Slack Adjusters

[Bonnie Blue]

I have a 1990 Chevrolet Thomas Built. Was wondering if it was possible to upgrade from manual to automatic slack adjusters. Also whether or not I should update all of my brake chambers as the rear e-brake chambers have the service clamp. The new ones don’t have them. Thanks in advance.

[Brad_SwiftFur]

Originally Posted by Bonnie Blue

Was wondering if it was possible to upgrade from manual to automatic slack adjusters.

I'm pretty you can, but not sure what's involved to do so.

Originally Posted by Bonnie Blue

Also whether or not I should update all of my brake chambers as the rear e-brake chambers have the service clamp. The new ones don’t have them. Thanks in advance.

The front brake chambers won't have the parking spring brake, I would only replace these as needed. Old brake chambers had clamps containing the spring portion, but it was all too easy for some unsuspecting yokel to remove that clamp and unleash the spring (with *VERY* dangerous results). These days that portion of the chambers is pressed together. Again, as long as the old ones work there's no immediate need to replace them.


If you want to replace chambers because of age, deterioration, rust, or as a preventive measure (because yes, the springs and diaphragms do fail), go for it. You do *NOT* have to replace the whole thing! They offer partial chambers intended specifically to replace the spring/diaphragm but without having to replace the base, pushrod, and reattach to the slack adjuster.

[turf]

keep the old ones.

when the sign says to "check brakes" it will give you something to do.

[bus-bro]

As far as replacing the manual slack adjusters with automatic ones I'd say your not going to drive it enough to worry about it. It's an easy job to adjust the slacks on a school bus. And even with automatics adjuster you need to check the slack. To check and adjust, block your wheels, release the spring brakes (push in the knob) and go from there (look on the net for procedure).

[Elliot Naess]

After driving 18-wheelers as my livelihood for 27 years, I say Death To Automatic Slack Adjusters! Sooner or later, they stop adjusting, and then you have a headache on your hands. Simply learn how to operate your vehicle, which with air brakes includes adjusting the brakes.
And be glad you HAVE air brakes.