Weekly Post-Trip Inspection and Maintenance Procedures

s2 dm 15.03.000

  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. Access the batteries. Be sure the battery hold-down is secure. If it is loose, tighten the hold-down bolts; if it is broken, replace it.
      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 General Information, for recommended lubricants.

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

    2. Examine the steering components.
      See Fig.. If repairs are needed, see of the S2 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 serpentine drive belt.
      Look for signs of glazing, wear (frayed edges), damage (breaks or cracks), or oil contamination. If a belt is glazed, worn, damaged, or oil soaked, have the belt replaced, following the instructions in of the S2 Chassis Workshop Manual.

      • Deflection

      • Belt Free-Span

      Fig. 2, Checking Belt Tension

    4. Check the drive belt for proper tension.
      Use your index finger to apply force at the center of the belt free-span. See Fig.. There is no adjustment for belt tension on engines with automatic belt tensioners. If there is not proper tension, have the belt tensioner replaced. See of the S2 Chassis Workshop Manual for instructions, or take the vehicle to an authorized Freightliner dealer.
    5. Inspect the seat belts and tether belts.

      Warning: Inspect and maintain seat belts as instructed below. Worn or damaged seat belts could fail during a sudden stop or crash, possibly resulting in serious injury or death.

        Important: Seat belts have a finite life which may be much shorter than the life of the vehicle. Regular inspections and replacement as needed are the only assurance of adequate seat belt security over the life of the vehicle.

          Note: When any part of a seat belt needs replacement, the entire seat belt must be replaced, both retractor and buckle side.
            1. Check the web for fraying, cuts, or extreme wear, especially near the buckle latch plate and in the D-loop guide area.
            2. Check the web for extreme dirt or dust and for severe fading from exposure to sunlight.
            3. Check the buckle and latch for operation and for wear or damage.
            4. Check the Komfort Latch for function and cracks or other damage.
            5. Check the web retractor for function and damage.
            6. Check the mounting bolts for tightness and tighten any that are loose.
          Note:
          Parent topic: Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections and Maintenance
          Document Number: 0000119455
          Manual Publication Date: 2024-05-17
          Topic Publication Date: 2024-05-13