Adjust Break Permit For Free

Sounds, smells and sensations signal brake problems: Screeching, grinding, squealing, rubbing, and other eardrum-piercing noises are common indicators that your brake pads & shoes require inspection. This should be addressed before worn pads cause damage to other parts, which could result in more expensive repairs.

To check the slack adjusters on S-cam brakes, you should: park on level ground, chock the wheels and release the parking brakes, then use gloves and pull hard on each slack adjuster that you can reach. release the parking brake valve and begin reducing the air pressure by stepping on and off the brake pedal.

Determine the number size (such as 16, 20, 24 or 30) and type (such as standard or long-stroke) of the brake chamber. Compare the applied pushrod stroke to the applicable adjustment limit and identify any brake that exceeds the adjustment limit as defective.

Automatic slack adjusters are designed to continuously and automatically maintain the brakes in proper adjustment during normal use. However, they must be checked daily to ensure they are maintaining proper push rod travel - less than one in. (25.4 mm) when manually pulled and less than two in.

Use a tool such as a small pry bar to move the slack adjuster and check the brake's free play how far the center of the large clevis pin moves before the brake shoes come in contact with the drum. Free play should be between 3/8 and 5/8 of an inch.

Pull the chamber push rod out to its limit by pulling on the slack adjuster arm or by prying with a short bar. If push rod travel is more than 3/4 in. (19 mm), brakes MUST be adjusted.

Explanation Brakes can get out of adjustment quickly, especially if they are used to the point of overheating. Brake adjustment should be checked frequently.

3. How can you check the slack adjuster?Park on level ground, turn off parking brakes, pull hard on each slack adjuster. It shouldn't move more than one inch.Park on level ground, turn off parking brake and press brake pedal.Park on an incline and see if the vehicle rolls.

Trailer brakes should be adjusted every 3,000 miles. Depending on how often you tow your trailer, this translates to about once every 3 months.

The usual recommendation for routine brake service on a passenger vehicle is every 10-12,000 miles, or more frequently if the vehicle is used for towing or hauling heavy loads. Both of these things can cause increased wear on the brakes, as can intense or prolonged braking even without added weight.