How to Adjust Air Brakes

Be aware that these specifications represent the maximum thresholds for air brakes. It’s essential to initiate adjustments once your measurements reach close to these limits to ensure optimal functionality.

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When working with a standard Type 30 brake chamber, you need to make adjustments if the pushrod's travel exceeds recommended distances:

Most manual slack adjusters feature a spring-loaded locking sleeve that requires you to press and hold it in place while turning the adjusting bolt.

The direction in which you should turn the adjusting bolt can vary, so it’s important to verify whether to rotate it clockwise or counterclockwise based on the slack adjuster's position. Keep a close eye on the adjustment process to ensure you are tightening rather than loosening the slack.

Using the appropriate-sized wrench, typically a 9/16 inch, engage the locking sleeve and rotate the adjusting bolt while observing the camshaft’s end. As you turn the bolt, the camshaft should rotate slightly. If you're turning in the correct direction, the cam will rotate similarly to how it would if the brakes were engaged, aligning with the indicated arrow on the cam’s end.

It’s crucial that neither the pushrod nor the slack adjuster arm moves away from the brake chamber during this adjustment process.

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If at any point while adjusting the bolt the slack adjuster pulls the pushrod from the chamber, cease your actions immediately. This will indicate that the bolt is being turned in the incorrect direction.

Once you identify the correct rotational direction, continue adjusting until you feel a firm resistance, which signals that the brake linings are making contact with the brake drum.

If your brakes lack dust shields or you are able to inspect the brake shoes and linings through an access slot, you can confirm visually that the linings have made contact with the drum.

To establish an effective working clearance between the lining and drum, back off the adjusting bolt by about one-third of a turn. Ensure that the locking sleeve re-engages with the bolt to prevent the adjustment from loosening inadvertently.

It’s worth noting that on tandem axle setups, the adjusting bolts might adjust in different directions for each axle. Misalignment often results in one axle's brakes being inadvertently loosened, creating a significant safety risk.

After completing the adjustment, ensure that sufficient clearance is maintained by either pulling or prying on the slack adjuster arm. It’s advisable to re-measure the free stroke, aiming for an ideal measurement of half an inch.

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