How to Maintain a Manual Slack Adjuster

Manual slack adjusters are not found in every truck. It is necessary to know how to maintain your manual slack adjuster correctly to maintain proper operating condition. There are specific procedures to maintain these slack adjusters. You can refer to a service data book to learn more about the proper maintenance.
You can measure the arm length of a manual slack adjuster using a tape measure. The length is from the center of the big gear on the bottom of the slack adjuster to the small pin at the end of the arm. Generally, the arm length should be between 5 and 6-1/2 inches.
A manual slack adjuster will need to be adjusted every 10,000 miles or so depending on the type of driving conditions. In a typical U.S. highway environment, this adjustment is necessary every 10,000 miles. Manual slack adjusters are designed to be easily adjustable and should be changed when needed. They are usually located on the axle housing near the wheel. On drum brakes, they are located between the S-cam and the pushrod.
Another important maintenance procedure for manual slack adjusters is to grease them regularly. Many people don't realize this, but a lack of grease can affect both safety and compliance with government regulations. This lubrication process helps to purge old grease from the adjuster and protect internal gear sets and clutches from damage. The process shouldn't take more than a few minutes per adjuster.
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