A slack adjuster is a crucial component in a vehicle’s air brake system, responsible for maintaining proper brake shoe clearance by automatically adjusting the brake's slack (the gap between the brake shoes and drum). This component ensures that the air brakes are operating at their optimal performance and helps maintain consistent brake efficiency, especially as the brake shoes wear down over time.
Slack adjusters are typically used in drum brake systems and are found in vehicles like heavy-duty trucks, trailers, buses, and construction equipment.
Key Features:
Automatic Adjustment:
As brake shoes wear, the slack adjuster automatically compensates for the increased gap, ensuring proper braking force is applied. This eliminates the need for manual adjustments, which can be time-consuming and dangerous if not performed correctly.
Linkage Between Brake Chamber and Brake Shoes:
The slack adjuster is part of the linkage that connects the air brake chamber to the brake shoes. It is linked to the camshaft of the brake system and ensures that the brake shoes are properly engaged.
Mechanical or Automatic:
Manual Slack Adjusters: Require manual adjustment to ensure proper brake shoe clearance.
Automatic Slack Adjusters: Automatically adjust the slack as the brake shoes wear down. These are the most common in modern vehicles and are highly recommended for safety and efficiency.
Durable Design:
Slack adjusters are usually made from forged steel or other durable materials to withstand high stresses from the braking process.
Locking Mechanism:
Some slack adjusters feature a locking mechanism to ensure they stay properly adjusted and do not slip out of alignment during use.
SKU: 10.351B
