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 due to vehicle
applications and operating conditions. If you are uncertain of the proper
schedule for your vehicle, contact an authorized 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, you can see the orange marker protruding from
the chamber when the brakes are applied.
•Checking the brake lining (every service interval). When brake lining
or blocks wear within 1/16th inch (1.6 millimeters) of rivets, replace
the brake linings. A qualified technician should perform this
inspection and keep to 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 your 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, inspect the entire brake system:
•Rubber components for deterioration. A qualified technician should
inspect these components and replace them 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.
Periodically inspect parts such as air brake chamber diaphragm, air
compressor and air cleaner. Replace any parts if you can consider them
unserviceable.
Air dryer:Climactic conditions affect performance of desiccant or
after-cooler type air dryers. You must establish a maintenance schedule
for each specific operation.
The use of an air dryer on a vehicle does not eliminate the need to drain
the air reservoirs periodically.
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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 is
not an indication that the dryer is not functioning properly.
Replace or rebuild the desiccant cartridge when you determine that the
desiccant is contaminated and does not have adequate water absorption
capacity. The desiccant change interval may vary. A general
recommendation is to replace the desiccant 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. Manually
drain any air tanks equipped with
automatic moisture ejector valves,
as required, to maintain a dry air
system. Contact an authorized 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.
Hydraulic Brakes
Establish a regular schedule for periodic cleaning, lubrication and
adjustment inspection based on vehicle use. Exact maintenance intervals
are difficult to predetermine due to vehicle applications and operating
conditions. If you are uncertain of the proper schedule for your vehicle,
contact an authorized 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. A qualified
technician should perform this inspection and keep to instructions
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provided by the service manual. Hydraulic brake systems are
power-assisted. There is a great reduction in braking capabilities
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.
A qualified technician should adjust the parking brake and keep to the
instructions in the service manual.
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.
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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. Maintain proper alignment 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. Re-torque the U-bolt nuts every
36000 miles (60000 kilometers) thereafter. Clean and lubricate the
U-bolt and nut threads and seats to make sure a like new condition
when re-torqueing.
Note:SeeSpring U-bolt checklater in this chapter.
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 your vehicle for service repairs by doing the following:
1. Park your vehicle on a level, concrete floor.
2. Set the parking brake and block the wheels to prevent your vehicle
from moving.
3. Select a jack with a rated capacity sufficient to lift and hold up your
vehicle.
4. Raise your vehicle with the jack applied to the axle(s). Do not use
the bumper as a lifting point.
5. Support your vehicle with floor stands under the axle(s). When
servicing the axle or the suspension, support your 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. Handle each in a specific manner to make
sure maximum service life. Consult the service manual or an authorized
dealer before attempting frame repair or modification.
It is important, particularly on vehicles that use tow hooks frequently, to
inspect the front and rear tow hooks for damage or a loose mounting.
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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.
A latch located on each fender holds the hood and fenders in position.
Before opening the hood, set the parking brake, shift into positionN
(automatic transmission) or first (manual transmission) and turn the
engine off.
To open the hood:
1. Lift up on the bottom of each latch.
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ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
Diesel Engine
See your engine operator’s manual for information on the engine oil
dipstick.
Gasoline Engine
A. MIN
B. MAX
ENGINE OIL CHECK
Diesel Engine
See your engine operator’s manual for information on checking and
adding engine oil as well as engine oil specifications, capacities and
required maintenance.
Gasoline Engine
Checking the Engine Oil
1. Make sure your vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and latch the gearshift in positionP.
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil dipstick.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, and then remove it
again.
•If the oil level is between the lower and upper holes, the oil level
is acceptable. DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the lower hole, add enough oil to raise the
level within the lower and upper holes.
•Oil levels above the upper hole may cause engine damage. Have
an authorized dealer remove some of the oil.
7. Put the dipstick back in completely.
AB
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When Fail-Safe Mode Turns On
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Note:Driving your vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive your
vehicle with caution. Your vehicle is not able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine runs rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage; therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Have your vehicle taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK
Allison Automatic Transmissions
See yourAllison Automatic Transmission Operator’s Manualfor
scheduled transmission fluid checks and change intervals. Your
transmission does not consume fluid. However, you should check the
fluid level if the transmission is not working properly. For example, 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 your vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature, approximately 20 miles (30 kilometers). Verify that the
transmission fluid temperature gauge, located on the instrument cluster,
is within the normal range.
1. Drive your vehicle 20 miles (30 kilometers) or until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
2. Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the engine running, parking brake engaged and your foot on the
brake pedal, move the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges.
Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in positionNorPand leave the engine
running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry, lint-free rag.
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6. Install the dipstick making sure to seat it fully in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be
in the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
If you must add transmission fluid, see 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 or engagement
concerns or possible damage.
TorqShift® Automatic Transmission
See theScheduled Maintenancechapter for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, you should check the fluid level if the transmission is not
working properly. For example, 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 your vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature, approximately 20 miles (30 kilometers). Verify that the
transmission fluid temperature gauge, located on the instrument cluster,
is within the normal range.
1. Drive your vehicle 20 miles (30 kilometers) or until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
2. Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the engine running, parking brake engaged and your foot on the
brake pedal, move the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges.
Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in positionPand leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry, lint-free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure to seat it fully in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be
in the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
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