Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: gracerace on June 11, 2017, 02:50:15 pm

Title: slack adjuster brake template
Post by: gracerace on June 11, 2017, 02:50:15 pm
When I was a FT tech, we had a yellow plastic triangle tool from I believe Rockwell. One could use it to check slack adjustment, and pin length, to tell the status of the brake pad wear.
I can't find it anywhere on the net. I believe the term is 'Template" not tool.
Or would anyone know the max length for the pins for wear. I can't see the pads, and I don't want to pull a wheel.Preventive maintenance.
Thanks Chris
Title: Re: slack adjuster brake template
Post by: John44 on June 11, 2017, 03:00:44 pm
Saw something like that at a Freightliner parts store,had a bunch of different colored ones.
Title: Re: slack adjuster brake template
Post by: craneman on June 11, 2017, 04:23:03 pm
on page 13 is the description for checking wear.
As far as adjustment template that is only necessary for the first set up of the brakes. After that just adjustment. The short method of adjustment is to take all the slack out by turning the square head bolt counter clockwise, then back off 1/2 revolution. You have to lift the pawl with a small screwdriver to back off the 1/2 turn


http://www.meritorwabco.com/meritorwabco_document/mm4m.pdf
Title: Re: slack adjuster brake template
Post by: Pamela & Mike on June 11, 2017, 04:29:56 pm
. I believe the term is 'Template" not tool.
Or would anyone know the max length for the pins for wear.

The template you need is yellow #TP-4789
If you are talking about pad wear indicator
The indicator/pin is "down to" or "minimum" and that is 1/8" sticking out. If you are down to 1/4"  you really need to get in gear and do something as 1/8" to me is bare minimum. This is found on like page 55 in the link Cman posted.

Just some free advice if you don't have a 4M book you need to download a free copy and give it a read or 3.

Pamela & Mike
Title: Re: slack adjuster brake template
Post by: stump on June 11, 2017, 05:17:51 pm
on page 13 is the description for checking wear.
As far as adjustment template that is only necessary for the first set up of the brakes. After that just adjustment. The short method of adjustment is to take all the slack out by turning the square head bolt counter clockwise, then back off 1/2 revolution. You have to lift the pawl with a small screwdriver to back off the 1/2 turn


http://www.meritorwabco.com/meritorwabco_document/mm4m.pdf
Make that adjustment with wheels chocked and brakes released.
Title: Re: slack adjuster brake template
Post by: craneman on June 11, 2017, 05:28:54 pm
Make that adjustment with wheels chocked and brakes released.
I guess I should have added that info as to assume that would be understood could be very dangerous.
Title: Re: slack adjuster brake template
Post by: Mark Duckworth on June 11, 2017, 05:42:31 pm
I ordered a bunch of the yellow templates figuring some of us might want them.  If you want one shoot me a PM and I'll drop one in the mail for free.

EDIT:  Just to be clear I have a stack of the MER-8874 templates.  As craneman said above it's used to adjust the slack adjuster in relation to the clevis and push rod.

Check out this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N-St4Px8cs&t=1236s) starting at minute 14:00.  It shows the template in use.
Title: Re: slack adjuster brake template
Post by: Pamela & Mike on June 11, 2017, 06:11:55 pm
Mark,

That number must be the new number for the Yellow template.  Over the years I can remember the number has changed at least 3 times.

Pamela & Mike
Title: Re: slack adjuster brake template
Post by: gracerace on June 11, 2017, 08:01:36 pm
Woo Woo. This place is great.
Foretravel folk, they are the best


BTW, keeping the pins clean is most important. I must have done 50 of them. When coaches sit a lot, they get sticky.
Title: Re: slack adjuster brake template
Post by: Mark Duckworth on June 12, 2017, 11:25:00 am
Mark,

That number must be the new number for the Yellow template.  Over the years I can remember the number has changed at least 3 times.

Pamela & Mike
Looking at the template now and it does have the TP-4789 part number you mentioned on it.  Apparently the number I mentioned is just an order code?  Anyway, looks like it's the template we need.
Title: Re: slack adjuster brake template
Post by: Bwhitty on May 02, 2023, 11:49:38 pm
I'm unsure whether resurrecting such an old thread is a good idea, but I'll give it a shot.

My brakes on my 1995 u320c need adjustment and service, but I'm unable to locate a template.
Where can the template be purchased?
Title: Re: slack adjuster brake template
Post by: craneman on May 03, 2023, 12:58:19 am
The template is only needed for the first setup of the brakes, not needed for later adjustments. Look at my reply #2 6 years ago the link no longer works, but Marks reply #6 has the YouTube link that still works even a phone number to get the template that you don't need. Mark mailed me one and it has sit on my spares shelf for the last 6 years as it would only be used when installing the clevises when installing the brakes on the axle.
Title: Re: slack adjuster brake template
Post by: Bwhitty on May 03, 2023, 01:37:56 am
Thank you Craneman.

I've been watching the Meritor YouTube video and see that I can take measurements with a ruler.
I just got to the point where the phone number showed up on the video and came here to find your reply :)