Slack adjuster adjustment

That's not the adjuster. That just sets the point where the ratchet mechanism in the adjuster tightens it up. The actual adjuster is on the body of the slack adjuster just like every other one.

Worst thing to do is manually adjust an auto slack. Wears out the ratchet mechanism prematurely.

 

Could also be its time for brake inspection for that wheel.

There’s a weld strip on the end of the cam that causes that set of brake to brake harder if the driver can notice.

Sometimes a slack adjuster can auto adjust too tight, but I notice that more when brake pads are new and breaking in.

 

Tight or loose adjustment has little to no bearing on braking force. All it does is change the amount of brake lag. The brake chamber puts out a constant force per PSI of pressure over the length of its stroke.

 

No it will not auto adjust. That needs to be set to manufacturer specs, as does brake chamber rod length, and slack adjuster length from center of cam to pin.

Lot more to proper brake operation with that style auto adjuster than "set it and forget it"

 

Won’t hurt to adjust them. The adjuster bolt is on the slack, it doesn’t have a lock button, like others. Just one bolt, no spring loaded lock nothing, just a ratchet effect. Tighten it up, hear it ratchet. Backing it off, there’s much more resistance, hear it Ratchet much louder. Sounds like your tearing something up. Don’t worry, just crank on it. Won’t hurt anything. Tighten it up, back off 1/2”. I’d check ride height. If it’s too high, brakes will lock up very easily. Air ride, rear axle usually locks first. Usually noticed when empty. Especially in rain and snow. Yeehaw!!!

 

That bolt you show a pic of is set when the slack adjuster is installed. Leave it alone. If you want to check the automatic operation of a slack, after you adjust it, back it off a bit, 1/4-1/2 turn, leave the box end of the wrench on the adjuster bolt, note the position, say 3 O’clock. then go pump the brakes. The adjuster bolt should tighten itself, back to a safe position. Always have parking brakes released, wheels chocked when adjusting brakes. Having a helper pump the brakes helps a lot. You can watch the bolt tighten one click at a time with each application of foot valve.