Need help ASAP! Air brake lube question

Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by Ryan0104x, Oct 24, 2025 at 9:04 PM.

  1. Ryan0104x

    Ryan0104x Bobtail Member

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    I was doing a chasis lube and lubed the slack adjusted & the part after that (still learning about Air brakes) I assumed any zirc was good for red n tacky 2. Now im learning you shouldn't ever do that on air brake zircs. Im getting ready to leave soon and It seems like i need to take these two components off and clean that grease out and use a differnt kind.

    Im very Mechanically inclined but have never worked on air brakes and cant find alot of specific info.

    Tldr: can someone tell me if I can take these apart and clean and relube them, or if there's any special procedures? Thank you.

    Edit: the main things im looking for answers to is, what is inside the part with 4 bolts and the zirc, springs? And service procedures for slack adjuster install for air brakes on a freightliner XC23RDX . I cant get into dtna connect. Any help is appreciated
     

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    Last edited: Oct 24, 2025 at 10:59 PM
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  3. Sons Hero

    Sons Hero Road Train Member

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    I never heard red n tack doesn’t work, I’d run it, and just use something different next time.
     
    062 Thanks this.
  4. Ryan0104x

    Ryan0104x Bobtail Member

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    There's info that says it will turn the other fluid to liquid and will cause major damage.
     
  5. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    I have mixed different type grease in slack adjusters with no problems. Most important is you keep them greased.
     
  6. JB7

    JB7 Heavy Load Member

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    The part with the 4 bolts looks like the S-cam bracket. The slack adjuster goes on the outer end of the S-cam and the S part inside the drum. The S part rotates against the rollers and pushes the shoes against the drum.
    I would get the proper grease and flush out the Red and Tacky the best you can. Run the truck for a week or two and then flush again by pumping the new grease in and forcing what is in there out.
    New Red “N” Tacky® Formula – Lucas Oil Products, Inc. – Keep That Engine Alive!
    You can also contact Lucas.

    Modern Ways to Identify Slack Adjusters on Heavy-Duty Trucks | Diesel Laptops
     
    Last edited: Oct 24, 2025 at 11:47 PM
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  7. Ryan0104x

    Ryan0104x Bobtail Member

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    disk brake grease

    This is one of the things I've found saying you should not. Others mention lithium grease turning the other kind into liquid.

    Found the sevice manual and it says nlgi 1 for meritor. And diffent for others. Im not sure how to tell which i have though
     

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  8. Ryan0104x

    Ryan0104x Bobtail Member

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    Thank you I really appreciate this answer. Do you know how to tell if they are meritor, gunite, or haldex?

    Edit: I didnt pump that much grease in but I wonder if just flushing would be sufficient vs disassembling.
    Also do you know if I have to release the pressure of the adjuster or anything like that after greasing?
     
  9. JB7

    JB7 Heavy Load Member

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    Post 5 was edited, check that.
    Clean off and may be able to tell.
    upload_2025-10-25_0-10-34.png

    Asking for trouble if you try to dissasemble. Grease and go.
     
  10. Ryan0104x

    Ryan0104x Bobtail Member

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    I think your right. Couple purges and should be good.. im gonna go clean it off and see if I can find any id numbers.
     
  11. Ryan0104x

    Ryan0104x Bobtail Member

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    Some thick gunk later, they're meritor.
     

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