Monthly Post-Trip Inspection and Maintenance Procedures
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.
- Clean the batteries.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- Check the fluid level in the hydraulic brake reservoir,
if equipped.If needed, fill the reservoir to the bottom of the fill-neck with DOT 3 heavy-duty brake fluid. See Fig. .
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Open caps and check fluid level.
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Fill to this level.
Fig. 1, Hydraulic Brake Reservoir
Due to the mounting angle of the hydraulic brake reservoir on some vehicles, it is not possible to fill the back reservoir up to the bottom of the fill-neck. For these vehicles, fill only the front hydraulic brake reservoir up to the bottom of the fill-neck.
Fig. 2, Hydraulic Brake Reservoir, Alternate Mounting Angle
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- Check the steering wheel for excessive play.
- Start the engine. 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 ruler,
then slowly turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction until
motion is again detected at the wheels. See Fig..
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Lash Area
Fig. 3, Measuring Lash at the Steering Wheel
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- Measure the lash (free play) at the rim of the steering wheel. Excessive lash exists if steering wheel movement exceeds 2-1/2 inches (64 mm) with a 20-inch (508-mm) steering wheel, or 2-1/4 inches (57 mm) with an 18-inch (457-mm) steering wheel.
- If there is excessive lash, check the steering system for wear or incorrect adjustment before operating the vehicle.
- Check the brake lining wear on vehicles equipped with air
brakes.Proper brake operation is dependent on periodic maintenance and inspection of the brake linings.
- Apply the parking brakes, and chock the tires to prevent vehicle movement.
- If the axle assembly is not equipped with a dust shield or backing plate, measure the axle brake lining thickness. If any of the brake linings are worn to less than 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) at the thinnest point, replace the linings on all brake assemblies on that axle.
- If the axle assembly is equipped with a dust shield or backing plate, remove the inspection plugs to inspect the brake lining thickness. If any of the brake linings are worn to less than approximately 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) at the thinnest point, replace the linings on all brake assemblies on that axle.
- Install the inspection plugs in the dust shields or backing plates, if so equipped.
- Check that the body mounting bolts and clips are securely
fastened.
If needed, tighten the bolts 30 lbf·ft (41 N·m). Fig. shows an example of body mounting bolts and a clip.
Fig. 4, Body Mounting Bolts and Clip (number and location vary)
- Clean the undercarriage of the bus.
Salt and de-icing material used on road surfaces in winter months deteriorates the metal of the vehicle. Use a high-pressure washer at the lowest setting to clean the undercarriage of the bus.If corrosion or separation of the undercoat to body floor is visible, apply additional undercoating.
Important: Due to the mounting angle of the hydraulic brake reservoir on some vehicles, it is not possible to fill the back reservoir up to the bottom of the fill-neck. For these vehicles, fill only the front hydraulic brake reservoir up to the bottom of the fill-neck. See Fig. for an example of the alternate mounting angle.
Note: The number and location of body mounting bolts and clips vary, depending on the options and wheelbase of each vehicle.
Notice: When cleaning areas containing electrical components and connections, take care to protect these items from water intrusion. When using a pressure washer to clean these areas, use the lowest possible pressure setting.