2
ConMet
2. Inspection
HAZARD ALERT
MESSAGES
Read and observe all hazard alert
messages in this publication. They
provide information that can help
prevent serious personal injury,
damage to components, or both.
Do not work under a vehicle supported only by
jacks. Jacks can slip and fall over. Serious personal
injury and damage to components can result.
Park the vehicle on a level surface. Block the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.
Support the vehicle with safety stands.
To prevent serious eye injury, always wear
safe eye protection when you perform vehicle
maintenance or service.
WARNING
!
WHEEL END INSPECTION
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Operating temperature can be checked as the
vehicle enters the service area following a normal
run. If the hub is running in excess of 150°F above
the ambient temperature in normal operating
conditions, service is required.
NOTE
Wheel end service and
maintenance requirements will
vary based on vehicle operating
conditions, vehicle specifications,
lubrication type, and vehicle
performance history. Consolidated
Metco recommends the
maintenance schedule below, in
conjunction with TMC RP631A, to
be adjusted as needed for varying
conditions.
If any item is found to be out of specification
during any of the inspection steps listed below,
place the vehicle out of service until the item can
be repaired or replaced.
CAUTION
!
Driver Pre-Trip Visual
Inspection
Visually inspect the vehicle prior
to operation. Include the following
items:
1. Check for loose, damaged, or
missing fasteners on the wheel
and hub cap or axle. Rust or
dark streaks coming from the
wheel bolts may be a sign of
improper wheel bolt torque.
2. Check for loose, damaged, or
missing hubcaps.
3. Check for lubricant leaks at:
-
Hubcap
-
Drive axle flange gasket
-
Oil fill plug
-
Oil seal leakage – indicated
by lubricant on the hub, brake
components or inside of the
wheel
4. Check lubricant condition via
hub cap window on steer and
trailer hubs. Lubricant that is
darkened, milky, shows water
in it, or has large metallic
particles in it is indicative
of contamination or a part
failure and must be replaced.
Contaminated lubricant may be
an indication of a leaking seal
that should be replaced.
5. Check for insufficient lubricant
level via hub cap window on
steer and trailer hubs. Refill
lubricant to the indicated fill
level if required.
If any of the above conditions
are found, place the vehicle out
of service until the item can be
repaired.
In Route Inspections
1. After making an in route stop,
walk around the vehicle and
inspect the hubs for any leaks
(per item 3 under Driver Pre-
Trip) and significant differences
in temperature or excessive
temperature. If excessive
temperature is found, inspect
and repair the wheel end as
necessary. High temperatures
and high loads may cause
early bearing failure. Lubricant
viscosity should be chosen
based on expected operating
temperatures.
Preventative Maintenance
Schedule
During any routine preventative
maintenance on the vehicle or axle
(see your OEM guidelines and
associated federal regulations),
inspect the following items:
1. Check for loose, damaged, or
missing fasteners on the wheel
and hub cap. Rust or dark
streaks coming from the wheel
bolts may be a sign of improper
wheel bolt torque.
2. Check for loose, damaged, or
missing hubcaps.
3. Check for lubricant leaks at:
-
Hubcap
-
Drive axle flange gasket
-
Oil fill plug
-
Oil seal – indicated by
lubricant on the hub, brake
components or inside of the
wheel
4. Check for insufficient lubricant
level via hub cap window on
steer and trailer hubs. Refill
lubricant to the indicated fill
level if required.