How to Adjust the Gap of an Electromagnetic Brake?
4 Answers
Loosen the mounting bolts evenly with a hex wrench. Adjust the hollow screw with a wrench and also adjust the air gap at the mounting bolt of the interval until the air gap at all positions meets the standard. Then tighten the mounting bolts with a hex wrench. Use a feeler gauge again to recheck whether the air gap meets the standard.
Adjusting the gap of the electromagnetic brake is indeed a technical task. First, I put on gloves and use a wrench to loosen the fastening nut, locating the adjustment bolt. Then, I measure the original gap with a feeler gauge, usually keeping it between 0.3-0.8 mm. Slowly rotate the adjustment bolt while continuously checking with the feeler gauge. Once adjusted, immediately tighten the lock nut to prevent loosening while driving. Finally, test it by shifting to neutral and spinning the tire—there should be no friction noise, and braking should provide noticeable resistance. The key is controlling the rotation amplitude; adjusting too tight can cause brake overheating, while too loose affects braking performance. It's recommended to use a vernier caliper for precise measurement, as this directly relates to driving safety.
As an average car owner, I once attempted to adjust the electromagnetic brake clearance myself. First, it's essential to identify your vehicle's brake type: drum brakes usually require adjusting the star wheel on the outer side, while disc brakes need adjustment via the bolts on the caliper. Following the repair manual, I located the toothed adjustment mechanism at the rear of the brake. Using flat-nose pliers, I gently turned it three to four notches before pausing, then jacked up the wheel to rotate it manually. If the tire locks completely, it indicates excessive tightness; the correct adjustment allows free rotation with slight resistance. The entire process can be quite troublesome without professional tools, so I recommend visiting a repair shop where pneumatic tools make the job easier, typically costing just a few dozen dollars in labor fees.
Adjusting brake clearance requires understanding the principle. When the friction linings wear out, the extended stroke of the pneumatic push rod leads to delayed brake response. At this point, rotating the adjustment mechanism effectively shortens the distance between the push rod and the camshaft. I prefer to release the air pressure in the reservoir before operation. During adjustment, maintaining the push rod and adjusting screw in a perpendicular state is optimal. Remember to conduct a brake test after adjustment: at 0.65 MPa on the pressure gauge, the brake pedal travel should not exceed one-third of the full stroke. This type of mechanical adjustment strictly avoids forceful operations, and using a torque wrench is the safest approach.
