Which of the following statements best describes Slack Adjusters?

• A. They adjust manually only
• B. They adjust automatically only
• C. They can be adjusted manually or automatically
• D. They do not adjust at all

Answer: (C)

Slack adjusters manage the gap between the brake shoes and the drum so braking remains effective as wear occurs. They’re designed to compensate for wear either automatically during normal braking (self-adjusting) or manually when you or a technician set them by turning the push rod. Because the system can use either method depending on the setup and condition, describing them as adjustable manually or automatically covers the typical operation of these components. If an automatic adjuster isn’t functioning, manual adjustment can still be used to maintain proper brake clearance.