Steering And Brakes Maintenance - Volvo VHD 2001 Operator's Manual

Maintenance 143

Steering and Brakes Maintenance

Steering System
Excessive play in the steering system is
checked by turning the steering wheel
while the engine is stopped. With the front
wheels pointing straight ahead, turn the
steering wheel until the front wheel starts
moving. Then, turn the steering wheel the
other way until the front wheel moves.
Slack should not be more than 1 in.
(25 mm) at the rim of the steering wheel.
If the slack is excessive, check the steering
W6000830
linkage for looseness, wear, etc. Make nec-
essary repairs before driving the vehicle.
Power Steering Reservoir
The power steering fluid reservoir is filled
with Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
®
Dexron III for the power steering system.
Change fluid every 150,000 miles
(240,000 km). Change filter every year or
more often if necessary.
If the fluid has darkened, it indicates that
the power steering system is running hotter
than normal and the fluid is overheating.
Take the vehicle to a Volvo Truck dealer
for troubleshooting the overheating and to
have the fluid changed.
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Steering Linkage Wear Check
Wear is checked by gripping the linkage,
tie rod or draglink, close to the ball joint
and moving the seat of the ball axially. The
joint should not move more than maximum
1/8 in. (3mm) measured with hand pressure
only. If there is a larger movement, remove
the vehicle from service and have the link-
age replaced before driving.