Automatic slack adjuster maintenance/adjustment

As long as they're loosening it off correctly there shouldn't be an issue. I question their method of greasing, I see no reason whatsoever as to why loosening it off does a better job. The majority of problems with being out of adjustment has been with foundation brakes themselves, not the slack. Worn s-cams, s-cam bushings, return springs, etc. Any of those issues will prevent a slack from adjusting properly.

 

If you have Haldex style of slack adjusters with a hex that takes a 7/16 socket you do need back it off against the ratchet to make sure the ratcheting mechanism is working. The ratchet in those isn't exactly like a ratchet tool. The ratchet is spring loaded. When you back it off it takes some effort to overcome the spring force and skip over the teeth. It still sounds like you are stripping it out, but that is just the sound of a good spring. With a weak or broken spring you can back it off with little to no effort and the slacks will lose their adjustment. Slack needs to be replaced. So in that regard, he is correct. As for greasing it too, well, as you back it off you are putting all the gears and cogs through a full revolution with fresh grease. You only getting fresh grease on half of the gearing and the old dried out grease on the rest. Those gears don't turn too much. Probably overkill. Might need to do that once a year or whatever.

 

Haldex, BPW, Knorr, Bendix and other auto slack ajusters are deisgnet as maitanance free, but... need lubrication and cleaning...

sometemes I see they sezed, but some "manual" procedures makes them keep worknig....

eeeh, now drum brakes are considered something like stone age technology, so get ready to fix calipers self ajustment problems!

 

Let's not forget that to keep those brakes self adjusted, 90+ psi applications are needed regularly. I do mine every day, I think it keeps everything working and less likely to seize up.

 

Yep, that's true! Good advice!

 

Very true. If you actually do your brake check on your pre and post trip that should be enough to keep them in adjustment if everything is working correct?

 

No one ever told ME that! Course I don't have an application guage, so I guess I just apply brakes real hard now and then?

 

Just make a full brake application as part of your pre-trip. Make sure the parking brakes are already released, you do not want to compound the maxi's. Do not be afraid of breaking anything with too much pressure or force. In fact, this is time to find that air line that is about to blow, or any other defect that may fail during an emergency!