Freightliner Truck Argosy: Daily Pretrip Inspection and Maintenance

Suspension and Slack Adjuster Inspection

Walk around the vehicle and visually inspect suspen- sion and slack adjuster components.

Inspect the following suspension components for signs of structural damage, cracks, or wear.

Inspect slack adjusters for signs of damage. See Fig. 23.1, Fig. 23.2, or Fig. 23.3.

Wheel and Tire Inspection

Walk around the vehicle and visually inspect each wheel and tire assembly.

1. Inspect each tire for the following:

2. Check tire inflation.

For inflation pressures and maximum loads, see the tire manufacturer’s guidelines. Inflate the tires to the applicable pressures if needed.

If a tire has been run flat or under-inflated, check the wheel and tire for damage before adding air.

Keep compressed air reservoirs and lines dry during tire inflation. Use well-maintained inline moisture traps and service them regularly.

3. Examine each rim and wheel component.

3.1 Remove all dirt and debris from the as- sembly. Rust streaks or metal build-up around stud holes, or out-of-round or worn stud holes, may be caused by loose wheel nuts.

3.2 Inspect for broken, cracked, badly worn, bent, rusty, or sprung rings and rims.

3.3 Make sure all wheel nuts are tightened. If tightening is necessary, use the tightening pattern in Fig. 23.4 or Fig. 23.5 to initially tighten the flange nuts to 50 to 100 lbf·ft (68 to 136 N·m). Then tighten the flange nuts to 450 to 500 lbf·ft (610 to 678 N·m).

4. Inspect the outboard side of all wheel hubs and the hub oil seal area on the inboard side of each wheel for signs of oil leakage. If any oil is found on wheel and tire or brake components, remove the vehicle from service until the leak has been fixed.

If needed, fill the hubs to the level indicated on the hub cap. See Group 35 of the Century Class Trucks Maintenance Manual for recommended lubricants.

5. Check that mud flaps are undamaged and hang 10 inches (25.4 cm) or less from the ground.

Saddle Tank Area Inspections

1. Drain the brake system air reservoirs (reservoirs without automatic drain valves only).

2. Ensure fuel tanks are secured to their mounting brackets and that the mounting brackets are se- cured to the frame.

If equipped with fuel tank shutoff valves, be sure the valves are fully open.

3. Inspect visible frame rails for missing bolts, shiny areas, or rust streaks. Check all visible cross- members for damage or signs of looseness.

4. Inspect visible components of the exhaust sys- tem to ensure connections are tight.

Inspect upstream of the aftertreatment device (ATD), if equipped, for cracking or signs of leaks, such as soot trails. Inspect downstream of the ATD for signs of exhaust leaks, such as blister- ing or warping of nearby components.

5. Inspect the air intake system for leaks or dam- age. Ensure the snorkel intake is free of debris, if equipped.

Push the reset button on the air intake restriction indicator located on the air cleaner, if equipped.

Forward Engine Compartment Inspection

1. Check the ground underneath the engine for fuel, oil, or coolant leaks.

2. Check the engine oil level.

2.1 Check the oil level with the vehicle parked on a level surface. See Fig. 23.6. See the engine manufacturer’s guidelines for en- gine shutdown time requirements prior to checking the oil level.

2.2 If the oil level is at or below the minimum fill (or "add") mark on the dipstick, add enough oil to maintain the level between the minimum and maximum fill marks. See the engine operation manual for recom- mended lubricants.

3. Check the engine coolant level in the radiator surge tank. See Fig. 23.6.

3.1 If the coolant is low, fill the surge tank to the full line with a 50/50 mixture of water and the type of antifreeze currently in- stalled in your vehicle.

3.2 If the surge tank was empty, start the en- gine after refilling and check the level again when the engine is at operating temperature.

4. Check the windshield washer reservoir fluid level. See Fig. 23.7.

Cab Inspection

1. Push the reset button on the dash-mounted air intake restriction indicator, if equipped.

2. With the ignition switch in the OFF position, check the air-pressure warning system.

2.1 If not previously drained, drain the air res- ervoirs using moderate brake applications until pressure in both reservoirs is less than 70 psi (483 kPa).

2.2 Turn the ignition to the ON position. The ICU will complete a full gauge sweep and bulb check, and an audible warning will sound. Ensure the low air pressure lamp remains illuminated and an audible warn- ing continues to sound after the gauge sweep is complete.

3. Check air governor cut-in and cut-out pressures.

3.1 Start the engine and ensure the low air pressure lamp goes out and the buzzer silences when pressure reaches approxi- mately 70 psi (483 kPa) in both air reser- voirs.

The air governor should cut out at ap- proximately 120 psi (827 kPa). For ve- hicles with an optional dryer reservoir module (DRM), the cut-out pressure is approximately 130 psi (896 kPa).

3.2 With the engine idling, apply the brake pedal several times. The air governor should cut in when pressure in the primary air reservoir (top air gauge) reaches ap- proximately 100 psi (690 kPa).

4. Check air pressure build-up time.

4.1 With the air system fully charged, make one full brake application and note the air pressure reading on the primary air gauge.

4.2 Further reduce air pressure using moder- ate brake applications, then run the en- gine at governed rpm.

4.3 Note the time that the pressure reaches the previously noted reading on the pri- mary air gauge, then note the time that the air pressure reaches cut-out pressure.

4.3 Note the time that the pressure reaches the previously noted reading on the pri- mary air gauge, then note the time that the air pressure reaches cut-out pressure.

5. Check air leakage in the system.

5.1 With the parking brake applied, the trans- mission out of gear, and the air system fully charged, release the service brakes and shut down the engine.

5.2 Wait one minute and note the air pressure drop in psi (kPa) per minute from the pri- mary air reservoir.

If the pressure drop exceeds the limits shown in Table 23.1, eliminate any leaks before operating the vehicle.

6. Check the air pressure reserve.

7. Inspect the mirrors, window glass, and wind- shield for cracks or other damage.

8. Ensure that the horn, windshield wipers, and windshield washers are operating properly. These devices must be in good working order for safe vehicle operation.

9. Ensure the heater and defroster are operating properly.

10. Check the operation of all interior lights.

10.1 Turn on the headlights and leave them on. Ensure all equipped gauge bulbs illumi- nate in the dash message center.

10.2 Ensure all equipped driver control switches illuminate.

10.3 Ensure both turn signal indicator bulbs illuminate in the dash message center when the turn signal switch is activated.

11. Check the operation of all exterior lights. See Fig. 23.8.

11.1 Activate the high-beam headlights and hazard warning lights.

11.2 Exit the cab and check that all exterior lights and reflectors are clean and intact.

11.3 Check that the brake lights, taillights, headlights, turn signals, marker lights, identification lights, and clearance lights are working properly.

12. Inspect the seat belts and tether belts.

12.1 Check the web for fraying, cuts, extreme dirt and dust, or for severe fading from exposure to sunlight, especially near the buckle latch plate and in the D-loop guide area.

12.2 Check operation of the buckle, latch, web retractor, and upper seat belt mount on the door pillar. Check all visible compo- nents for wear or damage.

12.3 Check the seat belt and tether belt con- nection points and tighten any that are loose.

13. Check the fuel level in the fuel tank(s). To keep condensation to a minimum, fuel tanks should be filled at the end of each day.

14. Adjust the rearview and down view mirrors as necessary.

15. Test the service brakes.

15.1 With the engine running and air system fully charged, set the parking brake.

15.2 Put the vehicle in the lowest gear and gently attempt to move it forward. The ve- hicle should not move.

If the vehicle moves, the parking brakes are not operating correctly and must be repaired before the vehicle is operated.

16. Test the backup alarm.

16.1 Release the parking brake and put the transmission in reverse.

16.2 Move the vehicle slightly backward to en- sure that the backup alarm is operating correctly.