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.
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.
- 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.
- Remove any corrosion from the hold-down and the top
of the battery.
- Inspect the radiator and heater hoses, including the
clamps and support brackets.
- Make sure the radiator inlet and outlet hoses are pliable and are not cracking or ballooning. Replace hoses that show signs of cracking, weakening, or ballooning.
- Make sure the heater hoses are pliable and are not cracking or ballooning. Replace hoses that show signs of cracking, weakening, or ballooning.
- Tighten hose clamps as necessary, but do not overtighten, as hose life can be adversely affected.
- Be sure the hose support brackets are securely fastened. Make sure the hoses are not located near sources of wear, abrasion, or high heat.
- Check the fluid level in the hydraulic brake fluid
reservoir, if so 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
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- Check the steering wheel for excessive play. See
Fig..
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Lash Area
Fig. 2, Measuring Lash at the Steering Wheel
- With the front tires straight ahead, turn the steering wheel until motion is observed at the front wheels.
- 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.
- 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.See local/federal regulations for acceptable ranges of lash.
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- 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.
- Check that brake linings are free of oil and grease.
- 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. See of the S2 Chassis Workshop Manual for lining replacement instructions and camshaft end-play inspection.
- Check the brake drums for wear and cracks.
- Check that the inspection plugs in the dust shields or backing plates, if so equipped, are installed.
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.