Chapter two icon right

One method to adjust the brakes is to lift the wheel off the ground. Block the vehicle's wheels and release the parking brakes. Shut off the engine and have the transmission in the lowest gear. Release the lock on the adjusting capscrew of the slack adjuster and turn the capscrew while rotating the wheel until the brake linings contact the brake drum and the wheel can no longer be rotated. Reverse the rotation of the adjustment capscrew until no drag is felt. The adjustment capscrew locking device must be engaged.

A second method is when the wheel cannot be elevated but a readjustment is necessary. Block the vehicle's wheels and release the parking brakes. Shut off the engine and have the transmission in the lowest gear. Rotate the adjustment capscrew on the slack adjuster until the brake linings contact the drum. Then a visual check is done or the drum is tapped with a hammer. When the linings are not in contact with the drum, the drum will ring. When the linings contact the drum, a dull thud will be heard. The adjustment capscrew is reversed for ¼ to ½ turn. The adjustment capscrew locking device must be engaged. The push rod travel, slack adjuster angle and side to side balance are then rechecked.

 Pre-trip air brake inspection


The following information is a guide and does not replace the information in the Alberta Air Brake Course. As in the pre-trip inspection of the vehicle, the driver is a key link in the maintenance chain of an air brake unit. A driver must be alert and know how the air brake system works. Any brake problems must be reported so the necessary repairs can be done.


Page 37