Sterling Trucks Acterra MX - Manual (Page 83)

33–01 Knuckle Pin Lubricating
Standard Meritor Axles
Hold a pressure gun on each fitting until fresh grease
appears. See
Fig. 1 . This will ensure that all the old
contaminated grease has been forced out. It is not
necessary to exceed 4000 psi (27 560 kPa). The
best distribution of new lubricant and the best purg-
ing of old lubricant occurs when about 4000 psi (27
560 kPa) pressure is applied at the grease gun
nozzle. Using a 40 to 1 booster, the air should be
limited to 100 psi (689 kPa); using a 50 to 1 booster,
the air should be limited to 80 psi (551 kPa). Higher
or lower pressures are not recommended.
When lubricating knuckle pin bushings for Initial
Maintenance, raise the front axle until the front tires
are off the ground. Wipe the lube fittings clean, and
slowly feed multipurpose chassis grease (NLGI grade
1 or 2) into each bushing area while turning the
wheels from extreme right to left and back again
(lock to lock). This will eliminate small air pockets
and improve grease distribution.
Lower the tires to the ground, and regrease both top
and bottom bushings until new grease is seen at the
seal on the bushing opposite the fittings. The grease
seal will accept the grease pressure without damag-
ing the seal, and is designed to have grease pumped
out through it during lubrication. Even if grease leaks
out around the top or bottom plate gasket, continue
pumping until new grease is seen at the seal on the
bushing opposite the grease fitting.
When lubricating knuckle pin bushings at M1 through
M5, do not raise the front axle. Wipe the lube fittings
clean, and apply multipurpose chassis grease until
new grease is seen at the grease seal on the bush-
ing opposite the fittings. The grease seal will accept
the grease pressure without damaging the seal, and
is designed to have grease pumped out through it
during lubrication. Even if grease leaks out around
the top or bottom plate gasket, continue pumping
until new grease is seen at the seal on the bushing
opposite the grease fitting.
Sealed and Easy Steer ™ Axle
Kingpins
NOTE: This procedure applies to the following
axles:
•
MFS-8-153B
•
MFS-10-143A
•
MFS-12-143A
•
MFS-13-143A
•
MFS-14-143A
•
MFS-16-143A
•
MFS-18-133A
•
MFS-20-133A
•
975 Series Easy Steer sealed front axles
Refer to the identification tag on the front of the
axle beam.
On sealed and Easy Steer ™ front axle, the grease
fittings are on the top and bottom kingpin caps of the
knuckle.
1. Shut off the engine, apply the brakes, and chock
the rear tires.
2. Make sure the tires touch the ground. Do
notraise the vehicle.
3. Clean off all grease fittings prior to lubrication.
IMPORTANT: Meritor recognizes that industry
trends are moving toward increased selection
and usage of synthetic grease in vehicle mainte-
nance. However, some seals are known to ex-
09/06/96 f320032a
A
1
1
A. Pump lubricant into each grease fitting until fresh
grease comes out here.
1. Grease Fitting
Fig. 1, Meritor Front Axle
Front Axle
33
Acterra Maintenance Manual, September 2002 33/1