Turn off the parking brakes so you can move the slack adjusters . Use gloves and pull hard on each slack adjuster so that you can get to it. If a slack adjuster moves more than about one inch where the push rod attaches to it, it probably needs adjustment.
That’s fairly easy to check, with no brake pressure put a pry bar on the slack adjuster. If there’s any significant movement up down or back and forth (some in and out is fine) then everything needs to come apart.
A Slack Adjuster is designed for use in S-Cam brakes which is mostly used in trailer and trucks, that is commercial vehicles. You can also call it an adjusting nut that is present on the back side of the brake drum and is used for brake adjustment.
How to inspect slack adjuster and air brake system Check brake adjustment on S-cam brakes. Park on level ground and chock the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving. Release the parking brakes on the truck or tractor and the emergency brakes on the trailer so you can mark the push rod in the unapplied position.
Do Tata slack adjusters have to be checked?
All vehicles built since 1994 have automatic slack adjusters. Even though automatic slack adjusters adjust themselves during full brake applications, they must be checked. Automatic adjusters should not have to be manually adjusted, except when performing maintenance on the brakes and during installation of the tata slack adjusters.
However, all brake systems, whether manual or automatic slack adjusters, should receive regular maintenance checkups. When you sign the trip inspection form, you need to check the brakes to make sure they are in adjustment. This means marking and measuring the brake stroke which is part of the trip inspection.
How does a slack adjuster work on a Chevy Silverado?
The slack adjuster assembly transmits the braking torque to the S-cam and facilitates the adjustment of clearance between the brake lining (brake pad) and the brake drum. It is mounted on the S-cam shaft. One end is connected to the brake chambers’ pushrod.
The slack adjuster is located on the air canister on the axle housing near the wheel. On vehicles with drum brakes, it is between the pushrod and the S-cam.