interval to determine if adjustment is necessary. Brake chamber push
rods on original equipment chambers now incorporate a stroke indicator
to aid in adjustment checks; an orange paint marker near the base of the
push rod. If the push rod is clean and the brakes require adjustment, the
orange marker can be seen protruding from the chamber when the
brakes are applied.
Slack adjusters should also be checked to ensure proper operation of the
adjuster mechanism at the six-month interval. Push rod travel should be
kept at a minimum without the brakes dragging.
Inspect the brake lining every maintenance interval. When brake lining or
blocks are worn to within 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of rivets, brake lining must
be replaced. This inspection or adjustment should only be performed by
a qualified technician and must be in accordance with instructions
provided by the service manual.
Do not back off or disconnect the front brakes so that they are less
effective, letting the rear brakes do all the stopping of the vehicle. Do
not overlook the brakes on the trailer, either. Brake condition on the
trailer is just as important as the tractor. Proper brake balance on trucks
and tractor-trailers is essential for effective braking.
Once a year, the entire brake system must be inspected. Check the
following:
•Any rubber as it may deteriorate whenever used. Rubber brake
components should be inspected by a qualified technician and
replaced as necessary. Replacement intervals vary according to the
severity and length of vehicle service.
•Condition of brake drums, brake chambers and slack adjusters.
•System for air leaks.
•Hose or pipes for rust, damage and deterioration.
•Operation of service and parking brakes.
Some parts such as air brake chamber diaphragm, air compressor and air
cleaner should be inspected periodically and replaced if considered
unserviceable.
Air brakes - air dryer
Performance of desiccant or after-cooler type air dryers is dependent on
climatic conditions in which your vehicle is operating. Maintenance
schedules must be established for each specific operation.
The use of an air dryer on a vehicle does not eliminate the need to
periodically drain the air reservoirs.
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power steering fluid and hydraulic brake fluid. Failure to observe
precautions preventing the contamination of either system with fluid
from the other will result in swelling and deterioration of rubber parts
leading to reduced brake performance and eventual brake failure.
To avoid fluid contamination, the following should always be observed:
1. Use only fluids specified (or equivalent) and properly identified.
2. Add fluids only to the following locations:
•Power steering fluid to the power steering fluid pump reservoir
•Brake fluid to the brake master cylinder
Hydraulic brakes - brake lines, hoses and fittings
Inspect these components every 4,000 miles (6,000 km).
•Check lines for kinks, dents, corrosion or rupture.
•Check hoses for abrasions, kinks, soft spots or rupture, collapse,
cracks, twists or loose frame supports. When replacing a hose, be sure
there is adequate clearance to the hose to avoid an abrasion to the
new hose.
•Examine all connections for leaks.
•Repair or replace brake line tubes, hoses or fittings as required.
Driveline parking brake
Parking brake adjustment should only be performed by a qualified
technician, and in accordance with the instructions in the service
manual.
Use wheel chocks and exercise caution when inspecting under
the vehicle. A vehicle roll-away could result in property damage,
personal injury or death.
Catalytic converter
If your diesel engine is equipped with a catalytic converter, it is
important to review the maintenance schedule to ensure proper
functioning of the catalytic converter. Also, take precautions not to
damage the catalytic converter when servicing your engine or storing
your vehicle.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter/muffler,do
notblend waste oil with Diesel fuel. Operate only on low sulfur (less
than 500 parts per million sulfur) diesel fuel with a cetane value of 45 or
higher.
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Note:If your vehicle is equipped with a vertical exhaust pipe, it is very
important to have and maintain a rain cap on the exhaust pipe to
prevent water from entering the exhaust system and catalytic converter.
Any water entering the catalytic converter may damage the catalyst and
affect the function of the converter.
Air induction system
Once each year, perform a complete inspection of the air induction
system. In areas where road salt is used, the inspection consists of
disassembling the joints of each aluminum component and inspecting for
salt build-up, presence of chlorine that can cause aluminum particles to
flake off and enter the engine combustion chambers.
If evidence of corrosion is found (usually at the pipe connections), use a
wire brush to clean the inside of the pipes and inside the rubber hoses.
If the intake pipes are pitted at the joint ends, use Motorcraft Silicone
Gasket and Sealant TA-30 to seal the joints. Be certain that no excess
material is on the inside of the pipes that can be pulled into the engine.
If the service condition of the pipes, hoses or clamps is questionable,
replace the defective part(s).
Be sure that prior to reassembly all dust and debris has been cleaned out
of the pipes and couplings with a clean, damp rag.
To reduce the risk of personal injury or death when performing
maintenance to any turbocharged engine with engine air inlet
piping disconnected, a turbocharger compressor air inlet protective
shield should be installed over the turbocharger air inlet.
Cummins B and Caterpillar engines
Refer to the respective engine operator manual for air filter replacement
procedure.
OPENING THE HOOD
The hood and fenders are held in position by a latch located on each
fender.
The parking brake must be fully set before opening the hood or
possible personal injury may occur.
To reduce the risk of the possibility of personal injury, never
stand beneath the hood when it is being raised or lowered.
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If you must leave the engine running while checking under the
hood, do not allow any loose clothing, jewelry, hair or other
items to get near moving engine components or possible personal
injury may occur.
To open the hood:
1. Set the parking brake, shift into N (Neutral) (automatic transmission)
or 1 (First) (manual transmission) and turn the engine off.
2. Lift upward on the bottom of
each latch.
3. Pull the bottom of each latch
away from the fender.
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4. Tilt the hood forward until
stopped by the retaining cables.
To lower the hood:
1. Push the hood rearward at the top center of the hood above the grille
until closed.
2. Engage the latch on each fender.
3. Push down on the bottom of each latch until locked.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil level
Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil. Check the engine oil level
consistently and accurately.
If your vehicle is equipped with a Cummins or Caterpillar engine,
refer to the appropriate engine operator’s manual for information on the
engine oil.
If your vehicle is equipped with the 6.0L Power Stroke engine,
perform the following procedure:
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Set the parking brake and shift into N (Neutral) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
4. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain
completely into the oil pan.
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•Check tie rod, drag link end clamp bolts and ball joints. They must be
tight.
•Check for installation and spread of cotter pins and tightness of nuts
at both ends of the tie rod and drag link.
•Check that pitman arm (steering arm at steering gear) mounting is
tight and locked. Check system for leaks or hose chafing. Repair at
once.
•Maintain proper steering gear and power steering pump lubricant
levels.
•Regularly inspect steering column joint bolts and steering linkage,
particularly for body-to-chassis clearance.
Note:Have any steering problems corrected at once by a qualified
service technician.
Failure to maintain the steering system in proper condition can
cause reduced steering ability resulting in property damage,
personal injury or death.
Tightening steering column joint bolts
As a good maintenance practice, it is recommended that steering column
joint bolts be checked for tightness every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or
annually, whichever occurs first. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
Power steering
Whenever the power steering’s hydraulic system has been drained and
refilled for any reason, air must be bled from the system before returning
the vehicle to service. Failure to properly bleed the hydraulic system can
result in degradation of power system performance.
Consult your dealer who is aware of the proper procedures for filling and
bleeding the system.
Power steering fluid
Check the power steering fluid level using the following procedure. If
adding fluid is necessary, refer toLubricant Specificationsin this
chapter for the proper fluid type. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance
Guidechapter for the recommended service intervals.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into N (Neutral) (automatic transmission)
or 1 (First) (manual transmission) and turn the engine off.
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During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, maintain the fluid level at the
step in the reservoir.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet manufacturer
specifications. Refer toLubricant specificationsin this chapter.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into 1
(First) and turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood.
3. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
4. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
5. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
6. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and cap onto reservoir.
Clutch linkage (if equipped)
Lubricate the clutch linkage using the following procedure. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for the service interval
schedules.
Use a grease which meets manufacturer specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin this chapter.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
2. Remove the inspection cover from the clutch housing.
•Transmission and clutch
removed for clarity.
3. With a grease gun, lubricate the clutch release bearing (at one
location) and the clutch release shaft (at two locations) using the grease
fittings provided.
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4. Lubricate clutch release wear pads at the two locations where they
contact the clutch release bearing using a brush or similar tool.
5. Install the inspection cover onto the clutch housing.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community’s standards for disposing of these types of fluids.
Call your recycling center to find out about recycling automotive fluids.
Automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Allison Automatic Transmission Operator’s Manual for
scheduled intervals for transmission fluid checks and changes. Your
transmission does not consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be
checked if the transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been operated for
an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic or during hot weather,
the vehicle should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to
cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Place the gearshift lever in N (Neutral) or P (Park) and leave the
engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level.
If you must add transmission fluid, make sure the correct type of fluid is
being used. The type of fluid used is indicated in your Allison Automatic
Transmission Operator’s Manual.
Fluid levels above the safe range may result in transmission failure; an
overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
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