{"id":119878,"date":"2024-10-15T22:41:27","date_gmt":"2024-10-16T05:41:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=119878"},"modified":"2025-01-23T08:25:40","modified_gmt":"2025-01-23T16:25:40","slug":"how-to-adjust-air-brakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-adjust-air-brakes\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Adjust Air Brakes"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column119878_a3884b-19 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column119878_a3884b-19 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column119878_a3884b-19 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column119878_a3884b-19 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column119878_a3884b-19 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column119878_a3884b-19 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column119878_a3884b-19{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column119878_a3884b-19 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column119878_a3884b-19 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column119878_a3884b-19 inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-bebe85  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-339064\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading119878_6be02a-c6, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading119878_6be02a-c6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading119878_6be02a-c6\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading119878_6be02a-c6 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading119878_6be02a-c6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading119878_6be02a-c6\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading119878_6be02a-c6 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading119878_6be02a-c6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading119878_6be02a-c6\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading119878_6be02a-c6 summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading119878_6be02a-c6\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The exact procedure of air brake adjustment can vary depending on the type and size of the brake chamber, so be sure to study your vehicle&rsquo;s air brake system first.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To adjust your air brakes manually, it&rsquo;s best to prepare the necessary tools beforehand, use wheel chocks to secure your vehicle, and check the air pressure using the gauge on your instrument panel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other air brake adjustment tips include placing a mark on the pushrod, using a wrench to disengage the locking device, and checking other brake system components.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In an air brake system, compressed air is used to apply pressure on the brake pads, forcing the vehicle to stop. You can typically find air brakes on heavy-duty vehicles, such as buses, trucks, and trailers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&rsquo;re traveling short or long distances, it&rsquo;s important to make sure that your air brakes are in top condition before heading out. That way, you can confidently pass steep hills and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/when-do-roads-get-the-most-slippery-how-to-drive-safely\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"slippery roads\">slippery roads<\/a>. You&rsquo;ll have to inspect and adjust your air brake system before and after every trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do You Adjust Air Brakes Properly?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The exact procedure of air brake adjustment can vary depending on the type and size of the brake chamber, so be sure to study your vehicle&rsquo;s air brake system first. Here are some tips you can try on an S-cam brake system:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prepare the Necessary Tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You&rsquo;ll need a wrench, a chalk or marker, and a flashlight to adjust your vehicle&rsquo;s air brakes by yourself. You&rsquo;ll be crawling under the vehicle, so it&rsquo;s best to wear work clothes that you don&rsquo;t mind getting dirty. Safety glasses and a bump cap can also come in handy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use Wheel Chocks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before adjusting the air brakes, you&rsquo;ll have to secure your vehicle first. Use wheel chocks to prevent your car from moving. Leave it in low gear before shutting off the engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check the Air Pressure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Check the air pressure gauge on your instrument panel. This gauge lets you know how much air pressure is in the air brake system. Pump the air pressure until it reaches 90 to 100 psi before releasing the parking brakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Place a Mark on the Pushrod<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use a chalk or pen to mark exactly where the pushrod exits the brake chamber, and try to be as precise as possible. This will make it easier to check the pushrod travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Measure the Slack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can pull the pushrod out of the brake chamber by hand, or you can use a pry bar for a more secure hold. Now you can measure the distance between the mark you wrote and the face of the brake chamber. For a type 30 standard stroke brake chamber, the slack shouldn&rsquo;t measure more than three-fourths of an inch. If it does, then you need to adjust your brakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In some vehicles, the pushrods have a red marking to indicate when a brake adjustment is necessary. When this red marking is visible, this means you need to adjust the brakes immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"410\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/slack-adjuster-illustration-1024x410.jpg\" alt=\"illustration of an automotive slack adjuster\" class=\"wp-image-122719\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/slack-adjuster-illustration-1024x410.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/slack-adjuster-illustration-300x120.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/slack-adjuster-illustration-768x308.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/slack-adjuster-illustration-150x60.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/slack-adjuster-illustration.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Diagram showing air brakes&rsquo; slack adjuster | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Disengage the Locking Device With a Wrench<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Manual slack adjusters are usually equipped with an external locking device that you have to disengage to get to the adjusting bolt. Use a wrench to disconnect the lock without damaging it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make Sure You&rsquo;re Turning the Bolt Correctly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When turning the adjustment bolt, double-check to make sure you&rsquo;re turning it in the right direction. Keep an eye on the slack adjuster and pushrod. If turning the bolt clockwise is causing the slack adjuster to pull the pushrod out of the brake chamber, this means you&rsquo;re turning it in the wrong direction. Turn it counter-clockwise instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check the Other Brake Components<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While you&rsquo;re down there, it&rsquo;s a good idea to check the other parts of the brake system as well. Inspect the S-cam bushing, spline, and slack adjuster for any damage or signs of wear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Measure the Stroke Again<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After turning the bolt and securing the locking device, be sure to measure the pushrod travel again. A successful brake adjustment should result in a measurement of half an inch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Adjust Self-Adjusting Air Brakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An automatic slack adjuster will reset itself, eliminating the need for a manual adjustment. In some cases, however, excessive pushrod travel can still occur and will require help from a professional. Because of this, you still need to check your brakes before every trip. Most manufacturers also recommend bringing your car to a mechanic every 25,000 to 50,000 miles for a brake system inspection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In an emergency, however, you can still try to adjust your brakes by yourself. This involves pressing the brakes hard and releasing them completely, six times. Repeated brake applications should trigger the automatic slack adjuster to fix itself. If the pushrod stroke still exceeds three-fourths of an inch, then you&rsquo;ll need to stop driving and ask a qualified mechanic for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is an Air Brake System?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In an air brake system, compressed air is used to apply pressure on the brake pads, forcing the vehicle to stop. You can typically find air brakes on heavy-duty vehicles, such as buses, trucks, and trailers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do Air Brakes Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you press the brake pedal, compressed air flows from the reservoir tank into the brake chamber or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/brake-caliper\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"brake calipers\">brake calipers<\/a>. The air pressure is then converted into a mechanical force that pushes the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/brake-shoe-set\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"brake shoes\">brake shoes<\/a> against the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/brake-drum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"brake drums\">brake drums<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/brake-disc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"rotors\">rotors<\/a>. This friction slows down the vehicle until it stops completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Is Air Brake Adjustment Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The key to preventing brake failure is routine brake maintenance, which includes inspecting your brakes and adjusting them when necessary. If your air brakes aren&rsquo;t adjusted properly, the entire <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/avoid-these-driving-habits-that-may-ruin-your-brakes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"brake system can fail\">brake system can fail<\/a>. You won&rsquo;t be able to stop your vehicle in time, putting you at risk of getting into an accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Often Should You Adjust the Air Brakes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A vehicle&rsquo;s brakes will gradually wear over time, causing brake pushrod stroke to increase as well. When the brake pushrod stroke exceeds the adjustment limit, this means the brake is out of adjustment and can suddenly fail. Because of this, it&rsquo;s best to inspect the pushrod stroke every day before driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In some areas, you&rsquo;ll notice signs warning you about steep downhill slopes. Before proceeding, you&rsquo;re required by law to stop at a nearby shoulder or pullout area to check your brakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Get a Brand-New Air Brake Pressure Sensor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Responsible for measuring the air pressure in the air brake system, the air brake pressure sensor helps your vehicle maintain the proper air pressure for your brakes to function. If it fails, your brake system can suffer from low air pressure, leading to poor braking performance. This puts you at risk of getting into an accident, so it&rsquo;s best to replace it as soon as possible. Luckily, getting a brand-new air brake pressure sensor is fast and easy with <a href=\"http:\/\/carparts.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"CarParts.com\">CarParts.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At CarParts.com, you can place an order for a new air brake pressure sensor with just a few clicks. Shopping for your vehicle needs has never been easier, thanks to our vehicle selector and search filters. We&rsquo;re confident in the quality of our air brake pressure sensors, but we also offer a lifetime replacement guarantee to ease your worries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&rsquo;t wait until your air brake pressure sensor completely fails before replacing it. Check out our catalog of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/air-brake-pressure-sensor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"air brake pressure sensors\">air brake pressure sensors<\/a> at CarParts.com and order today!<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>Whether you&rsquo;re traveling short or long distances, it&rsquo;s important to make sure that your air brakes are in top condition&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-adjust-air-brakes\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":119906,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3749,52],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":{"0":"post-119878","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-braking-system","8":"category-diy","9":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How To Adjust Air Brakes - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Driving a truck or heavy vehicle that comes with an air brake system? Learn the best tips on how to manually adjust air brakes here.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-adjust-air-brakes\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How To Adjust Air Brakes - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Driving a truck or heavy vehicle that comes with an air brake system? 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