wheel alignment FORD F650 2011 12.G Owners Manual

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 service miles
(5,000–16,000 service 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
12steer 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. While not insensitive to
vehicle alignment, fine tuning school bus alignment to line-haul truck
standards will not drastically improve tire tread life.
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 toU-bolt nut
torquein this chapter. Regularly check the rear axle for damaged,
binding or worn parts.
NoSpin Detroit Locker positive locking differential
Vehicles equipped with this type differential have the operator’s manual
supplied with the vehicle. Refer to this manual for maintenance checks.
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SUSPENSION INSPECTION
Note:Do not adjust air suspension height to any setting other than the
specified setting. Altering the height setting will change the driveline
angle and may result in unwarrantable component damage, such as
transmission component damage.
Verify drive axle air suspension height and height control valve
performance at engine lube oil change intervals.
Periodically:
•Check condition of spring leaves for evidence of fatigue, bending or
breakage.
•Check condition of suspension mounting brackets and bushings.
•Check that torque rod mounting fasteners are tight.
•Check to be sure the suspension alignment is maintained at all times.
•Check U-bolts after the chassis has been operating under load for
1,000 miles (1,600 km) or six months, whichever comes first, the
U-bolt nuts must be re-torqued. The U-bolt nuts thereafter must be
re-torqued every 36,000 miles (58,000 km). The U-bolt and nut
threads and seats should be cleaned and lubricated to ensure a “like
new” condition when re-torquing.
Note:See theU-bolt nut torquechart later in this section.
Supporting your vehicle for service
When performing service repairs on your vehicle, first prepare the
vehicle by doing the following:
1. Park the vehicle on a level concrete floor.
2. Set the parking brake and block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving.
3. Select a jack with a rated capacity sufficient to lift and hold up the
vehicle.
4. Raise the vehicle with the jack applied to the axle(s). DO NOT use the
bumper as a lifting point.
5. Support the vehicle with floor stands under the axle(s). If the axle or
the suspension are being serviced, support the vehicle with floor stands
under the frame side-members, preferably between the axles.
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Normal maintenance
Over a period of time, if not routinely cleaned, a slight film of oil can
collect dirt around the rubber fill plug and face, which could appear to
be a leak. Routine cleaning ensures that the lube level can be easily
observed through the clear window as intended. In situations where the
window is clean on the outside but discolored on the inside, the lube
level may be checked by inserting a finger through the rubber check
vent hole.
The specified lube level for a clear window type hubcaps is from the
minimum line to + 5/16 inch above the minimum line.
If the lube level should suddenly drop dramatically below the minimum
level, see theWorkshop Manualfor diagnostic procedure.
Installation, tightening and alignment
When installing wheels, be certain that the threads on studs and nuts are
clean to permit correct torque. The mounting surfaces of rims, wheels,
spacer rings and clamps must be free of dirt, rust, lubricants or damage.
Use a wire brush to clean the mounting contact surfaces. Do not use
lubricant on threads.
After the rim or wheel has been properly tightened, it should be checked
for alignment. Rotate the wheel with a piece of chalk attached to a
steady, firm surface, and placed to just barely clear the outside surface of
the tire bead seat. This procedure will point out the high spot. A high
spot does not necessarily mean that the lug nuts have been unevenly
tightened. This condition or misalignment could be caused by a bent
wheel.
Use the following installation procedure:
1. Slide inner rear or front tire and wheel in position over studs and push
it back as far as possible. Use care so that the threads on studs are not
damaged.
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Wear
Radial tires can exhibit three types of normal wear patterns:
1. Even
2. Erosion
3. Chamfer
Even wearis a sign that the tire is being properly used and maintained.
Erosion wearhas also been called rolling wear, channel or river wear.
Erosion wear is found more often at free rolling tires. This is an
indication that the tire is being used in a slow wearing operation. What
happens is that the belt plies are held very rigid and the tread is not
allowed to distort as it passes through the contact area. Wear will only
occur at the edge of the tread. No corrective action required. If erosion
gets to be 1/16 inch (2 mm) or more, the tire may be rotated to a drive
axle.
Chamfer or shoulder wear,with tires inflated properly, is a normal
tendency of most radial tire designs. If both inside and outside shoulders
are wearing evenly around the tire, no further action is required.
Over-inflation is not effective in correcting this effect.
Tires: Irregular Wear
If irregular wear is present, check the axle alignment, tire pressure,
wheel balancing, shock and suspension component condition, and wheel
bearing end play.
This condition not only shortens tire life, but will adversely affect the
handling of your vehicle, which is dangerous.
Rotating tires from one wheel position to another is a way often used to
even out many types of irregular wear or to avoid it altogether. Some of
the more effective tire rotation programs are:
•Steer tires that have developed some type of irregular wear pattern
can be rotated to drive axles if rib tires are being used on all wheel
positions. Applying steer tires to a drive position will often clean them
and they can be moved back to the steer axles or run out to re-tread
stage on the rear axle.
•Another rotation possibility for fleets with rib tires in all wheel
positions is to break in the new steer tires in the drive axle positions,
then move them to steer axles. This will wear away tread rubber
relatively quickly in the early life of a tire when it is most likely to
develop an unusual wear pattern.
•Drive axle tires may be placed on the other end of the same axle so
that direction of rotation is reversed. This is often helpful if a heel and
toe or alternate lug wear pattern has developed.
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Irregular wear can be minimized by:
•Using the right inflation pressure for the load being carried.
•Maintaining proper front wheel alignment -especially toe-in-to
specifications.
•Maintaining proper tire and wheel balance.
•Maintaining shock absorbers and suspension components.
Use of tire chains
Refer to chain manufacturer’s recommendation for correct tire chain
usage, installation and removal.
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Maintenance operation Frequency/Observation
Inspect the automatic slack
adjuster functionInsufficient power shown in loaded
practice stop.
Check the operation of the
brakes, the clutch, and the
steering
(1),(2)
Vehicle handling qualities not up to
par.
Inspect the vehicle for missing,
damaged, or mislocated noise
shieldsExcessive noise emanates from under
the cab or engine compartment.
Check the engine performance
and the engine governorExcessive engine noise.
Inspect the fan, the fan shroud,
and the fan clutchEngine overheats, fan runs at high
speed constantly, excessive fan noise,
or fan wobble due to worn bearings.
Check for operation of ABS
warning lampAt each engine start up.
Inspect the entire exhaust
system (including inlet pipe,
muffler, outlet pipe and all
exhaust clamps and fasteners)
for holes, leakage, breakage,
looseness and corrosive
damageExcessive noise or the smell of fumes
is experienced.
Inspect the engine air
induction system (including the
air ducts and the air filter) for
loose fitting, damaged or
missing componentsExcessive noise emanates from the
engine compartment.
Inspect the tires and check the
air pressure
(3)Poor steering, wandering or excessive
tire wear.
Balance the wheels and the
tiresVibration or abnormal tire wear
indicates imbalance.
Check the front end alignment
(3)Poor steering, wandering or excessive
tire wear.
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Maintenance operation Frequency/Observation
Check the transmission and
engine mountings
(2)Hard shifting or excessive vibration.
Check and adjust transmission
controls
(2)High effort to shift or noisy
transmission.
Check fuel pump pressure Insufficient full-throttle power or
backfiring.
Clean radiator cap seal. Clean
and inspect the cap surface on
the radiatorWhen the cap does not hold pressure.
Check the battery terminals for
corrosionWhenever electrical power supply has
diminished.
Tighten the wheel mounting
nuts to the specified torque.
Refer toWheelsin the
Maintenance and
SpecificationschapterRequired initially at 500 and
1000 miles (800 and 1600 km).
Perform again at 500 and 1000 mile
(800 and 1600 km) intervals after
each tire removal/replacement.
Clean body/door drain holes At least twice annually.
Clean windshield wiper blades As required.
Replace windshield wiper
bladesIf wiping the blades with a clean cloth
and mild detergent and washing with
a cleaner does not restore a clean
wipe.
Lubricate body lock cylinders Noisy or difficult to operate.
Check headlamp alignment Lamp beams in wrong position when
vehicle operating loaded.
Check windshield washer fluid
level; add fluid if requiredIf washes do not spray when operated.
1During maintenance and repair, protect the fuel tube and the hose
assemblies, the power steering lines, and the brake lines from the
external heat, the acids and the abrasion that could damage the lines.
2Check for (free) linkage action and ensure that (return) spring force
is adequate to maintain pedal free play.
3Adjust, repair or replace as required with the same or equivalent
parts.
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