Operating Instructions Driving Tips And Techniques
Medium Duty
(R10/06) Y53-6008 – 105 –
Driving with Deflated Air Springs
Vehicles with the air suspension (option): If an air spring rup-
tures, there will be enough air pressure to drive the vehicle to
a safe stop off the highway to investigate the problem.
WARNING! Do not continue to drive with rup-
tured air springs. The air loss can cause the
spring brakes to apply allowing your brakes to
drag and burn up the linings, which could lead to
an injury accident. Do not continue to operate
the vehicle in this condition.
To get to a repair facility, do the following:
1. Remove the height control link connected to the axle and
to the suspension air valve control arm. This will cause
the air valve control arm to center in the closed position.
2. The air system can then be pumped up to normal pres-
sure for continued operation.
WARNING! Low air pressure could make brakes
unsafe for driving by not providing sufficient air
brake application pressure in an emergency,
which could lead to an injury accident. Before
driving the vehicle, make sure the air pressure
pumps up to over 100 psi for normal brake operation. If it
does not reach 100 psi, do not try to move the vehicle.
CAUTION: Do not operate a vehicle with air sus-
pension bags either over- or under-inflated.
This could cause damage to driveline compo-
nents. If you must drive under such conditions,
do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h).
Fifth Wheel
The following applies to tractor configurations:
WARNING! Ensure that all fifth wheel mainte-
nance, adjustments, and rebuilding are done
only by a qualified mechanic. An improperly
maintained fifth wheel can cause a trailer to sep-
arate from a tractor. This could lead to an injury
accident and damage to property.
Your Medium Duty may be equipped with either a fixed or an
air-controlled sliding fifth wheel. Either type should self-lock
when a trailer king pin trips the locking dogs as the tractor is
backed under a trailer.
