As brakes wear naturally, what happens to the brake pushrod stroke?
- It increases ✓
- It becomes unpredictable
- It remains constant
- It reduces
Answer: A. It increases
As brakes wear naturally, the brake pushrod stroke increases.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says outright that brake pushrod stroke increases as the brakes wear. It also explains that the linkage has an adjustment device, and that this linkage must be re-adjusted as brakes wear so the pushrod stroke stays in its normal operating range. The stroke is tied to how far the chamber's pushrod travels; when wear changes the linkage position, the rod travels farther. Another passage notes that when pushrod stroke becomes excessive, brake force at the wheel drops, so the stroke must be kept within the chamber's adjustment limit.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. It becomes unpredictable — Wear does not make the stroke unpredictable; the handbook describes a consistent increase, which is why regular adjustment is required.
- C. It remains constant — The stroke does not stay constant as brakes wear; the linkage must be re-adjusted to keep it within the normal range.
- D. It reduces — The stroke does not reduce with wear; the handbook states that it increases as the brakes wear.
Remember it
Before you judge a rod, identify the chamber; each size and style has its own stroke limit.