
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 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 linings or blocks
wear within 0.063 in (1.6 mm) they
must be replaced.
• Periodic checking (every service
interval) of the air compressor filter.
Check the filter minder and when the
indicator is near or on the red line
marked
Service, replace the filter and
reset the service filter minder.
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.
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inspection and keep to instructions
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 4,000 mi
(6,000 km) for the following.
• 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. AXLE INSPECTION
Front Axle
Maintaining the front axle alignment to
specifications is very important. A qualified
technician should check and maintain the
alignment.
Regular inspections should include:
•
Toe-in inspection and adjustment (if
necessary), particularly with radial
tires.
• Checking for proper tightness of axle
mounting U-bolt nuts, attaching or
mounting bolts and nuts.
• Checking the axle for damage, binding,
worn parts and adequate lubrication.
• Checking the kingpins for excessive
wear. Also, perform this check during
other scheduled maintenance, for
example as tire rotation or service,
wheel bearing service and alignment.
See the workshop manual for proper
procedures.
Toe-in
It is essential to maintain correct toe-in
and tire pressure for optimum tire wear.
Inspecting steer axle tires in the first
3,000– 10,000 mi (5,000– 16,000 km)
generally shows if tires are wearing
normally.
Rapid outside shoulder wear on both tires
indicates too much toe-in.
Rapid inside shoulder wear on both tires
indicates too much toe-out.
In P&D-type service, there can be a
left-to-right steer tire tread life differential
up to 40% depending on routes and other
variables.
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•
For proper suspension alignment.
Maintain proper alignment at all times.
• U-bolts. After the chassis has been
operating under load for 1,000 mi
(1,600 km) or six months (whichever
comes first), the U-bolt nuts must be
re-torqued. Re-torque the U-bolt nuts
every
37,000 mi (60,000 km)
thereafter. Clean and lubricate the
U-bolt and nut threads and seats to
make sure a like new condition when
re-torqueing. See
Spring U-Bolt
Check (page 253).
FRAME AND TOW HOOK
INSPECTION
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.
REAR AXLE FLUID CHECK
Your rear axle may have an optional
synthetic lubricant that 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. Use of a
non-approved rear axle lubricant may
cause internal axle component damage.
See
Capacities and Specifications
(page 288).
Checking the Fluid Level
1. Park your vehicle on level ground. 2. Set the parking brake and shift into
position neutral (N) or park (P). Turn
the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the axle filler plug.
4. Remove the filler plug and inspect the lubricant level. It should be at the
bottom of the filler plug opening.
5. Add lubricant, if necessary, through the
filler plug opening.
6. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
Changing the Fluid
Note: Drain the rear axle while the lubricant
is warm.
1. Park your vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake and shift into position neutral (N) or park (P). Turn
the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the axle filler and drain plugs.
4. Remove the filler and drain plugs. Drain
the lubricant into a suitable container.
Dispose of all used automotive fluids
in a responsible manner following your
local authorized standards.
5. Clean and install the drain plug securely.
6. Add lubricant through the filler plug opening.
7. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
SPRING U-BOLT CHECK
Check and tighten the U-bolt nuts after
your vehicle has been operated under load
for
1,000 mi (1,600 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
Check and tighten the U-bolt nuts every
37,000 mi (60,000 km)
.
Check and tighten the U-bolt nuts with
your vehicle at curb height and unloaded.
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•
Avoid cleaners or polishes that increase
the gloss of the upper portion of the
instrument panel. The dull finish in this
area helps protect you from
undesirable windshield reflection.
• Do not use any household cleaning
products or glass cleaners as these
may damage the finish of the
instrument panel, interior trim and
cluster lens.
• Wash or wipe your hands clean if you
have been in contact with certain
products such as insect repellent and
suntan lotion to avoid possible damage
to the interior painted surfaces.
• Do not allow air fresheners and hand
sanitizers to spill onto interior surfaces.
If a spill occurs, wipe off immediately.
Your warranty may not cover these
damages.
If a staining liquid like coffee or juice has
been spilled on the instrument panel or on
interior trim surfaces:
1. Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean, soft cloth as quickly as possible.
2. Use Motorcraft Premium Leather and Vinyl Cleaner or a commercially
available leather cleaning product for
automotive interiors. Test any cleaner
or stain remover on an inconspicuous
area.
3. Alternatively, wipe the surface with a clean, soft cloth and a mild soap and
water solution. Dry the area with a
clean, soft cloth.
4. If necessary, apply more soap and water solution or cleaning product to
a clean, soft cloth and press it onto the
soiled area. Allow this to set at room
temperature for 30 minutes.
5. Remove the soaked cloth, then with a clean, damp cloth, use a rubbing
motion for 60 seconds on the soiled
area. 6. Dry the area with a clean, soft cloth.
REPAIRING MINOR PAINT
DAMAGE
Authorized dealers have touch-up paint to
match your vehicle
’s color. Your vehicle
color code is printed on a sticker on the
front, left-hand side door jamb. Take your
color code to your authorized dealer to
make sure you get the correct color.
Before repairing minor paint damage, use
a cleaner such as Motorcraft Bug and Tar
Remover to remove particles such as bird
droppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout.
Read the instructions before using cleaning
products.
CLEANING THE WHEELS
1. Regularly clean them with a wheel cleaner. We recommend that you use
Ford approved wheel cleaner if
available.
2. Remove dirt and brake dust with a sponge.
3. Remove tar and grease with a bug and
tar remover. We recommend that you
use Ford approved bug and tar remover
if available.
4. Thoroughly rinse the wheels with water
after cleaning.
If you intend on parking your vehicle for an
extended period after cleaning the wheels
with a wheel cleaner, drive your vehicle for
a few minutes before doing so. This
reduces the risk of corrosion of the brake
discs, brake pads and linings.
Do not clean the wheels when they are hot.
Note: Some car washes could damage
wheel rims and covers.
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Note:
It is necessary to reset memory
features if you disconnect the battery
cables.
Brakes
• Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
• Make sure all linkages, cables, levers
and pins under your vehicle are covered
with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)
every 15 days to lubricate working parts
and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt
or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage such as mice or squirrel
nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire
inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive
your vehicle
15 ft (4.5 m) back and
forth to remove rust build-up. •
Check fluid levels (including coolant,
oil and gas) to make sure there are no
leaks, and fluids are at recommended
levels.
• If you remove the battery, clean the
battery cable ends and check for
damage.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have
any concerns or issues.
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WARNING: To help prevent your
vehicle from moving when changing a
wheel, shift the transmission into park
(P), set the parking brake and use an
appropriate block or wheel chock to
secure the wheel diagonally opposite to
the wheel being changed. For example,
when changing the front left wheel,
place an appropriate block or wheel
chock on the right rear wheel. WARNING:
Do not get under a
vehicle that is supported by a jack. WARNING:
Do not attempt to
change a tire on the side of the vehicle
close to moving traffic. Pull far enough
off the road to avoid the danger of being
hit when operating the jack or changing
the wheel.
Note: Passengers should not remain in the
vehicle when the vehicle is being jacked.
Park on a level surface, set the parking
brake and activate the hazard flashers. 1.
Turn the engine off and block the wheel
that is diagonally opposite of the flat
tire using a wheel chock. 2. Loosen each wheel lug nut ½ turn
counterclockwise, but do not remove
them until the wheel is raised off the
ground.
3. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire,
making sure the valve stem is facing
outward on all front and inboard rear
wheels. If you are replacing the
outboard wheel, the valve stem must
be facing inward. Reinstall the lug nuts
until the wheel is snug against the hub.
Do not fully tighten the lug nuts until
the wheel has been lowered.
4. Lower the wheel and fully tighten the lug nuts in the order shown below. See
Technical Specifications (page 279).
5. Unblock the wheels. 8-lug nut torque sequence.
10-lug nut torque sequence.
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4
27
6
5
8 1
2
3
4
5
6
7 8
9
10
E169375

Check Every Month
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure. Windshield washer fluid level.
1 Diesel engine only. Check Every Six Months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary.
Cooling system fluid level and coolant concentration (freeze-point protection). Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary. Parking brake for proper operation.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag and safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary. Tightening Lug Nuts
Tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque 1
at 500 mi
(800 km) after any wheel disturbance (such as tire rota-
tion, changing a flat tire or wheel removal).
Single rear wheels
Tighten the wheel lug nuts to the specified torque 1
at
100 mi (160 km)
, and again at 500 mi (800 km) of new
vehicle operation and after any wheel disturbance (such as tire rotation, changing a flat tire or wheel removal).
Dual rear wheels
1 See
Technical Specifications (page 279).
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Gasoline Engines
7,500 mi (12,000 km) or Six Months Whichever Comes First
Rotate the tires, inspect tire wear and measure the tread depth. 1
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or
drag.
Perform a multi-point inspection, recommended.
Inspect front oil hubs for leaks and check fluid level through hub cap sight glass.
1 Rotate the front wheels on vehicles with dual rear wheels when specified. Only rotate
the rear wheels if you notice unusual wear. 10,000 mi (16,000 km) /450 Engine Hours or 12 Months Whichever Comes First
Change the engine oil and filter. 15,000 mi (24,000 km) or 12 Months Whichever Comes First
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. Consult an authorized dealer for
requirements.
Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and the parking brake.
Inspect the engine cooling system concentration, freeze-point protection, level and
hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft and the U-
joints. Lubricate any components that have grease fittings. Brake Fluid Maintenance
1
Change the brake fluid. 2
Every 3 Years
1 Perform this maintenance item every 3 years. Do not exceed the designated time for
the interval.
2 Brake fluid servicing requires special equipment available at your authorized dealer.
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