 17, 2010 #3
    112racing

    112racing Road Train Member

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    20,548
    Nov 30, 2008
    pocono's, pa
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    if the s cam bushings are worn the shoes will not contact the drum evenly causing you to have to adjust more frequently because the shoes are wearing unevenly
     
    112racing, Oct 17, 2010
    112racing, Oct 17, 2010
    #3
  5. Oct 17, 2010 #4
    Les2

    Les2 Road Train Member

    5,150
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    Jul 25, 2008
    kicked back in my lazyboy...
    0
    Both truck should have auto slacks. It became law that trucks built 94 or later had to have them.
     
    Les2, Oct 17, 2010
    Les2, Oct 17, 2010
    #4
  7. Oct 17, 2010 #5
    Old Man

    Old Man Road Train Member

    4,597
    13,470
    Apr 3, 2009
    Oklahoma City, OK
    0
    You should not have to adjust either one if the auto slacks are working properly. If one had Rockwell auto slacks and you are backing them off without removing or releasing the paw, you have screwed them up. Get a professional to look at them. Trucks that old may need the foot valve replaced.
     
    Old Man, Oct 17, 2010
    Old Man, Oct 17, 2010
    #5
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