Automatic Slack Adjuster

[@danielww9022]

Backing it off against the ratcheting gears is exactly what destroys an automatic adjuster. They're not like the old ones where you simply close the brake against the drum and then back it off a bit. If you've got automatic slack adjusters, have someone press the brake pedal (about 30-35 psi is all you need) while you measure the push rod throw. Your helper presses the pedal, you measure the throw. If you need to tighten it up, then your helper releases the pedal so that you can give it another turn. This way allows you to tighten it little by little until it's where you want it, instead of destroying it. An even better way to do this is have have your helper do the wrenching while you press the brake pedal. It's a mess down there!

[@BartholomewHunt87]

How much push rod throw is optimal? The video mentions 2'', is that standard?

[@danielww9022]

@@BartholomewHunt87 not more than 2 inches. Anything over that is a violation, & if 20% or more of your brakes are in violation, the cop can red tag the truck until you get the brakes adjusted to within specs. Most of the year, I adjust mine to about a 1 inch throw. In winter months, though, I'll back them off to about 1½ inches so that they're not too grabby when I'm driving the ice rinks. Hope this helps. Hmu if you've got any more questions.

[@gabrielmiller1226]

You’re the only person who does this

[@danielww9022]

@@gabrielmiller1226 Then I'm the only one who does it correctly. I'm okay with that. I pay for my own equipment, not others when they break it. 🫠

[@MrKingsleyK]

Thanks for your professional truck mechanic advice

[@johnysilver1853]

I like the video quick and simple straight to the point!

[@particles1101]

Thank you for thus video!

[@RoyalTruckUtilityTrailer]

Thanks for watching!

[@christopherjamieson4237]

What was the stroke measurement before you adjusted the brakes? Jumping right to making adjustments on an automatic adjuster could be covering up other issues.

[@RoyalTruckUtilityTrailer]

Christopher Jamieson, good point and thanks for watching. Correct, if the stroke is too long something must be worn to allow the brake to be out of adjustment.

[@chris76-01]

What does it mean if an auto slack adjuster starts out in correct adjustment but by the end of a long trip, it is far out of adjustment and the brake pads won't even touch the drum when the brakes are applied?

[@KeithPolin]

That means you proally need a new slack adjuster obviously.

[@jonelliot854]

Defective slack adjuster. Replace.

[@Brrymycoochiscold]

The slack adjuster seen in this video is likely a Haldex ASA. They’re use a 7/16 socket for adjustment. Some utilize a memory pin that can be affixed to the cam tube or chamber mounting stud. This serves as a reference point for the slack to know when it needs to internally adjust based on travel. I’ve seen apprentices forget to adjust them properly or even tighten the hardware. This would result in something similar to what you’re describing brother.. cheers

[@jayloco6693]

We did a complete brake job set them 1/2 turn like you said but my rotors are constantly hot not to the point of catching on fire, but there is definitely some friction going on. Can you please tell me what you think the problem is?

[@jayloco6693]

ABS light and traction control light also coming on and I do not see any air leeks

[@denrickliburd2963]

Can you replace manual slack adjusters with automatic ones?

[@helloneighbor11]

Yes

[@christopherkane2842]

That was great thanks for sharing it

[@stevenjones5850]

Trying to find out that automatic said one adjustment Rod attached to the Oder hole in the clevis pin so manually adjust slacks

[@markroberts4667]

Thanks Very Educational...

[@donaldpetrey5843]

What about a slack adjuster that’s seized won’t tighten or release lol fml ran into that today.

[@helloneighbor11]

You can buy pullers that are mad to fit on slack adjusters. If you're not someone that does it often it may be worth it to just brute force it

[@johndove5902]

Question:what was the red tool for?

[@RoyalTruckUtilityTrailer]

The red tool is a specialty tool made by snap on tools specifically for adjusting slack adjusters. It is nice to have, but not required to make the adjustment.

[@martyh4777]

The DP motorhome's slack adjusters seems to have some white color grease in it (after the the fact read is may be some clay type grease). Before I realized the different grease, I applied 2 short-pumps of red high-temp grease I used for my entire chassis / drive-train. Can this small amount of a different grease cause a problem? Can I flush most of it out by pumping the right grease through the slack-adjuster?

[@jamesgrimes4406]

Why can’t anyone ever have the trailer I got it’s a 2017 Great Dane the adjustment but looks totally different

[@RoyalTruckUtilityTrailer]

There's several options/brands of automatic slack adjusters to choose from. All are similar to adjust. The main thing to check is the pushrod travel. Thanks for watching!

[@johnmcbeth5563]

Thank you

[@joseaneslll8584]

My Freightliner back driver side brake is stuck. I tried to manually adjust the slack adjuster it made that grunting but didn't release the brakes.

[@multivrios]

Your brakes and drums worned out

[@795owner]

Back them off like you did then smack the edge of the drum with a hammer. Make sure you have the wheels chocked as the truck might lurch forward when they release if all other brakes are properly releasing

[@LMdeGeneres]

Some slack adjuster have a tab that needs pulled out to make the adjustment

[@bradthomas5911]

Lurching forward does not need to happen if the tractor brakes are applied lol

[@bradthomas5911]

Or vice versa if it's the tractor than just release the tractor brakes but apply the trailer brakes

[@daviddockstader1773]

Why would my auto adjuster always get to tight on there own

[@marceloevera2009]

theres no adjustment for automatic slackers

[@Diesel_Tech]

I’m pretty sure that’s not how that works. Automatic slack adjusters for air brake systems adjust as the shoe lining wears down they should adjust to take up slack. What you did was check to see if your tractor protection is working correctly. But i maybe wrong

[@santkumarhooda3276]

Thanks

[@RoyalTruckUtilityTrailer]

Thank you for watching!

[@drdwgmd14]

I still cannot find a good video of what a slack adjuster actually does

[@Somatropin]

Our Volvo has a slackAdjuster

[@edwardjeremias4087]

if they're automatic slack adjusters why are you adjusting the slack adjuster I always regardless of what kind of brakes I have even supposedly those with automatic slack adjusters I adjust them tighten them all the way up and a quarter turn back. before a Mountain Drive and after a Mountain Drive

[@EdsonA503]

Thank you.