CLUTCH FLUID/LINKAGE ADJUSTMENTS
Clutch fluid (if equipped)
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, fill to step in the reservoir.
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, if necessary, until it
reaches the step in the reservoir.
6. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and cap onto reservoir.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet manufacturer
specifications. Refer toLubricant specificationsin this chapter.
WARNING:Carefully read cautionary information on product
label. For MEDICAL EMERGENCY INFORMATION, contact a
physician or Poison Control Center immediately; on Ford-Motorcraft
products call: 1-800-959-3673 (FORD). Failure to follow these
instructions may result in personal injury.
Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for service interval
schedules.
Clutch linkage (if equipped)
Lubricate the clutch linkage using the following procedure. Use a grease
which meets manufacturer specifications. Refer toLubricant
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.
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Transmission and clutch
removed for clarity
3. Lubricate the clutch release bearing (at one location) and the clutch
release shaft (at two locations), using the grease fittings provided, with a
grease gun.
4. Lubricate clutch release wear pads at the two locations where they
contact the clutch release bearing with a brush or similar tool.
5. Install the inspection cover onto the clutch housing.
Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for the service
interval schedules.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourAllison Automatic Transmission Operator’s Manualfor
scheduled transmission fluid check/change intervals. 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.
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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, refer to yourAllison Automatic
Transmission Operator’s Manualfor the correct fluid type.Use of a
non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause internal
transmission component damage.
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.
Eaton UltraShift (if equipped)
The Eaton UltraShift transmission is filled with synthetic fluid from the
factory with no scheduled fluid change intervals as this fluid is intended
to last the life of the transmission. However, the system should be
checked regularly to ensure that proper transmission fluid levels remain
constant. Refer to theEaton Driver Instructions Manualfor details.
Manual transmission fluid
Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for transmission
fluid level check/change intervals.
Your manual transmission may be filled with an optional synthetic fluid
which allows the use of extended service intervals. A tag on the filler
plug identifies the use of the synthetic fluid.
Only use fluid that meets manufacturer specifications; refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter.Use of a non-approved transmission
fluid may cause internal transmission component damage.
Check your transmission fluid level using the following procedure:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake and shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the filler plug.
4. Remove the filler plug and inspect the fluid level; the fluid level should
be at the bottom of the filler plug opening.
5. Add fluid, if necessary, through the filler plug opening.
6. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
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Supporting your vehicle for service
Prepare the vehicle for service repairs by doing the following:
1. Park the vehicle on a level concrete floor.
2. Set the parking brake and block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving.
3. Select a jack with a rated capacity sufficient to lift and hold up the
vehicle.
4. Raise the vehicle with the jack applied to the axle(s). DO NOT use the
bumper as a lifting point.
5. Support the vehicle with floor stands under the axle(s). If the axle or
the suspension are being serviced, support the vehicle with floor stands
under the frame side-members, preferably between the axles.
WARNING:Do not use a jack when working under a vehicle. It
may give way, causing the vehicle to fall and result in property
damage, personal injury or death. Always use floor stands to support
the vehicle.
FRAME AND TOW HOOKS
Your vehicle’s chassis is manufactured with frame rails of either HSLA
steel or heat-treated steel; each must be handled in a specific manner to
ensure maximum service life. Consult the service manual or your dealer
before attempting frame repair or modification.
It is important, particularly on vehicles where the tow hooks are used
frequently, to inspect the front and rear tow hooks for damage or a loose
mounting.
SPRING U-BOLT CHECKS
Check U-bolt nuts and re-torque every 36,000 miles (58,000 km) after
initial 1,000 miles (1,600 km) re-torque. The U-bolt and nut threads and
seats should be cleaned and lubricated to ensure peak condition when
re-torqued.
U-bolt nut torque
Suspension ft-lb N•m
Front axle – 8500 lb (3856 kg) 180-200 244-271
Front axles – 10000 lb (4536 kg) and higher 260-300 353-407
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Suspension ft-lb N•m
Rear axle with multi-leaf 260-300 353-407
Rear axle with IROS air suspension 370-400 502-542
Rear axle with Hendrickson air suspension 400–450 542–610
See air suspension U-bolt re-torquing and installation information below.
Air suspension U-bolt checks and re-torquing procedures
1. Inspect the threads of the U-bolt and nut for rust and debris. Clean
the threads if contaminated.
2. Using a torque wrench, determine if any nuts can be turned with a
force below the specified torque.
3. Using the lowest discovered torqued nut as a starting point, retighten
the nuts using the sequence listed underAir suspension U-bolt and
U-bolt nut installation.
Air suspension U-bolt and U-bolt nut installation
1. Inspect the threads of the U-bolt and nut for rust and debris. Clean
the threads if contaminated.
2. Install the U-bolts and nuts and torque the nuts to seat the cap flat
which is about 18 ft-lb (25 N•m) using a diagonal pattern. Use the same
diagonal pattern for each of the following U-bolt nut re-torque steps.
3. Tighten U-bolt nuts in increments of 74 ft-lb (100 N•m) until
tightened to final torque for the particular suspension.
DRIVESHAFT
Check the universal joints for any evidence of wear or looseness at the
regular lubrication interval. Stop the vehicle immediately, should
driveshaft vibrations occur, to avoid possible hazardous consequences or
damage to other components.
REAR AXLE LUBRICANT
Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for rear axle
lubricant level check/change intervals.
Your rear axle may be filled with an optional synthetic lubricant which
allows the use of extended service intervals. A tag on the filler plug
identifies the use of the synthetic lubricant.
Only use a lubricant that meets manufacturer specifications; refer to
Lubricant specificationsin this chapter.Use of a non-approved rear
axle lubricant may cause internal axle component damage.
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All tires with Steel Carcass Plies (if equipped):
This type of tire utilizes steel cords in the sidewalls. As such, they
cannot be treated like normal light truck tires. Tire service, including
adjusting the air pressure, must be performed by personnel trained,
supervised and equipped according to Federal Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. For example, during any
procedure involving tire inflation, the technician or individual must
utilize a remote inflation device, and ensure that all persons are clear of
the trajectory area.
WARNING:An inflated tire and rim can be very dangerous if
improperly used, serviced or maintained. To avoid serious injury,
never attempt to re-inflate a tire which has been run flat or seriously
under-inflated without first removing the tire from the wheel assembly
for inspection. Do not attempt to add air to tires or replace tires or
wheels without first taking precautions to protect persons and
property.
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Stay out of the trajectory (1) as indicated in the illustration.
WARNING:Do not mount tube type tires on tubeless wheels or
tubeless tires on tube type wheels. To do so could result in tire
or wheel failure and cause property damage, personal injury or death.
Preserving proper inflation pressure is a very important maintenance
practice to insure safe vehicle operation and long life for the tires.
Failure to maintain correct inflation pressure may result in sudden tire
destruction, improper vehicle handling, and may cause rapid and
irregular tire wear. Therefore, inflation pressures should be checked daily
and always before long distance trips.
Follow the tire manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure for
the tire size, type, load range (ply rating) and axle loading typical for
your operation. (Each steer axle tire load equals
1 2steer axle loading;
each drive tire load is1 4the axle loading if fitted with four tires).
Checking inflation
Always check inflation pressure when tires are cold. Never bleed air from
hot tires to relieve normal pressure build-up. Normal increases in
pressure due to service conditions is 10–15 psi (69–103 kPa), which is
allowable in truck tires.
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Tires should be properly inflated to manufacturers recommended
pressure for the size and service load in which the vehicle is being used.
Refer to the specific tire manufacturer with which your vehicle is
equipped with for the latest information concerning service load and
inflation pressure.
It is particularly important to keep moisture from the inside of tires, and
proper selection of air compressor equipment, proper air line routing,
and the use of shop air dryers is strongly recommended to avoid
moisture in the high pressure air used for tire inflation.
Under-inflation
Tires should not be permitted to become under-inflated. Increased
flexing due to under-inflation causes heat build-up within the tire
components. This leads to reduced strength, breakdown of the rubber
compounds, and possible separation of the tire components (i.e., ply and
tread separation and reduced retreadability).
Under-inflation is the primary cause of premature tire concerns including
sudden loss of air. In addition, low inflation causes an increase in rolling
resistance. This results in reduced fuel mileage, a loss in tread mileage,
and uneven wear due to increased tread movement. To determine proper
inflation refer to the tire manufacturer load/inflation guide which can be
found on the tire manufacturer website or at your local truck tire dealer.
Inspection
Check condition of tires for abnormal wear patterns, and proper inflation
pressures. Cut or broken tire casing must be repaired or replaced.
Tires should be inspected for the following conditions. If any are present,
the tire should be removed and repaired, retreaded or scrapped as the
condition indicates.
•Any blister, bump or raised portion anywhere on the surface of the
tire tread or sidewall (other than a bump made by a repair). These
indicate the start of internal separation.
•Any cut that reaches to the belt or ply cords, or any cut that is large
enough to grow in size and depth.
•Any nail or puncturing object.
•If any stone or object is held by a tread groove and is starting to drill
into the tread base, remove the object.
Proper tire inflation, toe-in adjustment, loads, and road speeds are
important factors governing tire mileage, steering ease and maneuverability.
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