freightliner CL112 2015, Maintenance Manual

Page: 143 / 180

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 for torque specifications.
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
Columbia Workshop Manual for replacement in-
structions. If there is 1/8-inch (3-mm) movement
or more, do not drive the vehicle until the drag
link is replaced.
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. Loosen the clamp and remove the cover along
with the filter spring and the filter top plate.
NOTE: Always replace the power steering reser-
voir filter when changing the fluid.
4. 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.
5. Place the disconnected end of the steering 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 full lock left and right. Capture the fluid
flowing from the hose in the drain pan. Add fluid
to the reservoir as needed. When clean power
steering fluid flows from the hose, remove the
plug from the reservoir and reconnect the hose
to the reservoir. Remove the jack stands and
lower the vehicle.
6. With the larger opening at the top, install a new
filter in the reservoir.
Steering
46
Columbia Maintenance Manual, September 2015
46/1