Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD/5500HD/6500HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12102101) - 2019 - crc - 10/2/18
396
Service and Maintenance
Rear Suspension
The rear suspension should be
regularly inspected for loose, worn,
or broken components. Rear
suspensions/axles should be
checked periodically for proper
alignment to promote maximum
tire life.
On vehicles equipped with the
optional air suspension, the air
suspension components, including
air bags, height control valves, air
lines, and fittings should be
inspected for wear, damage, and
audible air leaks.
Steering
General Information
{
Warning
To prevent property damage,
personal injury, and/or death,
always follow recommended
procedures for steering system
maintenance. Maintain the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
steering system in proper
condition; otherwise, reduced
steering ability could result.
.
Have a technician examine the
steering mechanism. Minor
adjustments could head off
further problems.
.
Check tie rod ends, drag link
ends, and kingpins. Joints and
fasteners must be tight.
Articulating joints must be well
lubricated.
.
Check for installation and spread
of cotter pins and tightness of
nuts at both ends of the tie rod
and drag link.
.
Maintain proper power steering
fluid levels.
.
Check that pitman arm (steering
arm at steering gear) mounting
is tight and locked. Check
system for leaks or hose
chafing.
.
Regularly inspect steering
column joint bolts and steering
linkage, particularly for
body-to-chassis clearance.
Have any steering problems
corrected at once by a qualified
service technician.
Tightening Steering Intermediate
Shaft Joint Bolts
As a good maintenance practice, it
is recommended that steering
intermediate shaft joint bolts be
checked for tightness every
193 000 km (120,000 mi) or
annually, whichever occurs first.
Lubrication Points
The steering shaft is lubricated at
three points. For the correct
maintenance interval, see
Power Steering
Whenever the power steering
system has been drained and
refilled for any reason, air must be
bled from the system before
returning the vehicle to service.
Failure to properly bleed the