Spicer Drive Axles Failure Analysis Service Manual - Manual (Page 7)

Failure Prevention
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Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Adjustment
Proper maintenance is essential to achieve the maximum life designed and built into a drive axle. Perhaps the most important
element of maintenance is proper lubrication. Incorrect or lack of lubrication is extremely detrimental to the life of drive axle parts.
Lubricant is the life-blood of the axle gears and bushings. It prevents metal-to-metal contact and keeps the parts clean and running
cool. To get all the benefits of lubrication, you must:
• Use the proper lube.
• Maintain the proper lube level.
• Change lube at specified intervals.
• Periodically clean magnetic plugs.
• Clean the magnetic drain plug to remove metallic dust or fine particles.
• Keep filters and strainers clean and filled after an initial break-in of 5,000 miles. When filled with a Spicer
approved synthetic lubricant at the factory, the 5,000 mile drain is not required.
To assure correct lubrication and long life for your Spicer drive axle, follow instructions in the Spicer Service Manuals.
For additional lubrication information, see TCMT-0021.
Rebuilding and Adjusting
Proper reassembles and replacement of all damaged or defective parts is extremely important in achieving good life from an axle
overhaul. Cleaning and close inspection of parts is vital.
To achieve maximum value from a rebuild, replace lower cost items such as thrust washers, seals, and bushings as well as worn
and damaged major parts.
Follow instructions for correctly adjusting bearing preloads, shaft endplay, and gear and pinion tooth contact patterns.
All these procedures will help extend the life of your rebuilt axle. Refer to Spicer Axle Service and Maintenance Literature for
detailed information.