Drag Link Inspection - freightliner CENTURY CLASS 2011 Maintenance Manual

Steering
46–00 Safety Precautions
Safety Precautions in this section apply to all
procedures within this group.
DANGER
When working on the vehicle, shut down the en-
gine, set the parking brake, and chock the tires.
Before working under the vehicle, always place
jack stands under the frame rails to ensure the
vehicle cannot drop. Failure to follow these steps
could result in serious personal injury or death.
46–01 Drag Link Inspection
WARNING
All steering system components are critical for
safe operation of the vehicle. Failure to maintain
the steering system as specified may result in
loss of steering control, which could lead to per-
sonal injury and property damage.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, shut down
the engine, and set the parking brake. Chock the
tires.
2. Have someone turn the steering wheel from left
to right. Check for movement between the ball
stud end and the pitman arm, and between the
ball stud end and the steering arm.
If the ball stud end is loose, replace the drag
link.
3. Check the ball stud castle nut for looseness.
If the castle nut is loose, replace it and the cotter
pin. See Group 00
4. Inspect the boot of the drag link at both the pit-
man arm and the steering arm end for cracks,
splits, or other damage. Replace the boot if
needed.
5. Grasp the drag link near the pitman arm end,
then push and pull laterally to check for axial
movement in the ball stud end. If it is loose, re-
place the drag link. See Group 46 of the Century
Class Workshop Manual for replacement instruc-
tions. If there is 1/8-inch (3-mm) movement or
more, do not drive the vehicle until the drag link
is replaced.
Century Class Trucks Maintenance Manual, January 2016
for torque specifications.
46–02 Power Steering Fluid
and Filter Changing
WARNING
Fill only with approved clean fluid. Failure to use
the proper fluid could cause seal deterioration and
leaks. Fluid leaks could eventually cause loss of
power steering assist. This could lead to an acci-
dent resulting in personal injury or property dam-
age. Wear eye protection when changing the fluid
and filter.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, shut down
the engine, and set the parking brake. Chock the
tires.
2. Place a drain pan under the power steering res-
ervoir, and remove the steering gear-to-reservoir
return hose at the reservoir. Drain the power
steering fluid into the drain pan and dispose of
the fluid properly. Plug the return line fitting on
the reservoir.
3. Use the following procedure for Century Class
Conventionals. For Argosy COEs, go to the next
step.
3.1 Use one hand to apply downward pres-
sure to the power steering reservoir
cover. Remove the flanged nut and rub-
ber washer. See
cover.
NOTE: Always replace the power steering
reservoir filter when changing the fluid.
3.2 Lift out the filter spring and the filter top
plate, then remove the filter. It may be
necessary to wiggle the filter to remove it
from its base. Do not use pliers to aid in
removal of the filter; pliers could cause
metal chips to enter the steering system.
Clean the inside of the reservoir using a
lint-free cloth.
IMPORTANT: Do not start the engine while
draining the system.
3.3 Place the disconnected end of the steer-
ing gear-to-reservoir hose in the drain
pan. Raise the front of the vehicle with a
floor jack and support it with jack stands.
Have someone turn the steering wheel to
46
Fig. 1. Remove the
46/1