| Author | Message | ||
| David Lower (Dave_l)
Registered Member Username: Dave_l Post Number: 12 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 99.249.217.105  Rating: N/A |
Hi all! I need advise on how to adjust my manual slack adjusters when on a road trip or to check them safely without getting under the bus and getting squished. Thanks Dave. | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 262 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.55.195.51 Rating: N/A |
Dave" I always first scotch the wheels to keep the coach from rolling and release the parking brakes and as a necessary safety procedure I always have blocked the coach up when I am under it as I bleed and break easier than I did a few years ago, I always tightned the adjusters up and then backed them off a 1/4 turn and check for the free play in the adjuster should be about an 1" and that way you are set to go on down the road Gomer | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 399 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 208.100.193.15 Rating: N/A |
I jack up the front axle and toss a block under. Since the if slack adjusters need love its time for a lube , and the kingpins get better lubed without weight so.... The old lock em up and back off till mostly free rotating , works better than a lock and set (untested) release a partial turn. Some folks will simply use a getto creeper (hunk of cardboard) , a reach under for a quick adjustment if needed. FF | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 783 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 76.3.173.51  Rating: N/A |
Unless your bus is an Eagle (torsilastic suspension) or a pre-1905 bus (leaf springs), you need to support the bus in case an air bag should fail. The bus can be supported by blocking between the ground and the frame or between the axle and the frame. I don't think you can access the slack adjusters on any bus without getting under the bus. | ||
| David Lower (Dave_l)
Registered Member Username: Dave_l Post Number: 13 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 99.249.217.105 Rating: N/A |
Thanks guys for the info, my bus is the one pictured here a 1973 MC7. | ||
| George M. Todd (George_mc6)
Registered Member Username: George_mc6 Post Number: 494 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 207.231.75.253 Rating: N/A |
Dave, Please note that all the posts mention jacking and blocking, for good reason! Whatever you do, DON'T GO UNDER AN INFLATED AIR RIDE BUS WOITHOUT BLOCKING IT SECURELY AT THE JACKING POINTS! Or as JohnMC9 would say, being in a pit! Don't get between the tires and the wheel wells either. Our buses WILL settle as they leak air, and there is an article in the archives by now about a person found crushed under his bus. All the postings above are correct, and just different ways of doing the same thing. My preference is to pull on the adjuster arm, and watch the travel, then adjust to allow no more than 1/2 to 3/4 inch of travel. If you have the ability to jack the tags and the front, do as Fred says, adjust to where they just turn freely. To adjust the drive axle, you will need to block the bus so it can't roll, and release the DD3s. Kinda tough to turn duals and gears, etc, so do it by the travel method. Now, be VERY AWARE that the inversion valve will trip and cause an emergency brake application at about 85 psi. Don't be where you can be pinched, or worse, when an unexpected application occurs! Keep the air up in the bus somehow, either leave the engine idle, or an electric compressor. Outside air must be applied to the first (wet) reservoir, as there are several check valves in the system which prevent loss of air in the event of an upstream failure. Welcome, don't let it scare you, just respect it. Don't hesitate to ask, we're all glad to help, most of us didn't know much about buses when we bought ours either. Regards, George | ||
| James Robinson (Jjrbus)
Registered Member Username: Jjrbus Post Number: 138 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 68.242.217.159 Rating: N/A |
I have been told that at the interstate truck stops it is very reasonable $$$ to have brakes adjusted. I have not had a chance to stop and ask. Any input on this? | ||
| larry currier (Larryc)
Registered Member Username: Larryc Post Number: 187 Registered: 2-2007 Posted From: 207.200.116.13 Rating: N/A |
If I had a air bag bus I would have a hole to back over so I could get under the bus. I would prefer to not have anyone else touch my brakes. That is one job I know will always be right if I do it myself. No one else really bothers to do a through inspection of my bus and alot of mechanics don't have a clue what they are looking at when it comes to torsion. When you adjust the brakes you need to look for wheel seal leaks, physically shake the driveline and inspect each bolt for tightness as well as do a visual inspection of every part, including tires. Running border to border on the west coast, manual slacks will need at least 1 adjustment every round trip. | ||
| Mike Eades (Mike4905)
Registered Member Username: Mike4905 Post Number: 169 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 68.200.183.92 Rating: N/A |
i have my brakes in truck stops with pits and I usally pay $20 for all four. I have a 4905 without the tag. Mike |