Air brakes

[klucas]

Has anyone adjusted/ maintained there own air brakes? Specifically the slack adjusters? If so what was your process? I want to adjust them my self and was looking for a bit of guidance. Thanks

[silver]

Originally Posted by klucas

Has anyone adjusted/ maintained there own air brakes? Specifically the slack adjusters? If so what was your process? I want to adjust them my self and was looking for a bit of guidance. Thanks

Just keep the coach greased and there is no adjustment to be done. That is the beauty of the automatic slack adjuster. If you do not grease them they can freeze up.

[klucas]

Originally Posted by silver

Just keep the coach greased and there is no adjustment to be done. That is the beauty of the automatic slack adjuster. If you do not grease them they can freeze up.

I am getting a pull to the right under braking. I read a few articals saying the slack adjusters may need attention. Apparently even with auto slack adjusters there is a way to reset the adjustment by fanning the brake ect. Curious if anyone has attempted it and if it worked.

[dan-nickie]

Originally Posted by klucas

I am getting a pull to the right under braking. I read a few articals saying the slack adjusters may need attention. Apparently even with auto slack adjusters there is a way to reset the adjustment by fanning the brake ect. Curious if anyone has attempted it and if it worked.

I'm not sure about 'resetting' the adjustment, but I learned the procedure for automatically adjusting them on here last year and it has helped with the general feel of the brakes. Forgive me if you already know this.

After starting up and only on level ground/pavment:
1. Transmission in neutral
2. Release the parking brake
3. Depress the brake pedal fully (with a little force) 3- 4 times.

I had been noticing my brakes didn't seem quite as good as when I got it new. After starting to use this procedure regularly the brakes feel like new again.

[klucas]

Originally Posted by dan-nickie

I'm not sure about 'resetting' the adjustment, but I learned the procedure for automatically adjusting them on here last year and it has helped with the general feel of the brakes. Forgive me if you already know this.



After starting up and only on level ground/pavment:

1. Transmission in neutral

2. Release the parking brake

3. Depress the brake pedal fully (with a little force) 3- 4 times.



I had been noticing my brakes didn't seem quite as good as when I got it new. After starting to use this procedure regularly the brakes feel like new again.

Yes that's exactly what I was looking for. How often do you do this procedure?

[Scrapper]

You know what they used to say before automatic slack adjusters, Air they gonna work, air they ain't.

[clutchd]

If you do not have the mechanical knowledge of how the system works please do not adjust anything with wrenches

The only thing you should do is the above with your brake pedal.

This should be done every day as a precheck any how whether you are a commercial vehicle or a recreation vehicle.

It is just the way air brakes work. The only problem with auto slacks in air brakes is you have to push the service brake a certain amount for adjustment. Normal braking will not always adjust

Build system to full pressure (120 psi)

Release the parking brake

Push service brake to the floor and how for a second

Release service brake

Repeat 3 or so more times


This will keep your brakes properly adjuster per meritor/ bendix specs.

Now you could still have other problems such as seized pins if the vehicle sits alot.

If this does not help I would go to any local truck show and have them take a look

[dan-nickie]

Originally Posted by klucas

Yes that's exactly what I was looking for. How often do you do this procedure?

Almost every time I leave a campground. If it's not level or I don't have time, I don't worry about it.
I think every week or so should be sufficient.

[EJM4]

If you have to adjust an automatic slack adjuster, it is time to replace it.

[clutchd]

Originally Posted by EJM4

If you have to adjust an automatic slack adjuster, it is time to replace it.

Not always true. If you are not properly checking the brakes every morning with the above steps they may not adjust. Because they were not forced to adjust

Auto slacks are designed to adjust under a certain amount of movement. But if that required range is not reach, the slacks won't adjust. So they are working properly. Under normal braking the required movement is not normally reach. This is why meritor and other manufacturers have the brake check that is to be perform before driving.

[po 185]

clutchd is right, I had to adjust auto slacks on trash trucks and fire trucks a lot when i was a mechanic(36 years firetruck mechanic). so follow the steps above and you should be good.when it gets to where that don't work---check the brake lining to see if they are worn out

[clutchd]

Originally Posted by po 185

clutchd is right, I had to adjust auto slacks on trash trucks and fire trucks a lot when i was a mechanic(36 years firetruck mechanic). so follow the steps above and you should be good.when it gets to where that don't work---check the brake lining to see if they are worn out

Po 185

I am currently a fire mechanic also. Been for about 5 years now. Before that I worked on heavy equipment (d11 dozens) for caterpillar and international trucks.

[dan-nickie]

Originally Posted by klucas

Yes that's exactly what I was looking for. How often do you do this procedure?

I forgot to say to do this with the engine running.

[klucas]

Originally Posted by dan-nickie

I forgot to say to do this with the engine running.

Thank you! I did it and it made a big difference. I appreciate the information.