Best Practices to Keep Your Brakes in Good Condition

• Air Systems
• Ensure your brake system is well-balanced.
• Chambers
• Make sure your push rod is even on all chambers. To help, cut the push rod to the appropriate length.
• Slack Adjuster
• First, set your thorn up properly. 90 degree rules for manual apply. Also, use templates for automatic slacks (Exception: Haldex).
• S-Cams
• Make sure no grease is on your S-cam head. Aim for free play movement in and out, and up and down. Also, seal your installation.
• Hardware Kits
• Replace these completely, not only the springs.
• Shoes
• Do a complete replacement, not only one wheel. The minimum should be a complete axle if it's not possible to do an entire unit.
• Drums
• Make sure to use heavy drums for severe applications.
• Lining Wear Patterns
• To begin, after removing drums look at the brake shoes and lining before you remove them off the wheel - it will tell you a story.
• Brake Adjustment
• Jack up axles and snub up brakes, then back off ¼ to ½ turn on manuals and use templates on automatics.
• Brake Lining Burnishings
• Heat up the brakes until you are able to smell them. Then, allow them to cool. Do this procedure within ¼ to 1 mile. Check wheel temperature with a heat gun.