Post Gordon ~ Thoughts, Commentary & Reflections

Breakdown in Bridgeport, OH




How to cage air brakes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSqQTKs6v2A

Air chamber basics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVJSFlp8Pws

More on how air chambers work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytSVUlInq0A

Good on brakes/shocks/tires: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BthmsbFiSTo

Article on brake air chambers: http://www.zafr.com/trucktcom/b_chmbrs.htm

Air brake overview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=likqvlyOhDQ

Air brake overview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mrUMTP4thl

Brake chamber disarming: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WUKLX_cFXM

Aftermarket S-cam install: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei59ysoMdLU

Automatic slack adjusters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3HRWoof0XM

Relay control valve: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTJm6SzKxXg

(Copied over from prior page.)

And more:

Auto adjusters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrEa9z2gZ24

Air dryer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKBnamODCb8

Air supply circuit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giq_L6ziaeo

Trailer parking circuit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ze6oceDPr0

Trailer service circuit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOTFUaZaUpI

Air compressor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoUpJIhphz4

Spring relay valve: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rqvO_IwHbM

 

Disagreement over 'Adjusting' Automatic Slack Adjusters

Since I drive part-time (not Gordon anymore) and may not see the truck for a week or more, I routinely slide a creeper under the back and 'adjust' the drives. Mechanics do this all the time. I know this. But when an automatic adjuster is not properly adjusting, it should be replaced.

Before this last trip (Indy/Philly/Rochester/Philly/Bridgeport, OH/Philly/Indy) I found that my back right slack adjuster had no clicking action--the gear pawls had worn and the slack adjuster needs replaced. I mentioned it to the shop before I left and wrote it up when I got back. (I'm okay with that.)

Here's a video that says NOT to adjust automatic slack adjusters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnGi_lqueo0

I'll continue doing what I do.

No, I don't think I have a 'false' sense of security as a result of laying a deep 7/16 socket onto the slack adjuster and doing my own adjustment. I also get up close and personal with my brakes before I need rely on them. Gives me more information, not less. I don't touch the steering. That's for a mechanic.


Written Sept 27, 2013 at El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant, Spencer, IN. All rights reserved by author. Blu, we need photos of these burros, not just a teaser.

 

Hm-m-mm, Denali, you don't see all those videos I just posted, msg 292??

A virtual, pretty much A-Z classroom on trailer air brakes.

 

True!

Gordon Drivers Manual specifically states adjust both trailer and tractor brakes 1/4 turn back from tight against drum. Very Gordon-like does not tell you to do it. (You often see calls for 1/2 turn back from tight.) I drive up to front of shop bay and borrow a creeper from the shop. We have plans to certify on brakes as many drivers as want. (Not Gordon.)