TIPS FOR USING THE TRUCK IRON
take a look to see if using the hammer head to pry on the slack adjuster or using the claws to push or pull on the slack adjuster can put you in a better position.
When you have completed brake setting, ALWAYS, use the hammer head to tap the brake drum to check for the clear ringing sound indicating the brake is not set too tightly.
When a certain trailer configuration forces you to get on one or both knees, use a couple of dangerous goods placards or a piece of cardboard to keep yourself clean or from having to be on wet ground.
In winter, you can use your TRUCK IRON to help check for frozen brakes. By tapping the brake drum and listening for a clear ringiing sound or by pulling or prying on the slack adjuster and watching to see if the brake pads move.
If you have a frozen brake the TRUCK IRON can be used to bang on the brake drums to free the frozen brakes.
- Stuck locking collars may sometimes stick flush with the edge of the slack adjuster. Using the hammer to tap the side of the adjuster or hooking with the claws or hammer and pulling the slack adjuster back a few times will usually pop the collar out far enough to grab with the claws. You only need 1/8" sticking out to grab and pull the collar out.
CHECKING FOR FROZEN BRAKES
Winter weather brings along problems you may find in a pre-trip such as frozen brakes. Some signs may indicate this before you ever check the brakes such as tire skid marks or snow sitting on top of the tire.
The TRUCK IRON helps you to find which brake is frozen while you are checking for free travel on the brake.
The return springs on the brake pads have about 80-lbs. pull, which is noticeable when pulling or prying the slack adjuster. If the brake pad is frozen to the drum this resistance is not present. You can also watch the brake pads to see if they move. No movement means pad is frozen to the drum. Using the hammerhead on the TRUCK IRON to tap the brake drum can also perform A third check. A dull thud means the brake pad is stuck to the drum or the brake is setup too tight and should be backed off.
A frozen brake pad is usually easily freed by hitting the brake drum or pad with the hammerhead to jar the brake loose.