Spicer Steer and Drive Wheel Ends Service Manual User Manual
Page 11
9
Maintenance &
Inspec
ti
on
Maintenance & Inspection
Detailed External Inspection
(Conducted at PM or at least annually)
Check wheel-ends for obvious signs of lubricant leakage,
such as hubcap gasket and wheel seal areas, grease soaked
brake linings. Any seepage is reason for further inspection
and appropriate action.
Raise the vehicle and check for smooth rolling of wheels.
Check for signs of excessive endplay in the wheel-end. This
does not include removal of the hubcap.
Note: Leaking grease may not spread over the hub and brake
components as with hubs filled with oil. When inspect-
ing for grease leaks the inspection must be done very
carefully with the aid of a bright beam of light from a
flashlight or droplight.
Note: Some grease seals will purge very small amounts of
grease in normal operation.
If there is seepage around the hubcap flange area, take appro-
priate action to eliminate seepage as directed by your mainte-
nance instructions.
If leakage in the seal area is found, remove the wheel end and
replace the hubcap gasket, seal and lubricant. Inspect the
spindle and bearings for damage and replace if needed.
Anything abnormal requires more detailed inspection of hub
components.
A clogged vent can damage the wheel seal allowing inter-
nal pressure build up in the wheel end.
Failure to remove the outer bearing may provide a false
lubricant level reading.
To verify proper lube level, the following procedures need to
be preformed.
1.
Before performing any maintenance on the vehicle,
take appropriate action to ensure the vehicle is safely
secured.
2.
Remove hubcap, hubcap gasket and inspect hubcap
for adequate venting capabilities.
3.
Verify wheel-bearing endplay for conformance to
TMC RP-618.
4.
Record endplay measurements.
Care should be taken so the wheel-end assembly is prop-
erly supported.
5.
Remove spindle nuts.
6.
Remove outer bearing.
7.
While maintaining proper support to the wheel-end
or hub, visually check lube level. In a semi-fluid
grease system, if the lubricant flows out of the hub
cavity, the hub cavity should be refilled to the
3 o’clock and 9 o’clock level. This represents
50 percent hub cavity fill.
In a semi-fluid grease system, if the grease doesn’t
flow, inspect lubricant condition in the hub cavity.
Go to next section. Inspect if abnormal conditions
are noted. If no abnormal conditions are noted, add
grease until it flows out of the hub cavity.
Note: If changing grease types or brands, contact your lubri-
cant supplier to insure compatibility.
8.
Clean bearing and inspect for wear and damage.
When reassembling industry standard wheel-ends,
assemble per TMC RP-618.
Note: Manufacturer is defined as the final assembler of the
product or the particular system supplier.
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION