•Maintaining proper steering gear andpower steering pump lubricant levels.
•Checking steering column joint boltsand steering linkage, particularly forbody-to-chassis clearance.
Steering Column Joint Bolts
As a good maintenance practice, checksteering column joint bolt tightness every60,000 mi (96,000 km) or annually,whichever occurs first. Do not overtightenthe bolts.
Hydraulic System
Whenever draining and refilling the powersteering's hydraulic system for any reason,bleed air from the system before returningthe vehicle to service. Failure to bleed thehydraulic system properly can result indegradation of power system performance.
Consult an authorized dealer who is awareof the proper procedures for filling andbleeding the system.
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
INSPECTION (IF EQUIPPED)
Note:Do not adjust air suspension heightto any setting other than the specifiedsetting. Altering the height setting changesthe driveline angle and may result inunwarrantable component damage, suchas transmission component damage.
Verify drive axle air suspension height andheight control valve performance at engineoil change intervals.
Periodically check:
•Condition of spring leaves for evidenceof fatigue, bending or breakage.
•Condition of suspension mountingbrackets and bushings.
•Torque rod mounting fasteners fortightness.
•For proper suspension alignment.Maintain proper alignment at all times.
•U-bolts. After the chassis has beenoperating under load for 1,000 mi(1,600 km) or six months (whichevercomes first), the U-bolt nuts must bere-torqued. Re-torque the U-bolt nutsevery 37,000 mi (60,000 km)thereafter. Clean and lubricate theU-bolt and nut threads and seats tomake sure a like new condition whenre-torqueing. See Spring U-BoltCheck (page 261).
FRAME AND TOW HOOK
INSPECTION
Your vehicle's chassis is manufacturedwith frame rails of either HSLA steel orheat-treated steel. Handle each in aspecific manner to make sure maximumservice life. Consult the service manual oran authorized dealer before attemptingframe repair or modification.
It is important, particularly on vehicles thatuse tow hooks frequently, to inspect thefront and rear tow hooks for damage or aloose mounting.
REAR AXLE FLUID CHECK
Your rear axle may have an optionalsynthetic lubricant that allows the use ofextended service intervals. A tag on thefiller plug identifies the use of the syntheticlubricant.
Only use a lubricant that meetsmanufacturer specifications. Use of anon-approved rear axle lubricant maycause internal axle component damage.See Rear Axle Fluid Capacity andSpecification (page 311).
Checking the Fluid Level
1.Park your vehicle on level ground.
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2024 F-650/750 (TBC) , enUSA, Edition date: 202210, First-PrintingMaintenance
