Major mechanical damage has occurred to the retarder what must be done?

• A. Drain oil, fill with new oil
• B. Remove retarder, replace components, flush with new fluid
• C. Complete flush
• D. Nothing, there is a filter

Answer: (B)

When the retarder has major mechanical damage, the internal parts are likely compromised and debris can contaminate the system. The proper approach is to remove the retarder from service, replace the damaged components, and flush the system with fresh fluid to remove any debris before reinstalling. This ensures safe operation and prevents further damage. Simply draining and refilling the oil or doing just a flush won’t address the damaged parts or contamination, and doing nothing would leave a safety-critical system inoperative.