If you need to adjust automatic slack adjusters you have a failed brake component or brake foundation issues (failed means a component that no longer works as it should, can be lack of maintenance or wear and tear). The only time your brakes should need to be adjusted are after wheel, brake or hub assembly service.
I'm sorry for commenting on my friends account, but I had to comment on this. My name Is Willie Emert and I have been a driver, an owner-operator and a mechanic in charge of a fleet of 20 trucks and trailers over the past 36 years that I've been around these monsters, and this is THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING I'VE EVER HEARD! You DO NOT measure brake adjustment by listening for the right ring tone! I guarantee that DOT inspector won't be dinging your drums when he checks you. He has a tape measure and will measure how far that rod travels. SwooshForce gave you the numbers, and the best way to get them is to tighten the brakes down until they stop against the drum, then back them off a half turn. Bendix or Meritor either one. And YES, THERE ARE TIMES WHEN YOU NEED TO ADJUST AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS. Slack adjusters that aren't properly maintained (lack of grease, lack of use, sand, salt and dirt buildup) can sometimes miss a click or two on the adjuster gears ( pawl on a Meritor) Many times the movement of adjusting the brakes will restore them to working order. FOR A QUICK VISUAL "RULE OF THUMB" CHECK: With the parking brakes set, look at the angle that is formed between the actuator rod and the slack adjuster. If the angle is 90 degrees or more (more open), the adjustment is probably ok. If the angle is less than 90 degrees, they probably need adjusting. If this isn't quite clear to you, just adjust the brakes using the 1/2 turn back off method, then set the brakes and observe. You should see the angles. Thank you.
interesting but at school they always taught us to measure the released positing and then the applied position. If out of specs then we would adjust them. I heard an air leak when you were checking the steer brakes :P. Regardless it's a helpful video.
It's surprising that nobody has heard of this method, it's old school. My dad to this day runs them down to the blunt sound then backs them off about half a turn
very good your video. because even if my method is another. and always good to know different methods. because us never know how and when an emergency will arise.
good video! Never thought of going by sound. I'm working for this new company and one of the vehicles is a 98 Mack Dump truck! I'm adjusting amongst every brake every day! the slack adjusters come way out! what would cause them to do that daily??
Thank you for this video. Their is always something new to learn, like the tapping on the brake.
You’re a man of few words.
If you need to adjust automatic slack adjusters you have a failed brake component or brake foundation issues (failed means a component that no longer works as it should, can be lack of maintenance or wear and tear). The only time your brakes should need to be adjusted are after wheel, brake or hub assembly service.
Nice video, I will be checking and adjusting my truck brakes as soon as possible, again Great Job.
On my kW with no auto slack adjuster I run them down till they touch then back'm off 1/2 turn and perfect every time.
I'm sorry for commenting on my friends account, but I had to comment on this. My name Is Willie Emert and I have been a driver, an owner-operator and a mechanic in charge of a fleet of 20 trucks and trailers over the past 36 years that I've been around these monsters, and this is THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING I'VE EVER HEARD! You DO NOT measure brake adjustment by listening for the right ring tone! I guarantee that DOT inspector won't be dinging your drums when he checks you. He has a tape measure and will measure how far that rod travels. SwooshForce gave you the numbers, and the best way to get them is to tighten the brakes down until they stop against the drum, then back them off a half turn. Bendix or Meritor either one. And YES, THERE ARE TIMES WHEN YOU NEED TO ADJUST AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS. Slack adjusters that aren't properly maintained (lack of grease, lack of use, sand, salt and dirt buildup) can sometimes miss a click or two on the adjuster gears ( pawl on a Meritor) Many times the movement of adjusting the brakes will restore them to working order. FOR A QUICK VISUAL "RULE OF THUMB" CHECK: With the parking brakes set, look at the angle that is formed between the actuator rod and the slack adjuster. If the angle is 90 degrees or more (more open), the adjustment is probably ok. If the angle is less than 90 degrees, they probably need adjusting. If this isn't quite clear to you, just adjust the brakes using the 1/2 turn back off method, then set the brakes and observe. You should see the angles. Thank you.
great informative video, im going to be using this to show my class.
I wonder in the end of the video, if he noticed that he had an applied air leak?
that's exactly what i was looking for. thanks
interesting but at school they always taught us to measure the released positing and then the applied position. If out of specs then we would adjust them. I heard an air leak when you were checking the steer brakes :P. Regardless it's a helpful video.
It's surprising that nobody has heard of this method, it's old school. My dad to this day runs them down to the blunt sound then backs them off about half a turn
Good job
Very good info thanks
very good your video. because even if my method is another. and always good to know different methods. because us never know how and when an emergency will arise.
That's hilarious on how he's checking his brakes. Listening by tapping his brakes...and going by the sound it makes.🤦♀️
I check my engine oil level by tapping on the pan when I am done with the brakes
nice. .. it's a good help
i got here from that horrific tumblr post about someone's mishap with a big sex toy ...
Has the cat got your tongue? This was like watching a comedy skit.
good video! Never thought of going by sound. I'm working for this new company and one of the vehicles is a 98 Mack Dump truck! I'm adjusting amongst every brake every day! the slack adjusters come way out! what would cause them to do that daily??