Ford Low Cab Forward (Ford year). Manual — part 36

Body
• Wheel Well: splash shields, cab shields and under-cab insulation

should be inspected for deterioration, dislocation, and orientation.

Cooling System
• Check the fan for damage to blades; replace, if damaged, with the

recommended parts. Inspect for fan to shroud interference, and any
damage to shroud such as cracks and holes.

• The fan ratio should not be changed and the fan spacer dimensions

and positions should not be altered.

• Inspect the fan clutch for proper operation, make sure that the fan is

disengaged when cooling of the engine is not required.

• Check for proper operation of radiator shutters, if equipped. The

shutters should be open during normal operating temperatures.

Engine and Driveline System
• Transmission Enclosure: inspect for cracks, holes, and tears. Clean

any deposits such as oil, dirt, and stones.

• Engine valve covers and block covers are made to damp out engine

mechanical noise and, if needed, should be replaced with
recommended parts. Check for mechanical isolations.

Exhaust System
• Inspect the exhaust system for leaks at various joint connections and

tighten the clamps.

• Do a visual inspection for cracks or holes in the muffler and tail pipe.
• Always use the recommended parts when items need to be replaced.
• Exhaust After Treatment module must not be changed or moved from

the standard position as originally received.

• The tail pipe elbow or offset tail pipe orientation must not be changed

from the standard position as originally received.

• To avoid abnormal changes in vehicle sound levels, it is necessary for

the owner to perform inspections and necessary maintenance at the
intervals shown in the scheduled maintenance information.

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146

STEERING - GENERAL INSPECTION
• Ask your service technician to examine the steering mechanism. Only

minor adjustments may be necessary.

• Check tie rod, drag link end clamp bolts and ball joints for proper

tightness.

• Check for installation and spread of cotter pins and tightness of nuts

at both ends of the tie rod and drag link.

• Check that pitman arm (steering arm at steering gear) mounting is

tight and locked. Check system for leaks or hose chafing. Repair at
once, if necessary.

• Maintain proper steering gear and power steering pump lubricant

levels.

• Regularly inspect steering column joint bolts and steering linkage,

particularly for body-to-chassis clearance.

Note: Have any steering problems corrected at once by a qualified
service technician.

Failure to maintain the steering system in proper condition can
cause reduced steering ability resulting in property damage,

personal injury or death.

Tightening steering column joint bolts

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 system can result in
degradation of power steering performance.

Consult your dealer who is aware of the proper procedures for filling and
bleeding the system.

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147

POWER STEERING FLUID

Check the power steering fluid level
by looking at the see-through plastic
reservoir. Make sure that the fluid is
within the FULL and ADD range as
marked on the reservoir. If the fluid
level is below the ADD line, add
fluid in small amounts, continuously
checking the level until it reaches
the proper level. If adding fluid is
necessary, refer to Lubricant
Specifications in this chapter for
the proper fluid type. Refer to the scheduled maintenance information
for the recommended service intervals.

A low fluid level may indicate a leak in the power steering system.
Inspect the power steering system and repair the leak. If necessary, see
your dealer or a qualified service technician.

To avoid damage to the power steering system, do not operate the
vehicle with a low power steering fluid level.

BRAKE FLUID

The reservoir is located behind a
panel on the far left side of the
instrument panel, accessible by
opening the driver’s door and
removing the end panel.

Check and refill the brake fluid reservoir using the following procedure.

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148

1. Clean the reservoir cap before removal to prevent dirt or water from
entering the reservoir.

2. Visually inspect the fluid level; the level should be between the
MIN/MAX marks on the reservoir.

3. If necessary, add brake fluid from a clean unopened container until the
level reaches the MAX mark. Do not fill above this line.

4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid certified to meet manufacturer
specifications. Refer to Lubricant specifications in this chapter.

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.

If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.

Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.

TRANSMISSION FLUID

Checking automatic transmission fluid

Refer to the scheduled maintenance information for scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.

Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.

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149