6-60
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more. Also, check the
tire pressure of the spare tire (if equipped).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket
-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can't tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they're underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and
moisture.
Rims and Wheels
Rims and wheels are stamped with a maximum load
and cold inflation rating. Be sure you don't exceed
these limits.
Dual Tire Operation
When the vehicle is new, check the wheel nut tightness
on all wheels with a torque wrench after your first
100 miles (160 km) and then 1,000 miles (1 600 km)
after that. Whenever a wheel, wheel bolt or wheel nut is
removed or serviced, repeat the 100 miles (160 km), and
then 1,000 mile (1 600 km) wheel nut tightness check.
See ªTightening the Wheel Nutsº later in this section
for proper torque values and wheel nut tightening
information.
CAUTION:
If you operate your vehicle with a tire that is
badly underinflated, the tire can overheat. An
overheated tire can lose air suddenly or catch
fire. You or others could be injured. Be sure all
tires (including the spare, if any) are properly
inflated.
See ªTiresº and ªInflation -- Tire Pressureº in the Index
for more information on proper tire inflation.
7-18
(15) = Adjust tire pressures as indicated on the GVW
Rating label for optimum tire life. See ªTiresº in the
Index for further details. Check tires for excessive or
abnormal wear or damage. Also check for damaged
wheels. Replace wheels and/or tires as needed.
(16) = Check spring
-to-axle U-bolts and shackle
bolts for proper torque. See the service manual for
torque sequence and specifications. When parts are
replaced, the torque must be checked and adjusted
more often during the first 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
Check torque at 500 miles (800 km) and 2,000 miles
(3 000 km) after first use of parts.
(17) = Check complete exhaust system and cab areas
near the exhaust system for broken, damaged, missing or
out
-of-position parts. Also inspect for open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which could
let exhaust fumes seep into the driver compartment.
Needed repairs should be made at once. To help
maintain system integrity, replace exhaust pipes
whenever a new muffler is put on.
(18) = Check all gasoline engine drive belts for cracks,
fraying and wear. Replace as needed.(20) = With the engine off and below normal operating
temperature, check to see that the thermostatically
controlled engine cooling fan can be rotated by hand on
viscous
-operated drives. Replace as needed.
(21) = Check shields and underhood insulation for
damage or looseness. Adjust or replace as needed.
(23) = Wheel bearing service:
Grease type
-- Clean, inspect and lubricate with the
proper wheel bearing grease at designated intervals
or when hubs are removed. See ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Oil
-filled type -- Some wheel bearings are lubricated
by rear axle lubricant. When you have oil
-filled
hubs, use lubricant identical to that used in your rear
axle. Lubricant change intervals are the same for
front and rear axles. However, you must maintain oil
level at the OIL LEVEL mark between change
intervals. See ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Index.
(24) = Check the air intake system installation to see that
gaskets are seated properly and all hose connections,
fasteners and other components are tight. Tighten
connections and fasteners or replace parts as required.