To inspect the air cleaner/filter, remove the filter from
the vehicle and lightly shake filter to release loose dust
and dirt. If the filter remains “caked” with dirt, a new
filter is required.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/ lter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The
air cleaner not only cleans the air, it helps to
stop ame if the engine back res. If it is not
there and the engine back res, you could
be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner/ lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/ lter is off, a back re can
cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can
easily get into your engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/ lter in place when you
are driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
checked. See your Allison Automatic Transmission
Operator’s Manual to find out when to change your
transmission fluid and filters.
How to Check and What to Use
The Allison Automatic Transmission Operator’s Manual
that came with the vehicle shows how to check the
automatic transmission fluid and what fluid to use.
Automatic Transmission External Filter
Your automatic transmission filter requires periodic
replacement.
Consult the Allison Automatic Transmission Operator’s
Manual that came with the vehicle for proper change
intervals.
5-31
Manual Transmission Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-5.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of fluid to use. SeePart C: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-29.
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
checked. See your Maintenance Schedule to find out
when to change your transmission fluid.
How to Check and What to Use
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission
is cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check to be sure that the lubricant level is up to the
bottom of the fill opening. On heavy duty
transmissions (an inch of oil level equals about one
gallon of fluid.)
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more
fluid as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine the proper fluid to use. SeePart
C: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-29.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of the
fill opening.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully
seated.
Engine Coolant (Gas and
DURAMAX™ engines)
If your vehicle has a Caterpillar®diesel engine, the
Caterpillar®Operation & Maintenance Manual provided
with your vehicle has information regarding the
proper coolant to use.
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL
®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add
only DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
5-32
Item Number Item Remarks
1 Brake Camshaft** One fitting each (apply sparingly).
2 Steering Column Slip Joint* One fitting.
3 Steering Drag Link Ends One fitting each end.
4 Pivot Points and Hinges Apply chassis lubricant.
5 Pivot Points and Hinges Apply chassis lubricant.
6 Slack Adjuster** One fitting.
7Brake Cam Roller Pins at interface of pin
and shoe**Apply engine oil.
8 Front Steering KnucklesOne fitting each side, lower bushing.
(Hand-operated grease gun only.) Hand-pack
upper bearing.
9 Front Wheel Bearings Hand-pack or lubricate.
10 Steering Tie Rod Ends One fitting each end.
11 Spring Slip Pads* (Multi-leaf Only) Apply chassis lubricant.
12 Clutch Release Bearing* Cup or fitting.
13 Battery Terminal (except “ST” type) Keep coated with petroleum jelly.
14 Transmission Fill to level of filler plug.
15 Propshaft Slip JointsLubricate with GM Part No. 1051344 Wheel Bearing
Lubricant.
16 Parking Brake Clevis Pin$ Apply chassis lubricant.
17 Parking Brake Lever Pivot*, $ Apply chassis lubricant.
18Clutch Release Cross Shaft,
Master Cylinder$Apply chassis lubricant, fill to 1/4 inch (6 mm)
below opening.
5-53
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
7.2L 175–230 hp engine with manual transmission, air
conditioning and increased cooling33.0 quarts 31.2 liters
7.2L 175–210 hp engine with automatic transmission 31.4 quarts 29.7 liters
7.8L 250–275 hp engine with manual transmission 34.9 quarts 33.0 liters
7.8L 250–275 hp engine with manual transmission, air
conditioning and increased cooling35.4 quarts 33.5 liters
7.8L 230–275 hp engine with automatic transmission 33.3 quarts 31.5 liters
7.2L 250–300 hp engine with manual transmission 32.8 quarts 31.0 liters
7.2L 250–300 hp engine with manual transmission, air
conditioning and increased cooling33.3 quarts 31.5 liters
7.2L 250–300 hp engine with automatic transmission 31.2 quarts 29.5 liters
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a 2.1 lbs. 1.0 kg
It is recommended that service work on your air conditioning system be performed by a qualified technician.
R134a 2.1 lbs. (1.0 kg)
Use Refrigerant Oil, R143a Systems
5-95
300,000 Miles (480 000 km)
❑Remove, disassemble, clean and inspect the air
brake air dryer (or every 3 years, or 10,800 hours,
whichever occurs first). Replace desiccant on
Bendix-Westinghouse units.
Footnotes
† = The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
(1)= If your vehicle has an Allison automatic
transmission, your GM owner’s manual is supplemented
by an Allison Transmission
®Operator’s Manual.
Always refer to these manuals for related maintenance
services.
(2)= Refer to the Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine Operation
and Maintenance Manual for oil recommendations
and change intervals.
(3)= An Emission Control Service.
(4)= A Noise Emission Control Device.
(5)= Applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.(6)= Check fluid level in brake master cylinder, power
steering pump, axle, transmission and hydraulic
spring parking brake pump (if equipped). A low fluid
level in the brake master cylinder can indicate
worn brake linings and should be checked accordingly.
(7)= Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect caliper assemblies. Check brake
pedal for excessive free play or travel (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first) and have serviced if
needed. Check brakes more often if driving habits
and conditions result in frequent braking.
(8)= Inspect parking brake drum and linings for wear or
cracks and check linkage and adjustment.
(9)= This vehicle has the GM Oil Life System. This
system will show you when to change the engine oil and
filter – usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and
7,500 miles (12 000 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on
before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 12 months
without an oil and filter change.
Remember to reset the Oil Life System whenever the oil
is changed. For more information, seeChange Engine
Oil Light on page 3-39.
6-19
(11)= Inspect rear axle air shift motor for fluid leaks.
Remove plug to check fluid level. Inspect air lines
and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, etc.
Inspect at 1,000 miles (1 600 km) and 22,500 miles
(36 000 km) and then every 22,500 miles (36 000 km)
thereafter.
(12)= Chassis Lubrication Service: Lubricate all grease
fittings in front suspension, front axle and steering
linkage. DO NOT lubricate kingpin bushings with air
pressure equipment; instead, use a hand grease gun to
ensure complete purge and eliminate sealer cap
distortion. Front axle tie rod ends, both upper and lower
kingpin fittings and both steering linkage relay rod
ends should be greased with the vehicle loaded on the
ground and wheels turned straight ahead, NOT with
the vehicle on a hoist. Apply kingpin bushing lubricant to
both upper and lower kingpin grease fittings until new
lubricant purges from between the upper shim pack and
thrust bearing. Lubricate transmission and shift
linkage, hood latches and hood hinges, parking brake
lever pivot, clevis pins and linkage, disc brake caliper
rails, clutch linkage and release bearing (if equipped),
bearing pads, propshaft universal joints, brake camshaft
bracket, slack adjusters, pedal shaft, clutch cross
shaft, clutch pedal springs and clutch cable bushing at
transmission. Lubricate suspension, axle and steeringlinkage more often when operating under dusty or
muddy conditions and in excessive off-road use.
Frequently power-washed vehicles will require more
frequent lubrication.
(13)= Check steering system:
•Look for damaged, loose or missing parts. Inspect
the steering linkage relay rod and tie rod ends for
looseness or lack of lubricant. Also look for
parts showing signs of wear or lack of lubrication.
Replace parts as needed. Also check steering gear
mounting bolts, pitman arm nut, gear housing
upper cover and side cover attaching bolts, steering
column mounting bolts and cardan joint clamp
bolts; tighten if necessary. (See service manual.)
•Inspect power steering hoses, tubes and fittings for
leaks. Hoses and lines must not be twisted, kinked
or tightly bent. Make sure clips, clamps, supporting
tubes and hoses are in place and properly
secured.
•Check steering gear for leakage around pitman
shaft and housing. If leakage is evident (lubricant
oozing out, not just oily film), leak should be
corrected immediately.
6-20
Part C: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part
number or specification may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil
(Gasoline
Engine)Engine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certified for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, see “Engine Oil” in the
Index.
Engine Oil
(DURAMAX™
Diesel Engine)Engine oil with the letters CI-4 or
CH-4 is best for your vehicle. The
CI-4 or CH-4 designation may
appear either alone or in
combination with other API
designations, such as API CI-4/SL.
These letters show American
Petroleum Institute levels of quality.
To determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s diesel engine, see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil
(Caterpillar
®
Diesel Engine)See the Caterpillar
®Operation &
Maintenance Manual for engine oil
recommendations.
Engine Coolant
(Caterpillar
®
Diesel Engine)See the Caterpillar
®Operation &
Maintenance Manual for engine
coolant recommendations.
Engine Coolant
(Gasoline
Engine &
DURAMAX™
Diesel)50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only
DEX-COOL
®Coolant. See “Engine
Coolant” in the Index.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Clutch Bearing
LubricantClutch Bearing Lubricant (GM Part
No. 12378484 or equivalent NLGI #3
consistency).
Exhaust Brake
Ball Joint Cap
LubricantHigh-Temperature Grease (GM Part
No. U.S. 1051344, in Canada
903037) or NLGI #3 consistency.
Power Steering
SystemDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
6-29
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Manual
Transmission
(Except ZF
6–Speed)Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345724, in
Canada 10953510).
Manual
Transmission
(ZF 6–Speed)TranSynd™ Synthetic Transmission
Fluid (GM Part No. U.S. 12378515,
in Canada 88900701).
Automatic
TransmissionSee the Allison
Transmission
®Operator’s Manual for
correct transmission fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S.
12377985, in Canada 88901242) or
lubricant meeting requirements of
NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Front Wheel
Bearing Grease
(Except Oil
Filled Hubs)Wheel bearing lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
GC or GC-LB (GM Part No. U.S.
1051344, in Canada 993037).
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Front Wheel
Bearing Grease
with Oil Filled
HubsSAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant for Medium Duty Trucks
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345841, in
Canada 10953512t).
Rear Axle and
Rear HubsSAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant for Medium Duty Trucks
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345841, in
Canada 10953512).
Rear Axle Shift
Motor LubricantRefrigerant Oil (GM Part No.U.S.
5416939, in Canada 10953496).
Propshafts and
SplinesWheel bearing lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
GC or GC-LB (GM Part No. U.S.
1051344, in Canada 993037).
Cab — Door
Hinges and
LatchesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part
No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada
992887).
Weatherstrip
SqueaksSynthetic Grease with Teflon,
Superlube (GM Part No. U.S.
12371287, in Canada 10953437).
6-30