Inspection and Adjustments of the Front Box
Important: If replacement of the hood or bumper is necessary, the replacement component must meet or exceed the drag reduction performance of the originally installed item in order to maintain compliance with greenhouse gas and fuel efficiency regulations.
Note: Anytime a hood is adjusted, removed, or reinstalled, the headlamp aim should be checked.
- Inspect the bumper and hood for structural damage, cracks, or wear.
- Open the hood.Inspect the radiators and heater hoses, including the clamps and support brackets.
Note: When traveling through areas of high insect concentration, it may be necessary to clean the exterior of the radiators as often as every 200 miles (320 km).
- Inspect the battery radiator for damage and accumulated debris. Straighten bent or damaged fins to permit airflow across all areas of the cores.
- Inspect the vehicle radiator for damage and accumulated debris. Straighten bent or damaged fins to permit airflow across all areas of the cores.
- Make sure the inlet and outlet hoses on the radiators are pliable and are not cracking or ballooning.
- Make sure the heater hoses are pliable and are not cracking or ballooning.
- Tighten hose clamps as necessary.
Important: Do not overtighten hose clamps, as hose life can be adversely affected.
- Ensure hose support brackets are securely fastened.
Make sure hoses are not located near sources of wear, abrasion, or
high heat.
Important: When replacing hoses, install service-type knitted or braided yarn-reinforced neoprene hose. Extended-service-life silicone hoses may also be used. See the Alliance Parts Catalog as shown, see www.alliancebrandparts.comor contact your Freightliner dealer.
- Inspect the low-voltage batteries.
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.
- Remove the battery box cover and inspect all visible battery cables for loose wiring or damage.
- Check that the battery hold-down is secure.
- Install the battery box cover
- Close the hood.
- Check the steering wheel for excessive play.
- Turn the key to the ON position. With the front tires straight ahead, turn the steering wheel until motion is observed at the front wheels.
- Align a reference mark on the steering wheel to a rule, then slowly turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction until motion is again detected at the wheels.
- Measure the lash (free play) at the rim of the steering wheel. Excessive lash exists if steering wheel movement exceeds 2-1/4 inches (57 mm) with an 18 inch (450 mm) steering wheel.
- If there is excessive lash, check the steering system for wear or incorrect adjustment before operating the vehicle.