Spicer Single Drive Axles Service Manual: 34DS, 34RS, 38DS, 38RS, DS340, RS340, DS380, RS380, DS400, RS400, DS3 - Manual (Page 19)

General Information
16
Ser
vice Procedure
Cleaning, Inspection, Replacement
As the drive axle is disassembled, set all parts aside for thorough cleaning and inspection. Careful inspection will help determine
whether parts should be reused. In many cases, the causes of premature wear or drive axle failure will also be revealed.
Cleaning
The differential carrier assembly may be steam-cleaned while mounted in the
housing as long as all openings are tightly plugged. Once removed from its hous-
ing, do not steam clean differential carrier or any components. Steam cleaning at
this time could allow water to be trapped in cored passages, leading to rust, lubri-
cant contamination, and premature component wear. The only proper way to clean
the assembly is to disassemble it completely. Other methods will not be effective
except as preparatory steps in the process. Wash steel parts with ground or pol-
ished surfaces in solvent. There are many suitable commercial solvents available.
Kerosene and diesel fuel are acceptable.
Gasoline is not an acceptable solvent because of its extreme combustibiliy. It
is unsafe in the workshop environment.
Wash castings or other rough parts in solvent or clean in hot solution tanks using
mild alkali solutions. If a hot solution tank is used, make sure parts are heated thor-
oughly, before rinsing.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the cleaning solution. Dry parts immedi-
ately with clean rags.
Lightly oil parts if they are to be reused immediately. Otherwise, coat with oil and
wrap in corrosion-resistant paper. Store parts in a clean, dry place.
Inspection
Inspect steel parts for notches, visible steps or grooves created by wear. Look for
pitting or cracking along gear contact lines. Scuffing, deformation or discoloration
are signs of excessive heat in the axle, usually related to low lubricant levels or im-
proper lubrication practices.
Before reusing a gear set, inspect teeth for signs of excessive wear. Check tooth
contact pattern for evidence of incorrect adjustment (see Adjustment Section for
correct pattern). Inspect machined surfaces of cast or malleable parts. They must
be free of cracks, scoring, and wear. Look for elongation of drilled holes, wear on
surfaces machined for bearing fits and nicks or burrs in mating surfaces.
Inspect fasteners for rounded heads, bends, cracks or damaged threads. The axle
housing should be examined for cracks or leaks. Also look for loose studs or
cross-threaded holes. Inspect machined surfaces for nicks and burrs.
WARNING