freightliner S2 Operator's Manual page 109

Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections and Maintenance
1.2 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 re-
placed.
2. 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 Chapter
lubricants.
IMPORTANT: Before removing the fill plug, al-
ways clean the hub cap and plug.
3. Examine the steering components.
See Fig. 15.14. If repairs are needed, see
Group 46 of the S2 Chassis Workshop Manual
for instructions, or take the vehicle to an autho-
rized Freightliner dealer.
1
3
10/11/2001
1. Steering Gear Mounting Bolt
2. Pitman Arm Pinch Bolt Nut
3. Drag Link Nut
Fig. 15.14, Steering Gear Fasteners
3.1 Check the mounting bolts and pitman arm
nut, for tightness.
19, for recommended
1
2 1
3
f461916
3.2 Check the drag link nuts for missing cotter
pins.
3.3
Inspect the steering drive shaft and steer-
ing linkage for excessive looseness, or
other damage.
3.4 Tighten loose nuts and have damaged
parts replaced as needed.
4. 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 Group 01 of the S2 Chassis Workshop
Manual.
10/31/94
A. Deflection
Fig. 15.15, Checking Belt Tension
5. Check the drive belt for proper tension.
Use your index finger to apply force at the center
of the belt free-span. See
adjustment for belt tension on engines with auto-
matic belt tensioners. If there is not proper ten-
sion, have the belt tensioner replaced. See
Group 01 of the S2 Chassis Workshop Manual
for instructions, or take the vehicle to an autho-
rized Freightliner dealer.
6. 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
A
B
f200036a
B. Belt Free-Span
Fig. 15.15. There is no
15.12