How to Replace A Wheel Seal on Semi/ Wheel Seal Leak/ Wheel Seal Installation/100kMiles Inspections
TLDRIn this informative video, Adam from Tat Express demonstrates the process of replacing a wheel seal on a semi-truck. He covers each step in detail, from removing the wheels and brake drum to cleaning and installing the new seal. The video emphasizes the importance of using the correct tools and techniques to ensure a proper and safe installation, as well as the significance of maintaining the truck's components to prevent future issues and potential hazards on the road.
Takeaways
- 🔧 Ensure the truck is secure on jack stands with chocks in place before starting the wheel seal process.
- 🔩 Remove the wheels and brake drum to access the wheel hub and seal.
- 🛠️ Release the brakes to detach the brake drum and hub assembly.
- 🔨 Use a deep socket to remove the axle and take care not to damage the axle teeth.
- 🔧 Inspect and properly handle the outer and inner bearings to avoid contamination.
- 🔏 Identify the type of locking nut used on the wheel hub and use the correct socket for removal and installation.
- 🛠️ Clean the hub and surrounding area thoroughly before installing the new wheel seal.
- 🔧 Reinstall the bearings, spacer, and lock nut, ensuring proper torque and alignment.
- 💧 Fill the hub with gear oil before reassembly to prevent dry operation and damage to the bearings.
- 🔄 Reinstall the axle, brake drum, and wheels, and adjust the brakes as necessary.
Q & A
What is the first step in replacing a wheel seal on an 18-wheeler?
-The first step is to take the wheels off the truck, ensuring that the truck is secure on jack stands with chocks in place.
How does one remove the brake drum from an 18-wheeler?
-To remove the brake drum, you need to release the brakes. For a 30 brake chamber, which is not a parking brake, you don't need to release the brakes from the cab. Simply back the brakes off to remove the drum.
What is the purpose of using WD-40 when removing the axle?
-WD-40 is used to help loosen the bolts and make it easier to remove the axle from the truck.
What is the importance of using the correct socket for the locking nut?
-Using the correct socket is crucial because it pinches the locking tabs together, allowing you to rotate and remove the nut. Using the wrong size can break the locking tabs, leading to potential issues and failures in the future.
Why should you be careful when removing the axle?
-Care must be taken when removing the axle to avoid damaging the teeth at the end of the axle. Damaged teeth will prevent the axle from being properly reinstalled into the differential.
How do you ensure the bearings do not get contaminated during the wheel seal replacement process?
-You should wrap the bearings in a clean towel or rag to keep them secure and prevent dirt or contaminants from getting on them.
What is the purpose of cleaning the surfaces where the new wheel seal will be installed?
-Cleaning the surfaces with light sandpaper and brake cleaner removes any old sealant, rust, or dirt, ensuring a proper seal and preventing leaks.
How do you know when the new wheel seal is properly installed?
-The seal is properly installed when you hear a difference in the hammer sound indicating it has reached the bottom. Overdriving can damage the seal.
Why is it important to fill the hub with gear oil before reinstallation?
-Filling the hub with gear oil before reinstallation prevents the bearings from running dry, which could cause overheating and damage during the time it takes for oil to reach the hubs from the differential.
What should be done after installing the wheel seal and reassembling the wheel components?
-After reassembling, you should adjust the brakes, ensure all components are properly tightened, and check that the wheel is secure before considering the process complete.
What precautions should be taken if the brake pads are soaked with oil?
-If the brake pads are soaked with oil, it's best to replace them as they can retain oil and lead to ineffective braking due to the face of the pad sealing and hardening from the heat.
Outlines
🛠️ Wheel Removal and Brake Drum Detachment
The video begins with the host, Adam, introducing the task of changing a wheel seal on an 18-wheeler. He emphasizes the importance of safety by ensuring the truck is secure on jack stands with chocks in place. Adam proceeds to remove the wheels and demonstrates how to take off the brake drum, explaining the differences between a 30 brake chamber and a 30/30 brake chamber, and the necessity of releasing brakes in the cab for the latter.
🔧 Axle and Hub Assembly Disassembly
In this segment, Adam focuses on removing the axle and hub assembly. He uses a socket to remove the bolts and advises on the correct size and type of socket for a locking nut to prevent damage. After removing the axle, he discusses the importance of handling the components carefully to avoid damaging the teeth at the end of the axle, which could prevent reassembly. Adam also covers the removal of the inner and outer bearings, stressing the need to keep them clean and the potential dangers of a loose lock nut.
🔩 Wheel Seal Removal and Inspection
Adam continues the tutorial by demonstrating how to remove the wheel seal. He uses a seal remover and an adjustable pry bar to carefully pry the seal off, highlighting the importance of cleaning the sealing surface with light sandpaper and brake cleaner. He also inspects the inner bearing for any damage or contaminants and wraps it in a towel to protect it during reassembly.
🛠️ Installing the New Wheel Seal
This part of the video details the process of installing the new wheel seal. Adam explains the importance of having the inner bearing in place before installing the seal. He uses a stem coat plate to evenly tap the seal into place, ensuring it sits flush without damaging it. He also discusses the cleaning of the hub and spindle surfaces to prepare for reassembly.
🔩 Reassembling the Hub and Axle
Adam demonstrates the reassembly of the hub and axle, emphasizing the need to clean the hub surface and fill it with gear oil before reinstallation. He explains the process of putting the bearings, spacer, and lock nut back together, and the importance of torquing the lock nut to the correct specifications. He also shows how to apply silicone to the axle for a secure fit and the process of reinstalling the axle and tightening the nuts in a star pattern.
🚚 Final Assembly and Safety Reminders
In the final part of the video, Adam completes the wheel seal replacement by reattaching the brake drum and wheels. He adjusts the brakes and ensures everything is secure. Adam concludes by reminding viewers to subscribe to the channel and reach out with any questions or concerns. He reiterates the importance of safety and proper installation to prevent hazardous situations on the road.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡wheel seal
💡brake drum
💡axle
💡bearings
💡lock nut
💡spacer
💡torque wrench
💡ABS tone wheel
💡gear oil
💡brake chamber
💡jack stands
Highlights
Adam from Tat Express demonstrates how to replace a wheel seal on an 18-wheeler truck.
Ensure the truck is secure on jack stands with chocks in place before starting the wheel seal replacement.
Removing the wheels is the first step in the wheel seal replacement process.
For a 30 brake chamber, there's no need to release brakes in the cab before removing the brake drum.
Use a socket to release the brakes and remove the drum, exposing the brake shoe and hub assembly.
The video serves as a demonstration even though the wheel seal in the example is not leaking.
Remove axle bolts with a deep socket and prepare an impact driver for faster removal.
Different types of axles require different removal methods; this example doesn't have wedges and can be struck at the edges.
When removing the axle, be careful not to damage the teeth at the end of the axle, as it's crucial for reinstallation.
The importance of correctly installing the locking nut and its impact on the safety and longevity of the wheel assembly is emphasized.
Inspect and potentially reuse the outer and inner bearings, ensuring they are clean and free from damage.
The wheel seal can be removed by shaking it off, and a new seal should be installed with care to avoid damage.
Clean the sealing surface with light sandpaper and brake cleaner to prepare for the new seal installation.
Install the new seal using a plate and hammer, ensuring it's driven in evenly and not damaged.
Before reassembling, ensure the inner bearing is in place; it cannot be installed once the seal is in place.
After installing the new wheel seal, reassemble the hub, bearings, spacer, and lock nut, and torque everything down to specification.
Reinstall the axle and tighten the nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure distribution.
The final steps include reinstalling the brake drum and wheels, and adjusting the brakes as necessary.
Adam reminds viewers to subscribe for more informative content and reach out with any questions or concerns.