freightliner Cargo Manual page 91

Pretrip Inspection and Daily Maintenance
such as cracks or breaks, to one leaf causes hidden
damage to other leaves. Replacement of only the
visibly damaged part(s) is no assurance that the
spring is safe. If cracks or breaks exist on front
spring assemblies in either of the two top leaves, a
loss of vehicle control could occur. Failure to re-
place a damaged spring assembly could cause an
accident resulting in serious personal injury or
property damage.
23. Clean the headlights, rearview mirrors, and the out-
side of the windshield and all window glass. Check
the condition of the windshield wiper arms and
blades.
Be sure the windshield wiper blades are tensioned
against the windshield. Inspect the wiper blades for
damage and deteriorated rubber. Replace the wiper
arms if the wiper blades are not tensioned against
the windshield. Replace damaged or deteriorated
wiper blades.
WARNING
Replace wiper arms and blades when necessary to
maintain good visibility. Poor visibility could inter-
fere with the driver's ability to control the vehicle,
possibly resulting in serious personal injury or
death.
9.13
24. Clean the inside of the windshield, the gauges on
the dash, and all window glass.
25. Check the steering wheel for excessive play.
With the front tires straight ahead, turn the steering
wheel until motion is observed at the front wheels.
Align a reference mark on a ruler, then slowly turn
the steering wheel in the opposite direction until
motion is again detected at the wheels. Measure
the lash (free play) at the rim of the steering wheel.
See Fig. 9.2.
Excessive lash exists if steering wheel movement
exceeds 4-3/4 inches (121 mm) with a 20-inch
(470-mm) steering wheel. If there is excessive lash,
check the steering system for wear or incorrect ad-
justment of the linkage and steering gear before
operating the vehicle.
26. Adjust the driver's seat, then align the rearview mir-
rors.
27. Inspect the seat belts and tether belts if so
equipped. See Fig. 9.3
WARNING
Inspect and maintain seat belts as instructed below.
Worn or damaged seat belts could fail during a sud-
den stop or crash, possibly resulting in serious in-
jury or death.
.