Ford Low Cab Forward (Ford year). Manual — part 29

Do not use a jack when working under a vehicle. It may give
way, causing the vehicle to fall and result in property damage,

personal injury or death. Always use floor stands to support the
vehicle.

Air conditioning system checks

Have your air conditioning system checked each spring. The refrigerant
charge, cleanliness of the condenser-evaporator cores and belt condition
is essential to air conditioning performance.

When the air conditioning system is being used daily, remove the fresh
air filter (if equipped) once each season and check for dirt, lint, etc.
Replace the filter if necessary. Vehicles operating in unusually dusty
conditions may require inspecting and replacing the fresh air filter more
often.

Front axle - general service information

Maintaining the front axle alignment to specifications is very important
and should only be performed by a qualified technician. Toe-in
adjustment is particularly important with radial tires.

Check to make sure that the axle mounting U-bolt nuts, attaching or
mounting bolts and nuts are securely tightened. Regularly check front
axle for damage, binding, worn parts and adequate lubrication.

At regular intervals, or during other scheduled maintenance, (tire
rotation/service, wheel bearing service, alignment, etc.) the kingpins
should be checked for excessive wear. Refer to the service manual for
proper procedures.

Toe-in setting - general inspection

Inspecting steer axle tires in the first 3,000–10,000 miles
(4,800–16,000 km) will generally show if tires are wearing normally.

Rapid outside shoulder wear on both tires indicates too much toe-in.
Rapid inside shoulder wear on both tires indicates too much toe-out. In
P&D-type service, left-to-right steer tire tread life differentials up to 40%
can be observed depending on routes and other variables.

Follow the tire manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure for
the tire size, load range (ply rating) and steer axle loading typical for
their operation (each steer axle tire will equal

1

⁄

2

steer axle loading).

Special applications may warrant a setting based on past experience with
the type of tire operating loads and conditions. Radial tires are more
sensitive to toe-in setting than bias ply tires.

Maintenance and Specifications

118

It is essential that correct toe-in and tire pressure be maintained for
optimum tire wear.

Rear axle - general inspection

Check to make sure that the axle mounting U-bolts, attaching or
mounting bolts and nuts are securely tightened. Refer to the U-bolt nut
torque chart in this chapter. Regularly check the rear axle for damaged,
binding or worn parts.

Brake system - general inspection

Your vehicle is equipped with non-asbestos brake linings. However,
exposure to excessive amounts of brake material (whether asbestos or
non-asbestos, fiberglass, mineral wool, aramid or carbon) may be a
potentially serious health hazard.

Avoid breathing brake lining fiber dust as it may be extremely
hazardous to your health. Always use a respirator during brake

maintenance.

Note: Persons handling brake linings should follow all precautions listed
below:

1. Always wear a respirator approved by the National Institute of
Occupational Studies of Health (NIOSH) or Mine Safety and Appliance
(MSA) during all brake service procedures. Wear the respirator from
removal of the wheels through assembly.

2. Never use compressed air or dry brushing to clean brake parts or
assemblies.

3. Clean brake parts and assemblies in a well ventilated area. During
assembly, carefully place all parts on the floor to avoid getting dust in
the air. Use an industrial vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter system to
clean dust from the brake drums, backing plates and other brake parts.
After using the vacuum, remove any remaining dust with a rag soaked in
water and wrung until nearly dry.

4. Never use compressed air or dry sweeping to clean the work area.
Use an industrial vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter system and rags
soaked in water until wrung until nearly dry. Dispose of used rags with
care to avoid getting dust in the air. Use an approved respirator when
emptying vacuum cleaners and handling used rags.

5. Worker clean-up: Wash your hands before eating, drinking or
smoking. Vacuum your work clothes after use and then launder them
separately, without shaking them, to prevent fiber dust getting into the
air.

Maintenance and Specifications

119

General inspection and adjustment
A regular schedule for periodic cleaning, lubrication, adjustment and
inspection should be established based on the type of vehicle operation.
It is difficult to predetermine an exact maintenance interval (time or
mileage), since vehicles will be used in a wide variety of applications and
conditions. If you are uncertain of the proper schedule and procedures
for your vehicle, contact your dealer.
Inspect the brake lining every maintenance interval. Establish inspection
intervals that provide for lining replacement before damage to the disc
occurs. Excessive lining wear may expose the backing plate to the disc
causing scoring of the disc faces.
This inspection should be performed by a qualified technician and must
be in accordance with instructions provided by the service manual.
Fluid level
Fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX lines as marked on the
reservoir. Do not fill the master cylinder to the top of the reservoir.
Note: If brake fluid requires attention to maintain a proper master
cylinder level, this is an indication of either severe brake pad wear or
fluid leakage. A more frequent and thorough brake inspection will be
required.
Fluid precautions
The HydroBoost brake system consists of two completely separate
hydraulic systems operating with two different and incompatible fluids;
power steering fluid and hydraulic brake fluid. Failure to observe
precautions preventing the contamination of either system with fluid
from the other will result in swelling and deterioration of rubber parts
leading to reduced brake performance and eventual brake failure.
To avoid fluid contamination, the following should always be observed:
1. Use only fluids specified (or equivalent) and properly identified.
2. Add fluids only to the following locations:
• Power steering fluid to the power steering fluid pump reservoir

• Brake fluid to the brake master cylinder
Note on brake fluid usage:

Carefully read cautionary information on product label. For
EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION seek medical advice. In

the USA or Canada on Ford-Motorcraft products call: 1-800-959-3673.
For additional information consult the product Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS) if available. Failure to follow these instructions may
result in personal injury.

Maintenance and Specifications

120

Brake lines, hoses and fittings

Inspect these components every 4,000 miles (6,000 km).
• Check lines for kinks, dents, corrosion or rupture.
• Check hoses for abrasions, kinks, soft spots or rupture, collapse,

cracks, twists or loose frame supports. When replacing a hose, be sure
there is adequate clearance to the hose to avoid an abrasion to the
new hose.

• Examine all connections for leaks.
• Repair or replace brake line tubes, hoses or fittings as required.
Parking brake

Parking brake adjustment should only be performed by a qualified
technician, and in accordance with the instructions in the service
manual.

Use wheel chocks and exercise caution when inspecting under
the vehicle. A vehicle roll-away could result in property damage,

personal injury or death.

TILTING/LOWERING THE CAB

Before titling the cab:
• Make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface.
• Make sure the parking brake is fully set.
• Turn the engine off (unless it is required to be running for inspection)
• Make sure all doors are closed tightly.
Note: Never lower handle B when cab is tilted (see illustration).

Maintenance and Specifications

121