KIC Catalog

Recommendations for Wheel End Lubrication

inspecting 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 seep-

age around the hubcap flange area, take appropriate

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 re-

place if needed. Anything abnormal requires Level 3 In-

spection.

! CAUTION

: A clogged vent can damage the wheel

seal allowing internal pressure build up in the wheel

end.

Level 3—Lube Level Inspection

(Per OEM Recommendation)

When using grease in a wheel-end the only method to

accurately check the lubricant level is by pulling the out-

er bearing. If using a hard grease, there is no need for a

Level 3 Inspection.

! CAUTION

: Failure to remove the outer bearing

may provide a false lubricant level reading.

To verify proper lube level the following procedures

need to be performed.

1. Before performing any maintenance on the vehi-

cle 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 end play for conformance

to RP 618.

4. Record end play measurements.

! CAUTION

: Apply the parking brake, if axle

is equipped. This will ensure that the wheel/hub

assembly is supported and held steady during

removal of the spindle nut and outer bearing.

This will eliminate the possibility of spindle, bear-

ing or seal damage due to the cocking or slip-

ping of the wheel-hub assembly.

! CAUTION

: Care should be taken so the

wheel-end assembly is properly supported.

5. Remove adjusting nuts.

6. Remove outer bearing.

7. Whilemaintaining proper support to thewheelend

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. (See

Figures 5

and

In a semi-fluid grease system, if the grease

doesn’t flow, inspect lubricant condition in the

hub cavity. Go to Level 4 Inspection 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, con-

tact your lubricant supplier to insure compatibil-

ity.

8. Clean bearing and inspect for wear and damage.

When reassembling industry standard wheel-

ends, assemble per RP 618.

NOTE:

Manufacturer is defined as the final as-

sembler of the product or the particular system

supplier.

Level 4—Wheel-end Disassembly Inspection

(Complete System Tear-down)

If any abnormal conditions are found during inspection

Levels 1, 2, or 3, remove wheel-end for inspection. Lube

change intervals as determined by the manufacturer dic-

tate when Level 4 service is performed.

NOTE:

Manufacturer is defined as the final assembler

of the product or the particular system supplier.

When reassembling industry standard wheel-ends, as-

semble per RP 622 and RP 618. Seals and gaskets

must be replaced.

Failed Component Analysis

Save prematurely failed parts and lube samples for anal-

ysis. The lubricant sample collected should be at least

four ounces. A similarly sized new lubricant sample (not

previously used) is also required. This will aid in supplier

assisted detection and prevention of premature failures.

The components’ history of usage should also be pro-

vided (i.e., vehicle’s vocation, mileage, maintenance re-

cords, and history of inspection and repair/replacement

of components such as seals, seal wear rings, lubricant,

bearings, etc.).

OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR

LUBRICANTS

Service interval ranges from 100,000 miles to five years

in over-the-road service, depending on axle type, manu-

facturer recommendations, and lubricant performance.