Slack adjusters and air brake components

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Mototom, May 27, 2019.

  1. Mototom

    Mototom Road Train Member

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    What is the proper way to measure brake stroke? I’ve NEVER been taught or told how, I’ve been going on what I assumed is the proper procedure but my brakes are starting to feel odd.
    Mark pushrod and have someone apply brakes fully measuring how far the mark moves. Is this the proper way?
    Also what is the proper clearance between drum and shoe with brakes released?
     
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  3. Cam Roberts

    Cam Roberts Road Train Member

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    what brand slack adjusters do you have?
    If they are auto slack adjusters, you may have worn out slack adjusters and/or your cam bushings could be shot. Autos never need adjustment as long as they are good.
    Its easy to check cam bushings, release brakes and chock wheels and use a pry bar to check cam play. Doesnt sound like you have much know how though with mechanical know how so it might be best to bring to mechanic. But anyhow, if you have haldex, here is the manual which gives you specs to check your free play and strokes
    https://www.haldex.com/globalassets/north-america/documents/aba/l30036.pdf
     
  4. Snailexpress

    Snailexpress Road Train Member

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    BRAKE SCHOOL.COM
     
  5. LDLWells

    LDLWells Heavy Load Member

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    HA!
     
    jbatmick Thanks this.
  6. Cam Roberts

    Cam Roberts Road Train Member

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    why do you laugh? im a bussiness owner and work on my own trucks. they dont come out of adjustment. After a while, they do, and i replace the slack adjuster.
    So please back up your "ha"
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  7. LDLWells

    LDLWells Heavy Load Member

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    That's neat.

    They do need to be adjusted from time to time.
     
    jbatmick Thanks this.
  8. Cam Roberts

    Cam Roberts Road Train Member

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    thats typical. still nothing to back up. Ands sorry, no they dont. Proper lubrication at intervals and they are good to go. Your trucks need adjustment becuase they are old and worn out pal. When was the last time you installed a new one and then had it come out of adjustment? They adjust as they should unless you bought new ones and they were defective. I talk with guys just as yourself and they havent replaced one in many many years and they want to argue thatt they dont self adjust. ITs a know win argument becuase you cant argue with people with thick heads. Your adjusters that you are having to readjust need to be replaced. They arent that expensive, they are only 70 bucks a piece from peterbilt. Dont be a cheap skate when it comes to safety
     
  9. LDLWells

    LDLWells Heavy Load Member

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    That's a lot of assumptions. If auto slack adjusters were perfect why is it a common out of service violation?

    Thanks for playing, you have a great day.
     
  10. Cam Roberts

    Cam Roberts Road Train Member

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    becuase knuckleheads like you fail to maintain and replace when they are wore out. thats why.
     
    AModelCat and otterinthewater Thank this.
  11. LDLWells

    LDLWells Heavy Load Member

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    I didn't know you had access to my maintenance records.
     
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