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.
Where is the slack adjuster located on a Chevy Silverado?
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.
What are the slack adjusters?
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 can you check if the Slack Adjuster is fitted properly?
Slack adjusters are mechanical links between the brake-chamber push rod and the camshaft on cam type brakes. Slack adjusters are not used with wedge-type brakes.
This begs the question “Where is the slack adjuster on a drum brake system?”
The slack adjuster is the part of an air-brake system that is used to adjust the brakes when needed. 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.
Having properly adjusted slack adjusters on a heavy vehicle with air brakes is essential to the safe operation of the vehicle. Improperly adjusted slack adjusters on air brakes is a leading reasons for why a commercial heavy truck is removed from service.
Do you have to manually adjust slack adjusters?
Therefore, it does not require periodic manual adjustment and is highly recommended not to adjust unless absolutely necessary or in an emergency situation. Do not manually adjust automatic slack adjusters after initial adjustment unless you are doing a complete brake overhaul. Never use an impact wrench to adjust.
Measure the distance between the air cylinder and the chalk mark. If the measurement is at or less than 3/4 of an inch, it does not require adjustment. Anything over 3/4 of an inch means the slack adjuster should be adjusted. There is one pushrod for each brake assembly at each end of every axle so check each of them.
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.