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It takes up the slack in the brake system as the pad lining and system components ware. The S-cams have bushings that ware out (get egged shaped) creating more clearance, the pads ware do to their function, the clevis pins on the slack adjuster ware. The device rotates the S-cam further to take up that slack. They are also a lever, they add mechanical advantage. Typical slacks are 5.5 and 6.5 from pin center to S-cam center. Multiply the force that a brake chamber rod is exerting by the length of the slack to get applied force. Example, a 30 in brake chamber with 20 psi applied will push with 600 psi of force. Multiply by the lever arm at 5.5 inches gives you 3300 in. pounds of torque. Divide by 12 to get ft. lbs = 275 ft. lbs.

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Q: What is the purpose of the slack adjuster on the air brake system?
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Related questions

Where is the slack adjuster located on a school bus with air brakes?

An air brake system which uses foundation drum brakes will have one slack adjuster per brake - two per axle. They'll be located inside the wheel well - the slack adjuster is will be located at the end of the pushrod which extends out from the brake chamber.


Which air brake system components functions as a lever?

On an s-cam air brake, it's the slack adjuster. The brake valve could also be considered one.


Where slack adjuster used?

Slack adjusters are the linkage between the pushrod in the brake chamber and the S-cam between the brake shoes.


How replace a slack adjuster on ken worth t660?

Remove the cotter pin and pin connecting the slack adjuster to the brake chamber, remove the locking ring on the inside which presses the slack adjuster to the s-cam, slide (or hammer) it out. Installation is opposite of reverse.


What are the slack adjuster?

slack adjusters are part of the brakes. they are ocated on the axle next to each wheel. they are used to adjust the brakes,or to take the slack out on the lickages so as the brakes do not have accesive travel when applied The slack adjuster is the link between the operating rod in the brake chamber and either the S-cam (if you have drum brakes, which is what most of us have) or the power screw (if you have disc brakes) on an air brake system. The "adjuster" part is because the friction material wears out, and you've got to make the linkage longer as it does so the truck will stop properly. (Slack adjusters have been automatic for a long time now.) In operation: you step on the brakes, or you pull the brake valves on the dashboard. The operating rod pushes out, which pushes the slack adjuster, which turns the S-cam, which pushes the brake shoes apart and stops your truck.


What is an railcar slack adjuster?

I worked for a year and a half as a contractor Carmen on the bnsf. A slack adjuster is a threaed rod with adjusting nuts on the threaed portion that can adjust for proper tension on the brake rigging with includes rods and a chain and an air billow and brake shoes pressing up against the wheel.this slack adjuster must be properly adjusted for the brakes to work correctly.


How do you adjust front brakes on frieghtliner flatbed truck?

You'll need either a brake adjustment tool or a wrench (usually 9/16th) to rotate the nut which links to the slack adjuster. Depending on exactly what brake system you have, you may also need tools to either push in or pull out the mechanism which locks the slack adjuster in place. Rotate the slack adjuster clockwise until it locks all the way down, then rotate the wrench/brake adjustment tool counterclockwise two full turns to back the brakes off of the drum.


How do you test a slack adjuster?

Assuming we are talking about "S" cam air brakes on a truck, check the angle at the end of the slack adjuster to the actuator rod coming out of the air brake can when brakes are applied, it should be 90 degrees, if the slack adjuster is manual adjust it with the brakes not applied and then test again. If they are automatic slack adjusters and you do not have 90 degrees with brakes applied it is worn out or not installed correctly.


What is a bus slack adjuster?

slack adjuster is the adjuster on the brakes of vehicles with air brakes. these are used to adjust and take the slack out of the brakes caused by usual wear on the brakes


How do you adjust a slack adjuster on an international?

With the brakes released and either the wheels chocked or the trailer brakes set, you rotate the nut on the slack adjuster until the brake shoes are tight against the drum. Then you back it off 1/4 to 1/2 turn. What tools you need specifically depend on which slack adjuster you have... you could have Bendix, Haldex,, or Wabco Meritor slack adjusters.


How much slack can you have in your slack adjuster to pass a dot inspection?

With the brakes applied, the angle of the slack adjuster and the actuating rod should be at 90 degrees.


What are slack adjuster?

Slack adjusters are used to adjust for wear on s-cam brakes on heavy and medium sized trucks. A lever, connecting the brake chamber push rod with the foundation brake camshaft