MyVans Your Vehicle Solution Brake maintenance is essential for any vehicle, especially for a semi-truck that carries heavy loads on long hauls. Properly adjusted brakes ensure your safety on the road and prevent costly repairs. In this article, we will guide you on how to adjust brakes on a semi-truck.
What You Will Need
Before starting the brake adjustment process, make sure you have the following tools:
1. Wrench
You will need a wrench to loosen the brake adjuster locknut and turn the adjuster.
2. Jack and Jack Stands
You need a jack and jack stands to lift the wheels off the ground and support the truck while you work on the brakes.
3. Brake Adjustment Tool
A brake adjustment tool helps to adjust the brake shoes and set them to the correct clearance.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Adjust Brakes on a Semi-Truck
Follow these steps to adjust the brakes on your semi-truck:
Step 1: Park the Truck on a Flat Surface and Chock the Wheels
Before adjusting the brakes, park the truck on a level surface and chock the wheels to prevent the truck from rolling.
Step 2: Lift the Wheel and Remove the Hubcap
Use the jack and jack stands to lift the wheel off the ground and remove the hubcap to access the brake assembly.
Step 3: Loosen the Locknut
Locate the brake adjuster and use the wrench to loosen the locknut. Turn the adjuster until you feel resistance, and then back it off by half a turn.
Step 4: Check the Clearance
Use the brake adjustment tool to check the clearance between the brake shoe and the drum. The clearance should be between 0.020 to 0.030 inches.
Step 5: Adjust the Brake Shoes
If the clearance is too much or too little, adjust the brake shoes using the brake adjustment tool. Turn the adjuster until you get the desired clearance.
Step 6: Tighten the Locknut
Once you have adjusted the brake shoes, tighten the locknut using the wrench. Make sure the adjuster does not move while you tighten the locknut.
Step 7: Repeat the Process for the Other Wheels
Repeat the process for the other wheels until you have adjusted all the brakes.
People Also Ask
Q: How often should I adjust my semi-truck brakes?
A: You should adjust your semi-truck brakes every 3 months or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Q: What are the signs of poorly adjusted brakes?
A: Signs of poorly adjusted brakes include a soft pedal, longer stopping distance, and uneven braking.
