KIC Catalog

Hubcap Considerations: Hard Grease

Use an appropriate tamper-proof, hubcap. These hub-

caps prevent gear oils from being accidentally being

added to grease-filled wheel ends. Follow the recom-

mendation of the seal supplier to determine if the hub-

cap should be vented or non-vented.

NOTE:

If a metal hub cap is used, it is necessary to coat

the interior surfaces with a film of grease. Use special

care not to cover the vent with grease.

DRIVEN AXLE LUBRICANT WHEEL END

CONSIDERATIONS

NOTE:

In this Recommended Practice, all driven

axles are oil lubricated.

Inspection and Preparation

If the wheel end is disassembled, clean and inspect

the wheel end components including all bearings, axle

shafts, hub and bearing cups, axle, and fasteners, re-

moving all contaminants and lubricant residue. Replace

seal, axle flange gasket, and all questionable parts. For

detail procedures, refer to TMC RP 622.

Component Lubrication

Pre-lubricate the inner and outer wheel bearing cones

with clean lubricant of the same type used in the axle

reservoir.

! CAUTION

: Failure to lubricate bearing correctly

and maintain proper lubrication may result in bearing

damage. For additional information refer to TMC RP

618 and RP 622.

! CAUTION

: In oil bath systems, do not pack bear-

ings with grease before installation. Grease will tempo-

rarily restrict or prevent the proper circulation of lubricant

and may contribute to wheel seal failure.

Hub Fill Procedures: Oil

Install the wheel seals, as documented in RP 622. Fill

hub cavity with oil. Use lifting equipment to align the hub

assembly with the spindle taking care to not damage the

seal and spindle threads. Push the hub assembly into

position.

While the hub is supported, fill the hub cavity with clean

oil and push into position or push into position and then

fill the hub cavity.

Recommendations for Wheel End Lubrication