What is the purpose of slack adjusters in a brake system?

The purpose of slack adjusters in a brake system is to take up the slack in the brake system. These components play a crucial role in ensuring that the brakes function properly and effectively. As brake shoes wear down over time, the distance between the shoes and the brake drum increases, which can lead to reduced braking performance. Slack adjusters automatically compensate for this wear by maintaining the appropriate amount of brake shoe clearance from the drum, thus ensuring that the brakes engage firmly and without excessive pedal travel.

Proper functioning of slack adjusters helps maintain safety and responsiveness in braking systems, particularly in larger vehicles like trucks and buses where braking efficiency is paramount. By keeping the brake shoes in the correct position relative to the drums, slack adjusters help ensure that the vehicle can stop safely and effectively under various driving conditions.