Monthly Post-Trip Inspection and Maintenance Procedures

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  1. Clean the batteries.
    1. Remove any corrosion from the hold-down and the top of the battery. Use a soda solution to neutralize the acid present, then rinse off the soda solution with clean water.

      Notice: Take care to keep the vent plugs tight so that the neutralizing solution does not enter any of the battery cells and damage the battery.
      1. If the battery posts or cable terminals are corroded, disconnect the terminals from the posts. Clean them with a soda solution and a wire brush. After cleaning, connect the terminals to the battery posts, then apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly to the posts and terminals to help retard corrosion.

      2. 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.

    2. Inspect the radiator and heater hoses, including the clamps and support brackets.
      1. Make sure the radiator inlet and outlet hoses are pliable and are not cracking, weakening, or ballooning. Replace hoses that show signs of cracking, weakening, or ballooning.
      2. Make sure the heater hoses are pliable and are not cracking or ballooning. Replace hoses that show signs of cracking, weakening, or ballooning.
      3. Tighten hose clamps as necessary, but do not overtighten, as hose life can be adversely affected.
      4. Be sure the hose support brackets are securely fastened. Make sure the hoses are not located near sources of wear, abrasion, or high heat.

      3. Important: Replace all hoses, including heater hoses, at the same time. Service-type knitted or braided yarn-reinforced neoprene hose is acceptable. Silicone hoses having an extended service life can be substituted for the reinforced neoprene type. See the Freightliner Service Parts Catalog or contact your Freightliner Dealer.

    3. Check the steering wheel for excessive play. See Fig..

      • Lash Area

      Fig. 1, Measuring Lash at the Steering Wheel

      1. With the front tires straight ahead, turn the steering wheel until motion is observed at the front wheels. Hold the steering wheel in this position.
      2. Align a reference mark on a ruler, then slowly turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction until motion is again detected at the wheels.
      3. Determine 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.
        See local/federal regulations for acceptable ranges of lash.
    4. Check the brake lining wear on all vehicles, including those with automatic slack adjusters. Proper brake operation is dependent on periodic maintenance and inspection of the brake linings.
      1. Check that brake linings are free of oil and grease.
      2. Inspect the thickness of the brake linings. If the axle assembly is equipped with a dust shield or backing plate, remove the inspection plugs. If any brake linings are worn to less than approximately 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) at the thinnest point, have the linings replaced on all brake assemblies on that axle. Take your vehicle to an authorized Freightliner dealer for assistance.
      3. Check the brake drums for wear and cracks.
      4. Check that the inspection plugs in the dust shields or backing plates, if so equipped, are installed.
    5. Inspect brake shoe components and perform Meritor Roller Pin lubricating, if needed , as follows. See Fig..
      1. Check the anchor pins, rollers and bushing for lubricant and excessive debris.
      2. If the parts are damaged in any way, replace them.
      3. While the brake is disassembled during inspection, apply anchor pin grease with Bentone thickeners, NLGI grade 1, Meritor specification 0-616-A, 0-617-B or equivalent. See Fig. for brake lubrication areas..

        • Anchor Pins — lubricate grease fittings.

        • Shoe Rollers— lubricate where pins touch the brake shoes.

        • Bushing — lubricate grease fittings.

        Fig. 2, Meritor Roller Pin Lubrication Areas

    Note:
    Parent topic: Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections and Maintenance
    Document Number: 0000109186
    Manual Publication Date: 2024-05-03
    Topic Publication Date: 2024-05-03