Cascadia Radiator Strut Rod Rubbing on Upper Radiator
Hose
FLA COE
FLB COE
FLD Conventional
Business Class
FLC 112 Conventional

Century Class Conventional
Argosy COE
Cargo
Columbia
122SD and Coronado

Business Class M2
> Cascadia
108SD/114SD
New Cascadia

20-78
Freightliner
Service Bulletin

Description of Revisions: This bulletin replaces the version dated
March 2014. In Table 1, part number A05-31389-000 is replaced
with A05-33232-000.

General Information
In some operating conditions, the radiator strut rod may rub on the upper radiator hose on DD13 powered
Cascadia 113/125, and Cummins ISX 15 powered Cascadia 125, with isolated M1400 radiators. Vehicles with
these configurations should be checked for clearance, and if there is evidence of rubbing, replace the hose with
the original part, and install a replacement strut rod. The replacement strut rod is redesigned for improved
clearance. Refer to Table 1 under "Parts" for a list of replacement strut rods.

Inspection
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, shut down the engine, and set the parking brake. Chock the tires.
2. Open the hood.
3. Inspect the upper radiator hose near the radiator strut rods for evidence of rubbing.
On vehicles with DD13 engines, rubbing will show near the right-side strut rod. See Fig. 1.
On vehicles with Cummins ISX engines, rubbing will show near the bias strut rod. See Fig. 2.
If there is evidence of rubbing, replace the hose and install a new strut rod. Refer to Table 1 under "Parts"
for replacement strut rods by vehicle configuration.

02/06/2014

f500426

Check for rubbing on the hose at the right-side strut rod.
Fig. 1, Hose Rubbing Area, DD13 Engines

02/06/2014

f500425

Check for rubbing on the hose at the bias strut rod.
Fig. 2, Hose Rubbing Area, Cummins ISX Engines

NOTE: If the installed strut rod is already the replacement part listed in Table 1, replace the hose
only. Make sure that the hose is installed so that it will not rub.

Freightliner Service Bulletin, 07/26/2017

Page 1

Cascadia Radiator Strut Rod Rubbing on Upper Radiator
Hose

20-78
Freightliner
Service Bulletin

FLA COE
FLB COE
FLD Conventional
Business Class
FLC 112 Conventional

Century Class Conventional
Argosy COE
Cargo
Columbia
122SD and Coronado

Business Class M2
> Cascadia
108SD/114SD
New Cascadia

Replacement
1. Drain the cooling system into an appropriate container. For instructions, see Group 20 of the Cascadia
Workshop Manual.

NOTE: On DD13 equipped vehicles there may be a spacer between the rod and the engine block.
Discard this spacer when replacing strut rod. Make sure that the bolt is an M14x1.5x40, GR10.9.
(210961 014001)
2. Remove the strut rod and discard.
3. Remove the damaged radiator hose.
4. Install the new radiator hose.
5. Install the new strut rod.
For DDC engines, tighten the radiator strut rod fasteners at the radiator 55 to 65 lbf·ft (75 to 90 N·m), and
at the engine block 125 to 139 lbf·ft (171 to 188 N·m).
For Cummins engines, tighten the radiator strut rod fasteners at the radiator and the engine block 55 to 65
lbf·ft (75 to 90 N·m).
6. Fill the cooling system.
7. Start the engine and check for coolant leaks. Repair as needed.

Parts
Parts are available through the PDCs. Table 1 lists replacement radiator strut rods.

Original P/N
A05-30645-000
A05-30646-000
A05-30648-000
A05-30649-000
A05-30743-000

Replacement Radiator Strut Rods
Description
STRUT-RAD,DD13,MED,F
STRUT-RAD,DD13,MD,FW
STRUT-RAD,DD13,MED,A
STRUT-RAD,DD13,MD,AF
STRUT-RAD,ISX,MED,BI

Replace with P/N
A05-31386-000
A05-31387-000
A05-33232-000
A05-31390-000
A05-31388-000

Table 1, Replacement Radiator Strut Rods

Warranty
This procedure is warrantable only if the described condition exists and the repair is performed within the
applicable base or extended coverage warranty period. If a failure is not found, this procedure is considered
preventive and warranty does not apply.
Normal warranty applies. See Table 2 for OWL VMRS codes and labor allowance information. Enter this service
bulletin number in the Service Bulletin # field.

Page 2

Freightliner Service Bulletin, 07/26/2017

Cascadia Radiator Strut Rod Rubbing on Upper Radiator
Hose
FLA COE
FLB COE
FLD Conventional
Business Class
FLC 112 Conventional

Primary Failed Part

Century Class Conventional
Argosy COE
Cargo
Columbia
122SD and Coronado

Business Class M2
> Cascadia
108SD/114SD
New Cascadia

20-78
Freightliner
Service Bulletin

OWL VMRS Codes and Labor Allowance
Component
Cause Code SRT Code
Description
Code

Time: Hours

A05-30645-000
A05-30646-000
A05-30648-000

042-002-017

12

269-5012A

RADIATOR, STRUT ROD, RUBBING
UPPER RAD HOSE, R/R (20-78)

0.8

A05-30649-000
A05-30743-000
Table 2, OWL VMRS Codes and Labor Allowance

Freightliner Service Bulletin, 07/26/2017

Page 3