Crossmember Bolts

Truck Shop

Well-known member
Another Freightliner design flaw. The cross member between the drive axles at least on the Cascadia model has a problem
with the bolts loosening. The bolts that hold the cross member to the frame flanges come loose. Freightliner was using
huck rivets but quit that because there using a fifthwheel slider that is a low profile design. So now there using a phony
bolt and washer set up-the bolt head is only 3/8" tall to give extra clearance when the fifthwheel is slid all the way back.

You either unbolt the slider from frame or do as I have done cut a 3"x 1/4'" piece of the slider away to gain access to the
outboard or bolts closest to the frame rail-you won't be able to get a socket on those bolts other wise. And the replacement
bolts are 3/4"-10x1 1/2" flange bolts and stover flange nuts. Do not use the same crap Freightliner used/bolts and washers.
By using washers your guaranteed to be doing the job again. And run them down with a 3/4 gun. I even went overboard
and put Loctite on them. DOT loves finding crap like loose frame bolts,it makes their day.

On or trucks those bolts were loose by the time 30K rolled around. And make sure and cover the airlines and electrical
before cutting. Some bolts you may have to cut out also.

Truck Shop
 
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