How do I adjust my front slack adjusters?
Locate the adjusting mechanism on the slack adjuster. It usually takes a 9/16 wrench to turn it. Tighten it all the way; you should see the S-cams move and the brake shoes tighten against the drum. Then, loosen it 1/2 turn and you should be good.
What should slack adjusters be set at?
Anything over 3/4 of an inch means the slack adjuster should be adjusted.
How do you replace a slack adjuster?
The followig information applies to drum brakes.
- POSITION THE VEHICLE. Park your truck or trailer on a level surface and chock its wheels.
- REMOVE THE ATTACHING HARDWARE.
- REMOVE SLACK ADJUSTER.
- INSPECT BRAKE COMPONENTS.
- GET THE RIGHT PARTS.
- MOUNT THE ADJUSTER.
- CONNECT THE LINKAGE.
- ADJUST THE BRAKE.
Where is the slack adjuster on a disc brake?
1 On an air-brake system, the slack adjuster is what is used to adjust the brakes. It is located on the axle housing on the air canister near the wheel. 2 On drum brakes, it’s between the pushrod and the S-cam. 3 On disc brakes, it is between the pushrod and the power screw.
What’s the slack adjuster on a heavy truck?
Improperly adjusted slack adjusters on air brakes is a leading reasons for why a commercial heavy truck is removed from service. A slack adjuster is an adjustable lever that attaches to a pushrod and air cylinder assembly on one end and the brake assembly on the other.
When to remove slack adjuster from S-cam?
Do not manually adjust automatic slack adjusters after initial adjustment unless you are doing a complete brake overhaul. Never use an impact wrench to adjust. If you do, internal slack adjuster damage may occur. Grease the slack adjuster if required. When re-lining brakes, remove the slack adjuster from the S-cam.
How often do slack adjusters need to be adjusted?
It adjusts and takes up the slack in the stroke as the friction surfaces wear away. In a “normal” U.S. highway environment a manual slack adjuster would probably need adjustment approximately every 10,000 miles. But since there are no such things as normal truck brakes, slack adjusters are designed to be adjusted.