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For 1990-2009 cars only

Air Brake Automatic Slack Adjuster Replacement Arvin-Meritor

Removal Procedure

    Important: For unit repair information on the Arvin-Meritor® air brake automatic slack adjuster contact the Field Support Center at 1-800-535-5560.

  1. Block the wheels.
  2. Cage the rear air brake chambers. Refer to Caging the Rear Air Brake Chamber .
  3. Drain all air reservoirs. Refer to Air Brake Reservoir Draining .
  4. Raise and support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .

  5. Object Number: 201804  Size: SH
  6. Mark the position of the air brake automatic slack adjuster to the camshaft by drawing a straight line on both parts.

  7. Object Number: 201809  Size: SH
  8. Remove the retainers.
  9. Remove the air brake chamber clevis pins.

  10. Object Number: 201765  Size: SH
  11. Fully release the air brake automatic slack adjuster using the following steps:
  12. 8.1. Disengage the pawl with a screwdriver.
    8.2. Turn the air brake automatic slack adjuster adjusting nut until the air brake automatic slack adjuster is free from the air brake chamber clevis.
    8.3. Release the pawl so that the pawl snaps into engagement.

    Object Number: 201813  Size: SH
  13. Remove the camshaft snap ring.

  14. Object Number: 261832  Size: MH
  15. Remove the camshaft washer(s) (9).
  16. Remove the air brake automatic slack adjuster (4).

  17. Object Number: 201816  Size: SH
  18. Check the air brake automatic slack adjuster adjusting nut torque using the following steps:
  19. 12.1. Use a pound/inch torque wrench in order to rotate the air brake automatic slack adjuster adjusting nut counterclockwise.
    12.2. Turn the air brake automatic slack adjuster gear 360 degrees, 22  rotations of the air brake automatic slack adjuster adjusting nut. The torque must remain less than 4.5 N·m (40 lb in). Replace the air brake automatic slack adjuster if the torque specification is exceeded.

    Object Number: 201809  Size: SH
  20. Inspect the air brake chamber clevis pins for wear or damage.
  21. Replace the air brake chamber clevis pins if necessary.


    Object Number: 261832  Size: MH
  22. Measure the bushing in the arm of the air brake automatic slack adjuster (4).
  23. Replace the bushings if the diameter exceeds 13.5 mm (0.531 in).

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 261834  Size: MH
  1. Install the air brake automatic slack adjuster to the camshaft (12).
  2. Install the camshaft washers (13).

  3. Object Number: 201813  Size: SH
  4. Install the camshaft snap ring.

  5. Object Number: 201765  Size: SH
  6. Disengage the pawl assembly with a screwdriver.

  7. Object Number: 201817  Size: SH
  8. Turn the slack adjuster adjusting nut until the slack adjuster arm is properly aligned with the holes in the clevis.
  9. Release the pawl so that the pawl snaps into engagement.

  10. Object Number: 201804  Size: SH
  11. Align the marks made on the air brake automatic slack adjuster and the camshaft.
  12. Fully release the air brake automatic slack adjuster.
  13. Install the air brake chamber clevis pins.
  14. Install the NEW retainers.
  15. Adjust the brakes. Refer to Air Drum Brake Adjustment .
  16. Remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  17. Uncage the rear air brake chambers. Refer to Caging the Rear Air Brake Chamber .
  18. Check for proper brake operation.
  19. Apply the parking brake.
  20. Remove the wheel blocks.

Air Brake Automatic Slack Adjuster Replacement Eaton

Removal Procedure

    Important: Service the Eaton® air brake automatic slack adjuster by replacement only.

  1. Block the wheels.
  2. Cage the rear air brake chambers. Refer to Caging the Rear Air Brake Chamber .
  3. Drain all air reservoirs. Refer to Air Brake Reservoir Draining .

  4. Object Number: 201820  Size: SH
  5. Remove the retainer.
  6. Remove the air brake chamber clevis pin cotter pin.
  7. Remove the air brake chamber clevis pin.
  8. Fully release the slack adjuster by turning the slack adjuster counterclockwise until the slack adjuster arm is free from the clevis.

  9. Object Number: 201833  Size: SH
  10. Remove the air brake automatic slack adjuster control arm nut and the washer.

  11. Object Number: 1480195  Size: SH
  12. Remove the camshaft snap ring.

  13. Object Number: 261832  Size: MH
  14. Remove the camshaft washer(s) (5).
  15. Remove the air brake automatic slack adjuster (4).
  16. Inspect the air brake automatic slack adjuster (4) for damage or excessive wear.
  17. Replace the air brake automatic slack adjuster (4) if damage or excessive wear is present.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 261832  Size: MH
  1. Lubricate the camshaft splines. Use the Anti-Seize Lubricant GM P/N 1052771, (Canadian P/N 993128) or equivalent.
  2. Install the air brake automatic slack adjuster (4) to the camshaft.
  3. Install the camshaft washers (5).

  4. Object Number: 201813  Size: SH
  5. Install the camshaft snap ring.

  6. Object Number: 1480231  Size: SH
  7. Loosely install the air brake automatic slack adjuster control arm washer.
  8. Loosely install the air brake automatic slack adjuster control arm nut.

  9. Object Number: 201826  Size: SH
  10. On Eaton® Automatic Slack Adjusters rotate the air brake automatic slack adjuster adjusting hex hue clockwise until the air brake automatic slack adjuster arm hole aligns with the air brake chamber clevis hole.

  11. Object Number: 201820  Size: SH
  12. Install the air brake chamber clevis pin.
  13. Do not install the retainer at this time.

  14. Remove the air brake chamber clevis pin later in order to check installation.

  15. Object Number: 201829  Size: SH

    Notice: Excessive positioning force may damage the air brake automatic slack adjuster control arm. Most adjusters will be equipped with an installation indicator. The indicator must fall within the slot for proper installation. Incorrect air brake automatic slack adjuster control arm position can cause tight or dragging brakes.

  16. Adjust the slack adjuster control arm by rotating the arm counterclockwise.
  17. Rotate away from the slack adjuster adjusting hex and towards the air brake chamber. Continue rotating until the air brake control arm comes to a definite internal stop. If necessary, use a plastic mallet in order to tap the slack adjuster control arm into position.


    Object Number: 201833  Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

    Important: Ensure that the air brake automatic slack adjuster control arm does not move from the correct position while tightening the air brake automatic slack adjuster control arm nut.

  18. Tighten the slack adjuster control arm nut.
  19. Tighten
    Tighten the slack adjuster control arm nut to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).

  20. Adjust the brakes. Refer to Air Drum Brake Adjustment .
  21. Start the engine.
  22. Charge the system to the air compressor governor valve cut-out point.
  23. Stop the engine.
  24. Inspect the slack adjuster for the proper installation.
  25. Verify that the installation indicator is within the slot.

  26. Object Number: 201820  Size: SH
  27. Remove the air brake chamber clevis pin.
  28. Align the air brake chamber clevis hole and the air brake automatic slack adjuster arm hole.
  29. Repeat steps 7 through 17 if the air brake chamber clevis retracts towards the air brake chamber when you remove the air brake chamber clevis pin.
  30. Install the air brake chamber clevis pin.
  31. Install the air brake chamber clevis pin cotter pin.

  32. Object Number: 201843  Size: SH
  33. Check the air brake automatic slack adjuster adjusting hex torque.
  34. Use a pound/inch torque wrench in order to rotate the air brake automatic slack adjuster adjusting hex counterclockwise.
  35. A minimum of 18 N·m (13 lb ft) is necessary to overcome the clutch.
  36. A ratcheting sound occurs during back off. Replace the air brake automatic slack adjuster if the clutch slips at a lesser torque.

  37. Start the engine.
  38. Charge the system to the air compressor governor valve cut-out point.
  39. Stop the engine.
  40. Uncage the rear air brake chambers. Refer to Caging the Rear Air Brake Chamber .
  41. Check for the proper brake operation.
  42. Apply the parking brake.
  43. Remove the wheel blocks.