Freightliner Annual Service

[VTPete]

Hmmm, which models have the oil filled i wonder. I'm told by F/L that I have the Detroit Axles based on my VIN. Is this just a VTLE/VT issue?

 

[lostinfla]

I believe the IFS models have non oil filled. Not sure though

 

[Chuggs]

It’s true...the oil filled hubs will only drain about half of their oil without disassembly. I just change what I can every year. It will allow about 8oz of fresh oil exchange every year...and gives you a chance to see what has accumulated on the magnet.

The main axle hub can go three years on ours if using Mobil Delvac 1 75W-90. It beats doing it more often with non-synthetic.

I’ll say about the techs at Gaffney. They shoot straight...and won’t take your money on extraneous stuff. I was going to buy a power steering filter, and replace the fluid. They said, that’s one of those things you can let go longer...like way longer. But oil, oil filters, fuel filters, air filters/cleaners/driers, hubs, axles, chassis grease...they are very thorough on. I just had them change my 2016 over to Shell Rotella NF ELC coolant to let me go 600,000 miles without SCA’s... I changed my Genny over when I got home. Now...both can use the same coolant...and it works great. Just top up as needed with 50/50...and you can do a pH test with the 4-way test kit if concerned.

 

[VTPete]

It’s true...the oil filled hubs will only drain about half of their oil without disassembly. I just change what I can every year. It will allow about 8oz of fresh oil exchange every year...and gives you a chance to see what has accumulated on the magnet.

The main axle hub can go three years on ours if using Mobil Delvac 1 75W-90. It beats doing it more often with non-synthetic.

I’ll say about the techs at Gaffney. They shoot straight...and won’t take your money on extraneous stuff. I was going to buy a power steering filter, and replace the fluid. They said, that’s one of those things you can let go longer...like way longer. But oil, oil filters, fuel filters, air filters/cleaners/driers, hubs, axles, chassis grease...they are very thorough on. I just had them change my 2016 over to Shell Rotella NF ELC coolant to let me go 600,000 miles without SCA’s... I changed my Genny over when I got home. Now...both can use the same coolant...and it works great. Just top up as needed with 50/50...and you can do a pH test with the 4-way test kit if concerned.

Helpful info- thanks Chuggs. Especially about the partial draining without disassembly of the hubs..

 

[Chuggs]

Helpful info- thanks Chuggs. Especially about the partial draining without disassembly of the hubs..

No problem...

If you are just doing the steer axle...

I throw a stack of leveling pads under the front jacks...and barely lift the front tires so they will spin.

If doing the tag axle...I make sure I'm on level ground...chock the front wheels...and raise the rear of the coach, but not enough to lift the wheels up. Leaving the main axle wheels in contact backed up by chocks...as that is where the parking brake is. Then a hydraulic jack on the bottom of the tag air bag platform...raise just that side of the tag so the wheel can spin.

Remove the hub cap.

Have a catch basin, funnel, and paper towels handy...

Remove the rubber plug...inspect your oil level...
Remove the magnetic drain...may take a pair of channel locks if screwed on tight.
Rotate the wheel so drain port is facing down into your funnel...prop with paper towels...and give it time to drain. It is time consuming...but not labor intense.

While you wait...check the magnet.

You will find some metal dust...which is good if it's not too much. The magnet is keeping it out of the bearings.

When as much oil that will drains out...I use the quart container of Valvoline 80w-90...but feel free to go synthetic here. I just figure my hubs are only getting around 8,000-10,000 miles per year...so not very much. The pointy tip makes filling easier.

Inspect the o-ring on the plug and replace if needed...and screw the plug back in.

Start filling the hub with oil. You really have to wait...it takes time for the level to remain steady...as it is seeping thru the bearings into the hub. I slowly spin the wheel occasionally to help distribute the oil. When you get it filled and it stays filled...you can replace the rubber plug and hubcap, and lower the coach.

If it's your first time...you might pull the hub cap a day or so later just to be sure your oil level is still where you want it...as oil may have still migrated if you were a little rushed before.

That's it. I know its not perfect...but if you aren't having any hub oil leaks...I wouldn't mess a good thing up by disassembling the entire hub. That, to me, isn't warranted on such low mileage vehicles. The OTR truckers might do this...but they are probably doing over 100,000 miles in that time.

So far, each year when I dip my finger into the old oil...it's clear like honey. I think it's doing a good job.

Prop your catch pan up...for some reason oil spits out of the end of the funnel...and if it has room will go over your catch basin onto the ground. I learned to set the basin up atop a tackle box...keeps it from spraying oil all over.

1 quart does four hubs...as each seems to only take about 8 oz.

 

[JRS]

Here's some info from FL on chassis maintenance which may help some

 

[Jim]

So can we revisit this thread?

My coach hasn't been driven more than about 3K miles since the last Freightliner maintenance was done. But I've heard that there is a yearly maintenance that should be preformed, regardless of how many miles it was driven.

I have looked at the Freightliner Maintenance Schedule, and it is based on 6K, 15K, 30K, etc., but what is generally done on a "yearly" maintenance?

Or do I even need to worry about it since I drove so few miles?

Oh, another questions. What is the "usual" cost of an annual maintenance?

 

[Rich W.]

I don’t do anything based on time. I guess if it sat for 3 years I’d change the engine oil but it never does. Also they state a 15k engine oil maint. interval and I do mine at 7500. Cost of annual maint would be based on whatever you have them do. I’f I were concerned about anything on the list I’d just have them do that. I usually end up at a FL dealer once a year for something anyway. I would include a complete chassis lube (draw special attention to steering column zerks) and a brake system check and maintenance (including lube s-cams) on your annual list.

The chassis maint link above didnt work for me - this one should get you there

Recreational Vehicle Chassis Maintenance Manual

dtnacontent-dtna.prd.freightliner.com

Below is the Cummins maint recommendation for ISL engines

 

[lostinfla]

We get ours done yearly at Gaffney regardless of mileage.

 

[Rich W.]

We get ours done yearly at Gaffney regardless of mileage.

Does the cost vary depending on need or is there a set list and price?

 

[lostinfla]

Does the cost vary depending on need or is there a set list and price?

It's different every year as some fluids need changing and some not on each year's list. That, and adding other parts like air cleaner or belts affects the price. Gaffney has usually been the cheapest and best service. We just finished our 8th year there with this coach and have been very happy with their service.

 

[Jim]

It's different every year as some fluids need changing and some not on each year's list. That, and adding other parts like air cleaner or belts affects the price. Gaffney has usually been the cheapest and best service. We just finished our 8th year there with this coach and have been very happy with their service.

Do you replace the belts every year? Or just if they show wear?

 

[lostinfla]

Do you replace the belts every year? Or just if they show wear?

I have them checked by the tech and let him make the call. I carry a spare set anyway.

 

[Jim]

I have them checked by the tech and let him make the call. I carry a spare set anyway.

Do you have a list of what they inspect/maintenance? And what is everyone paying for this "annual maintenance"?

 

[Jim]

Here is what NIRVC sent me. There's a lot of stuff that can be inspected/maintenanced and I'm sure a lot of it isn't necessary on a yearly basis.