Thomas SAF-T-LINER C2, Maintenance Manual

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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 or motor, 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 Inspecting
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.
Have someone turn the steering wheel from left to
right. Check for movement between the ball stud end
at both the pitman arm and the steering arm. Also
check if the ball stud nut is loose.
If the ball stud end is loose, replace the drag link. If
the ball stud nut is loose, replace the nut and cotter
pin. See
Group 00 for torque specifications.
Inspect the boot of the drag link at both the pitman
arm and the steering arm end for cracks, splits, or
other damage. Replace the boot as needed. See
Group 46 of the Saf-T-Liner C2 School Bus Work-
shop Manual for drag link removal and installation
instructions, or take the vehicle to an authorized
Freightliner dealer.
Grasp the drag link near the pitman arm end and
move the drag link side to side to check for axial
movement in the ball stud end. If it is loose, replace
the drag link. See
Group 46 of the Saf-T-Liner C2
School Bus Workshop Manual for replacement in-
structions, or take the vehicle to an authorized
Freightliner dealer. If there is 1/8-inch (3-mm) move-
ment or more, do not drive the vehicle until the drag
link is replaced.
46–02 Power Steering Fluid
and Filter Changing,
Diesel
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. Apply the parking brake and chock the rear tires.
2. Place a drain pan under the power steering res-
ervoir.
3. Remove the retaining ring from the reservoir.
See
Fig. 1 .
4. Remove the filter and filter cover from the reser-
voir. Disconnect the filter from the filter cover and
discard the filter.
5. Remove the bolts, nuts, and washers that attach
the power steering reservoir to the mounting
bracket. Drain the fluid from the reservoir, but do
not remove the supply line to the reservoir.
f461917
1
2
3
4
10/19/2001
1. Power Steering
Reservoir
2. Retaining Ring
3. Filter Cover
4. Return Hose
Fig. 1, Power Steering Reservoir
Steering
46
Saf-T-Liner C2 School Bus Maintenance Manual, August 2020
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