Weekly Post-Trip Inspection and Maintenance Procedures

wv dm 12.03.001
  1. Inspect the batteries and battery cables.

    Warning: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. To prevent possible personal injury, always wash your hands after handling battery parts and related accessories.
      1. Check the battery cables for chafing and proper routing. Be sure the battery hold-down is secure. If it is loose, tighten the hold-down bolts; if it is damaged, replace it. Replace the battery cable if damaged.
      2. If the battery is equipped with a built-in hydrometer, examine the hydrometer. If a green dot shows in the sight glass, the battery is sufficiently charged.
        If the sight glass is dark, the charge is low and the battery must be recharged.
        If the sight glass is clear, the battery has a low level of electrolyte and must be replaced.
    1. Check the level of the wheel bearing lubricant in the hub cap at each end of the front axle.
      If needed, fill the hubs to the level indicated on the hub cap. See Chapter 15 , for recommended lubricants.

      2. Important: Before removing the fill plug, always clean the hub cap and plug.

    2. Examine the steering components, see figure . If repairs are needed, see Group 46 of the Walk-In Van Chassis Workshop Manual for instructions, or take the vehicle to an authorized Freightliner dealer.

      1. Steering Gear Mounting Bolt

      2. Pitman Arm Pinch Bolt Nut

      3. Drag Link Nut

      Fig. 1, Steering Gear Fasteners

      1. Check the mounting bolts and pitman arm nut, for tightness.
      2. Check the drag link nuts for missing cotter pins.
      3. Inspect the steering drive shaft and steering linkage for excessive looseness, or other damage.
      4. Tighten loose nuts and have damaged parts replaced as needed.
    3. Check the condition of the drive belts.
      Check the fan belt(s), alternator belt, and refrigerant compressor belt for signs of glazing, wear (frayed edges), damage (breaks or cracks), or oil contamination. If a belt is glazed, worn, damaged, or oil soaked, replace the belt, following the instructions in Group 01 of the Walk-In Van Chassis Workshop Manual.
    4. Check the drive belt for proper tension. Use your index finger to apply approximately 25 pounds (11 kg) of force at the center of the belt free-span. See figure . Deflection should be one belt thickness per 1 foot (300 mm) of belt free-span. If the tension is more than or less than this value, measure it with a belt-tension gauge and adjust it to the proper tension. See Group 01 of the Walk-In Van Chassis Workshop Manual for instructions.

      Note: On Cummins engines, a belt tensioner automatically adjusts the fan and alternator belt to correct tension. If the belt slips, repair or replace the tensioner. For Cummins engine service literature, refer to the Cummins Online website at https://www.cummins.com/support/manuals or scan the QR code. See figure . For Detroit™ engine service literature, refer to the Detroit Diesel link on the DTNA TechLit website https://www.dtnatechlit.com/portal-public or scan the QR code. See figure .

        • Deflection

        • Belt Free-Span

        Fig. 2, Checking Belt Tension

        Fig. 3, Cummins QR Code

        Fig. 4, TechLit QR Code

      Note:
      Parent topic: Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections and Maintenance
      Document Number: 0000071532
      Manual Publication Date: 2024-03-26
      Topic Publication Date: 2024-03-26