Normal and contamination wear, Bearings – Spicer Drive Axles Failure Analysis Service Manual User Manual
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Bearings
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B
ear
ings
Normal and Contamination Wear
Normal Uneven Wear Pattern - Low Mileage
Normal Even Wear Pattern - High Mileage
Contamination - Scratching
Contamination - Bruising (Denting)
General Description:
• Uneven wear pattern - low mileage: Uneven wear pattern typical of low mileage and light to moder-
ate loads. It is caused by the bearing preload during assembly and will gradually become more even as
mileage increases. If not otherwise damaged, parts showing this wear pattern may be reused.
• Even wear pattern - high mileage: Even wear pattern with light pitting typical of advanced mileage
with normal loads. Pitting is caused by contaminates in the lube.
•Contamination wear: Scratching and bruising occur when hard metal particles pass through the lube
system. This damage is an early sign of bearing failure. Possible causes include poor lube maintenance
and/or overloading the axles.
Failure Prevention:
• Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Adjustment - see Failure Prevention Section