Frame And Tow Hook Inspection; Rear Axle Fluid Check; Spring U-Bolt Check - Ford F-650 Owner's Manual

• For proper suspension alignment.
Maintain proper alignment at all times.
• U-bolts. After the chassis has been
operating under load for 1,000 mi
(1,600 km) or six months (whichever
comes first), the U-bolt nuts must be
re-torqued. Re-torque the U-bolt nuts
every 37,000 mi (60,000 km)
thereafter. Clean and lubricate the
U-bolt and nut threads and seats to
make sure a like new condition when
re-torqueing. See Spring U-Bolt
Check (page 223).
FRAME AND TOW HOOK
INSPECTION
Your vehicle's chassis is manufactured
with frame rails of either HSLA steel or
heat-treated steel. Handle each in a
specific manner to make sure maximum
service life. Consult the service manual or
an authorized dealer before attempting
frame repair or modification.
It is important, particularly on vehicles that
use tow hooks frequently, to inspect the
front and rear tow hooks for damage or a
loose mounting.

REAR AXLE FLUID CHECK

Your rear axle may have an optional
synthetic lubricant that allows the use of
extended service intervals. A tag on the
filler plug identifies the use of the synthetic
lubricant.
Only use a lubricant that meets
manufacturer specifications. Only use a
lubricant that meets manufacturer
specifications. Use of a non-approved rear
axle lubricant may cause internal axle
component damage. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 256).
F650750 (TBC), enUSA, First Printing
Maintenance
Checking the Fluid Level
1. Park your vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake and shift into
position neutral (N) or park (P). Turn
the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the axle
filler plug.
4. Remove the filler plug and inspect the
lubricant level. It should be at the
bottom of the filler plug opening.
5. Add lubricant, if necessary, through the
filler plug opening.
6. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
Changing the Fluid
Note: Drain the rear axle while the lubricant
is warm.
1. Park your vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake and shift into
position neutral (N) or park (P). Turn
the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the axle
filler and drain plugs.
4. Remove the filler and drain plugs. Drain
the lubricant into a suitable container.
Dispose of all used automotive fluids
in a responsible manner following your
local authorized standards.
5. Clean and install the drain plug
securely.
6. Add lubricant through the filler plug
opening.
7. Clean and install the filler plug securely.

SPRING U-BOLT CHECK

Check U-bolt nuts and re-torque every
37,000 mi (60,000 km) after initial
1,000 mi (1,600 km) re-torque. Clean and
lubricate the U-bolt and nut threads and
seats to make sure they are in peak
condition when re-torqued.
223
I n f o r ma t i o n P r o v i d e d b y :