Driveline Inspection

s2 m 41.01.000

Warning: Do not service or inspect a driveshaft with the engine running. A rotating driveshaft can cause serious personal injury.

Loose end yokes, excessive radial looseness, slip spline radial looseness, bent shaft tubing, or missing plugs in the slip yoke can cause universal joint and bearing defects.

See Fig. for an illustration of half-round end yokes.

  1. Check the output and input end yokes on both the transmission and axle for axial looseness. Refer to the axle or transmission manufacturer's service information for the correct specifications.
    If loose, disconnect the driveshaft. For instructions, see  of the vehicle Workshop Manual , or take the vehicle to an authorized Freightliner dealer. Tighten the end yoke retaining nut to the proper specification. Refer to the axle or transmission manufacturer's service information for the correct specifications.
  2. Inspect for worn universal joints. Apply a vertical force of about 50 pounds to the driveline near the universal joints. If there is any movement, replace the universal joint. For instructions, see  of the vehicle Workshop Manual , or take the vehicle to an authorized Freightliner dealer.
  3. Examine the slip yoke spline for excessive radial movement. See Fig.. If excessive radial looseness exists between the slip yoke and the tube shaft, replace the slip yoke and the tube shaft. For instructions, see  of the vehicle Workshop Manual , or take the vehicle to an authorized Freightliner dealer.
  4. Examine the shaft for damaged or bent tubing. Carefully remove any foreign material, such as mud or dirt on the shaft.

    Fig. 1, Half-Round End Yoke

    Fig. 2, Checking for Radial Looseness of the Slip Yoke Spline

Note:
Parent topic: Driveline
Document Number: 0000121186
Manual Publication Date: 2024-05-24
Topic Publication Date: 2024-11-13