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Brake System
Note:Persons handling brake linings should follow all precautions listed
below:
WARNING:
1. Always wear a respirator approved by the National Institute of
Occupational Studies of Health (NIOSH) or Mine Safety and Appliance
(MSA) during all brake service procedures. Wear the respirator from
removal of the wheels through assembly.
2.Neveruse compressed air or dry brushing to clean brake parts or
assemblies.
3. Clean brake parts and assemblies in open air. During assembly,
carefully place all parts on the floor to avoid getting dust in the air. Use
an industrial vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter system to clean dust
from the brake drums, backing plates and other brake parts. After using
the vacuum, remove any remaining dust with a rag soaked in water and
wrung until nearly dry.
4.Neveruse compressed air or dry sweeping to clean the work area.
Use an industrial vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter system and rags
soaked in water and wrung until nearly dry. Dispose of used rags with
care to avoid getting dust in the air. Use an approved respirator when
emptying vacuum cleaners and handling used rags.
5.Worker clean-up:Wash your hands before eating, drinking or
smoking. Vacuum your work clothes after use and then launder them
separately, without shaking them, to prevent fiber dust getting into the
air.
Your vehicle is equipped with non-asbestos brake linings. However,
exposure to excessive amounts of brake material (whether asbestos or
non-asbestos, fiberglass, mineral wool, aramid or carbon) may be a
serious health hazard.
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Air Brakes
WARNING:Do not manually adjust the automatic slack adjusters
to correct excessive push rod stroke as it may result in reduced
brake effectiveness and a vehicle crash. Excessive push rod stroke
indicates that a problem exists with the automatic adjuster, with the
installation of the adjuster, or with foundation brake components that
manual adjustment does not remedy. Seek service from a qualified
facility for excessive push rod stroke.
Inspection and adjustment:Establish a regular schedule for periodic
cleaning, lubrication and adjustment inspection based on vehicle use.
Exact maintenance intervals are difficult to predetermine since vehicles
are used in a wide variety of applications and conditions. If you are
uncertain of the proper schedule for your vehicle, contact your dealer.
Regular inspections should include:
•periodic checking (every service interval) of push rod travel or brake
adjustment. This is essential for effective braking. Brake chamber
push rods on original equipment chambers now incorporate an orange
paint marker near the base of the push rod as a stroke indicator to
aid in adjustment checks. If the push rod is clean and the brakes are
out of adjustment, the orange marker can be seen protruding from
the chamber when the brakes are applied.
•checking the brake lining (every service interval). When brake lining
or blocks are worn to within 1/16th inch (1.6 millimeters) of rivets,
replace the brake linings. 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:
•Rubber components for deterioration. These 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.
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Some parts such as air brake chamber diaphragm, air compressor and air
cleaner should be inspected periodically and replaced if considered
unserviceable.
Air dryer:Climactic conditions affect performance of desiccant or
after-cooler type air dryers. 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.
Desiccant air dryer:Inspect for moisture in the air system by opening
reservoirs, draincocks or valves and checking for presence of water. The
presence of small amounts of water due to condensation is normal and
should not be considered as an indication that the dryer is not
functioning properly.
The desiccant cartridge should be replaced or rebuilt when it has been
determined that the desiccant is contaminated and does not have
adequate water absorption capacity. The desiccant change interval may
vary. It is generally recommended that the desiccant be replaced every
12 months (yearly). If experience has shown that extended or shortened
life has resulted for a particular installation, then the yearly interval can
be increased or decreased accordingly.
Draining the air brake reservoir:
Completely drain all the air brake
reservoirs daily by opening the
draincock at the ends of the tanks
(Where accessible. Pull-chains are
used when the drains are undercab
or otherwise inaccessible). Close the
draincock after draining. Air tanks
equipped with automatic moisture
ejector valves may also be drained
manually as required to maintain a
dry air system. Contact your dealer if you are unsure of the air reservoir
locations or the draining procedure.
WARNING:Failure to drain air brake reservoirs can result in a
reduction or loss of braking ability due to fluid accumulation in
the reservoir and/or possible freeze-up during cold weather.
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Hydraulic Brakes
Establish a regular schedule for periodic cleaning, lubrication and
adjustment inspection based on vehicle use. Exact maintenance intervals
are difficult to predetermine since vehicles are used in a wide variety of
applications and conditions. If you are uncertain of the proper schedule
for your vehicle, contact your dealer.
Regular inspections should include:
•checking the brake lining (every service interval). Establish
inspection intervals that provide for lining replacement before damage
to the disc occurs. Excessive lining wear may expose the backing
plate to the disc causing scoring of the disc faces. This inspection
should be performed by a qualified technician and must be in
accordance with instructions provided by the service manual.
Hydraulic brake systems are power-assisted. Braking capabilities are
greatly reduced without engine assist.
•proper fluid level. The level should be at the bottom edge of the ring
on each reservoir fill port. Do not fill the master cylinder to the top of
the reservoir. If fluid level requires attention to maintain a proper
master cylinder level, this is an indication of either severe operation
(pad wear) or fluid leakage. A more frequent and thorough brake
inspection is required.
•brake lines, hoses and fittings. Repair or replace brake line tubes,
hoses or fittings as required. Inspect these components every
4000 miles (6000 kilometers):
•Lines for kinks, dents, corrosion or rupture.
•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.
•All connections for leaks.
Driveline Parking Brake
WARNING:Use wheel chocks and exercise caution when
inspecting under the vehicle. A vehicle roll-away could result in
property damage, personal injury or death.
Parking brake adjustment should only be performed by a qualified
technician, and in accordance with the instructions in the service
manual.
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Steering System
WARNING:Failure to maintain the steering system in proper
condition can cause reduced steering ability resulting in property
damage, personal injury or death.
Note:Have any steering problems immediately corrected by a qualified
service technician.
Ask your service technician to examine the steering mechanism. Only
minor adjustments may be necessary. Regular inspections should include:
•checking the tie rod, drag link end clamp bolts and ball joints for
proper tightness.
•checking for installation and spread of cotter pins and tightness of
nuts at both ends of the tie rod and drag link.
•checking that the pitman arm (steering arm at steering gear)
mounting is tight and locked. Check system for leaks or hose chafing.
Repair immediately, if necessary.
•maintaining proper steering gear and power steering pump lubricant
levels.
•checking steering column joint bolts and steering linkage, particularly
for body-to-chassis clearance.
Steering Column Joint Bolts
As a good maintenance practice, it is recommended that steering column
joint bolts be checked for tightness every 60000 miles (96000 kilometers)
or annually, whichever occurs first. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
Hydraulic System
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.
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Catalytic Converter (Diesel Engine)
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter/muffler,do
notblend waste oil with diesel fuel. Operate only on ultra low sulfur
(less than 15 parts per million sulfur) diesel fuel with a cetane value of
45 or higher.
If your diesel engine is equipped with a catalytic converter, it is
important to review the maintenance schedule to make sure proper
functioning of the catalytic converter. Also, take precautions not to
damage the catalytic converter when servicing your engine or storing
your vehicle.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and
Select Catalyst Reduction (SCR) System
See your engine operator’s manual for information regarding DEF, DPF
and SCR system service.
Air Induction System
WARNING:When performing maintenance to any turbocharged
engine with engine air inlet piping disconnected, keep loose
clothing, jewelry and long hair away from the engine air inlet piping.
A turbocharger compressor air inlet protective shield should be
installed over the turbocharger air inlet to reduce the risk of personal
injury or death.
Perform a complete inspection of the air induction system annually.
In areas where road salt is used, disassemble the joints of each aluminum
component and inspect for salt build-up and 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. Make sure 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).
Make sure all dust and debris has been cleaned out of the pipes and
couplings with a clean, damp rag prior to reassembly.
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Chassis-mounted Charge Air Cooler
Visually inspect the core assembly for debris and clogging of external fins
with the engine off. Prior to engine operation, remove any debris
blocking the core.
•Turbocharger-to-charge air cooler
•Charge air cooler-to-intake manifold pipe
•Mounting bracket
•Chassis-mounted charge air cooler core
Inspect air intake piping:
•Check for accumulation of salt deposits (where applicable).
If present, disassemble and clean the complete air intake piping
system. If the intake piping is pitted, use Motorcraft® Silicone Gasket
and Sealant TA-30 to seal joints against leakage.
•Check for loose hoses and clamps.
•Check for ruptured or collapsed hoses.
•Check air cleaner housing for cracks.
Suspension Inspection
Note:Do not adjust air suspension height to any setting other than the
specified setting. Altering the height setting changes the driveline angle
and may result in unwarrantable component damage, such as
transmission component damage.
Verify drive axle air suspension height and height control valve
performance at engine oil change intervals.
Periodically check:
•Condition of spring leaves for evidence of fatigue, bending or
breakage.
•Condition of suspension mounting brackets and bushings.
•Torque rod mounting fasteners for tightness.
•For proper suspension alignment. This must be maintained at all
times.
•U-bolts. After the chassis has been operating under load for
1000 miles (1600 kilometers) or six months (whichever comes first),
the U-bolt nuts must be re-torqued. The U-bolt nuts must be
re-torqued every 36000 miles (60000 kilometers) thereafter. The
U-bolt and nut threads and seats should be cleaned and lubricated to
make sure a like new condition when re-torquing.
Note:SeeSpring U-bolt checklater in this chapter.
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Supporting Your Vehicle for Service
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.
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 is being serviced, support the vehicle with floor
stands under the frame side-members, preferably between the axles.
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
make sure 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.
OPENING AND CLOSING THE HOOD
WARNING:The parking brake must be fully set before opening
the hood or possible personal injury may occur.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of the possibility of personal
injury, never stand beneath the hood when it is being raised or
lowered.
WARNING: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.
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