Freightliner Trucks Business Class Truck MB70

CAUTION: Failure to keep the rear axle filled to the proper level, with the recommended lubricant, can result in rear axle damage.

Clean the oil fill hole plug, located in the carrier or the side of the axle housing, and the area surrounding it. Remove the plug.

NOTE: Some Meritor axles have a small tapped and plugged hole located near and below the housing oil fill hole. This smaller hole is for the lubricant temperature sensor only, and must not be used as a fill or level hole.

With the vehicle on level ground, lubricant must be level with the bottom of the oil fill hole. If low, add lubricant.

Enter the amount of lubricant added

Install the fill hole plug, and tighten it 35 lbf·ft (47 N·m).

Sign off on the axle lubricant level check

NOTE: For additional instructions on cleaning and flushing the cooling system, see the engine manufacturer’s maintenance and operation manual.

Open the petcock at the bottom of the radiator to drain the engine coolant

Disconnect the radiator inlet and outlet hose connections

Attach a flushing gun nozzle to the radiator outlet

Run water in until the radiator is full

Apply no more than 20 psi (138 kPa) air pressure intermittently to help dislodge sediment buildup in the core

Chock the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving. Place the transmission in neutral, and release the spring or driveline brakes before inspecting the rear suspension.

Power wash the Chalmers rear suspension, or clean it with a hard-bristle brush before performing a visual inspection.

Visually inspect the rubber bushings for cracks or other damage.

Try to move the torque rod ends using your hands only, and check for any free-play. If freeplay is felt, replace the torque rod end bushing.

Do not use a pry bar to check for free-play. Use of a pry bar may lead to premature bushing replacement. See Group 32 of the Business Class® Trucks Service Manual for replacement instructions.

If equipped with optional shock absorbers, check for worn, broken, or damaged shock bushings, heavy corrosion on the shock absorber body, or fluid leaking from the shock absorber. Replace the shock absorbers if any of these conditions are found; see Group 32 of the Business Class® Trucks Service Manual.

Lift the rear of the vehicle and support the frame on jack stands to unload the suspension components. The vehicle is lifted high enough when the beam ends are off of the saddles. All jack stands must be of sufficient strength and rigidity to safely support the vehicle. Do not perform any work on or around a vehicle that is supported solely by a lifting device.

Visually inspect the walking beam for cracks, or other damage. If damage is found, see Group 32 of the Business Class® Trucks Service Manual for replacement instructions.

Keep the vehicle supported by the jack stands for the next operation.

Lightly coat door weatherstrips with a lubricant that is safe (as recommended by the lubricant manufacturer) on rubber.

Apply a few drops of light engine oil, or spray a light coating of silicone lubricant (such as WD–40® or an equivalent) on the door latch mechanism. This will help reduce noise and wear. Wipe off any excess oil or silicone lubricant.

Lubricate door hinges by spraying them with a light coating of silicone lubricant (such as WD–40 or an equivalent).

Always lubricate new cab-door hinges at installation.;

Park the vehicle on a level surface. Apply the parking brakes and chock the rear tires.

Is the transmission at operating temperature (Eaton Fuller transmissions) or at room temperature (Meritor transmissions)?

Clean the area around the fill plug, then remove the plug from the side of the case.

Is the oil level with the lower edge of the fill opening?

If needed, fill the transmission with oil until level with the lower edge of the fill opening.

CAUTION: Operating a manual transmission with the oil level higher or lower than recommended can result in transmission damage. Do not overfill the transmission; overfilling will force oil out of the case through the main shaft openings. Oil overflow may also drain onto the clutch or clutch brake, causing additional problems.

IMPORTANT: Do not mix types of oil, because of possible incompatibility. Do not use oil additives or friction modifiers. Do not use multiviscosity oils or EP (Extreme Pressure) gear oils. If switching from a petroleum based lubricant to a synthetic, all areas of each affected component must be thoroughly drained.

Switching to a synthetic lubricant, when a petroleumbased lubricant has been used for 50,000 miles (80 000 km) or longer, may affect transmission performance. Monitor all seal areas for the first 10,000 miles (16 000 km) after changing to a synthetic from a petroleum-based lubricant.

Clean the fill plug, then install it in the gear case.