Old timer told me my brake adjustment was all wrong

Was working on a MRL in a building off Main Street in Cleveland. This guy with 30 years experience watched me set the brake gap. He said I was leaving too much room. Told me to aim for paper thin. Like a business card thickness max. I always followed the manual before. He showed me how a tiny gap changes the stop distance on hydraulic valves. Tried his way on the next car. Stops were way smoother. Less jarring for the passengers. Anyone else have a senior guy correct something you thought you knew?

2 comments

2 Comments

luna_wells5726d agoMost Upvoted

I remember watching a video from a longtime Otis mechanic who said the same thing about brake gaps. He argued that the manuals are too conservative and that a tighter gap actually reduces wear over time because the brake engages more evenly. It makes sense when you think about it hydraulic valves respond way different than the old mechanical ones they used to have.

matthew_morgan26d ago

Did that mechanic mention any specific measurement for the tighter gap you found works best?