| Author | Message | ||
| Craig (Ceieio)
Registered Member Username: Ceieio Post Number: 226 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 207.101.213.58 Rating: N/A |
is it possible to buy auto slack adjusters to fit our buses? I kind of like the idea. I got over self-adjusting brakes on cars, I bet I could get over this as well. :-) I saw these on ebay and they set me to wondering... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Gunite-automatic-slack-adjuster-pair-NEW_W0QQitemZ260021159 242QQihZ016QQcategoryZ50466QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem What do you think? Is it possible or advisable? Craig - MC7 Oregon | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Registered Member Username: Buswarrior Post Number: 873 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 70.48.193.153 Rating: N/A |
Hello Craig. Yes, you can retrofit auto-slacks on your coach. As long as you follow the directions, exactly, that come with the auto slacks, and you continue to follow the directions, exactly, over the life of these components, you will be very happy. Auto slacks only have problems when they are installed wrong, not lubricated on the proper interval and/or when people re-adjust them manually, not leaving the mechanism to do its job. DO NOT SNUG UP AUTO-SLACKS as a routine maintenance procedure. Leave them alone to do their job. Measure and record the stroke and compare the record from last time. Do not trust a mechanic who pretends he knows what he is doing. If he doesn't use the template to install it, if he tries to use tools that the install instructions do not specifically instruct him to use, if he tries to re-adjust it with his wrench, get your bus away from him, and do not pay. The instructions that come with auto slacks are detailed and complete. There are no further "tricks" needed, no further info required, no shortcuts to take. Remember, too, that the rest of your brake parts need to be in good shape. Worn cam bushings in particular, don't get along with auto slacks. Worn linings and small rollers on the shoes are also a recipe for auto slack induced cam-over. Get a hold of the reps from Gunite and Haldex and see which ones will fit your application, and which style you want. If you can fit long stroke brake chambers front and tag at the same time, you will be bullet proof. DD3 already good for 2 1/4" so they stroke a little better than regular 30-30 to begin with! happy coaching! buswarrior | ||
| Craig (Ceieio)
Registered Member Username: Ceieio Post Number: 227 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 206.212.230.165 Rating: N/A |
Buswarrior - many thanks! I think I will put this on the list ways to get rid of my money!  I think that it would be a nice deal to know that they are constantly adjusted. Thanks for the tips on install... sounds like a job for Southern Oregon Diesel. Craig - MC7 Oregon | ||
| Mel La Plante (Mel_4104)
Registered Member Username: Mel_4104 Post Number: 11 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 208.181.100.32 Rating: N/A |
Craig, you missed what was said i think aas auot slack adjusters canand are very high maintance items and you still have to check them all the time and you have to have some one that knows what he is doing when working on them or you will be in real high cost.the local bus compamy hates them and the transit system changes them out and when told that when i dismantled a bus i never saved them , even the 16 wheelers do not like them if they are owneer operators. just do it your way as it is your bus. | ||
| Craig (Ceieio)
Registered Member Username: Ceieio Post Number: 228 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 207.101.213.58 Rating: N/A |
Mel - thanks for your thoughts on the adjusters. I notice you are from Parksville. We love Parksville. It has been a little over a year since our last trip there and we will be back I am sure as we have been going there for over 20 years. Maybe next time we will bring the bus! (We also stop for tea at the Empress, goes back to our honeymoon days, but I am a little chicken to try to navigate and hunt parking for a 40 footer in downtown Victoria...) Craig - MC7 Oregon | ||
| Connel (Connel)
Registered Member Username: Connel Post Number: 23 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 69.149.18.151 Rating: N/A |
Craig, I put auto slack adjusters on my '73 05 Eagle steer and tags. They (5 1/2")were made by Meritor part #R801041. I returned the drive axle ones purchased because the axle hangers had been modified and they would not fit. They (6 1/2")were also made by Meritor part #R801048. I purchased them from a brake rebuilder in Phoenix AZ. But any good brake supplier should be able to help you. Connel | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 65 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 71.41.217.54 Rating: N/A |
Hmm Re: "Measure and record the stroke and compare the record from last time." I guess if you're going to raise and block your rig to: "record the stroke and compare the record from last time", you mind as well save your cash, and just adjust the manual adjusters you already have. (no?) |