STEMCO Tech Talk on Wheel End Bearing Adjustment September 24th 2020
TLDRSTEMCO's Tech Talk delves into wheel and kingpin product maintenance, emphasizing safety and efficiency. The presentation covers wheel end inspection, proper bearing adjustment, and seal replacement, highlighting the company's Platinum and Platinum Plus warranties. It also discusses the importance of using Stemco's tools to avoid damage and ensure optimal performance, ultimately aiming to extend the life of wheel ends and enhance safety on the roadways.
Takeaways
- 📋 Stemco's Tech Talk focused on wheel and installation best practices, emphasizing safety and product performance.
- 🛠️ For wheel end replacement, it's recommended to disassemble down to the smallest component for ease of handling and cleaning.
- 💡 Stemco offers extended warranty programs: Platinum (3 years) and Platinum Plus (5 years) for their wheel ends.
- 🔍 Inspection of wheel ends should include checking for visible leakage, damage to the hubcap flange, and proper oil levels in the hubcap.
- 🔧 Proper bearing adjustment is crucial to prevent seal failure; a dial indicator can be used to check for in-play and preload.
- 🛠️ When removing the hubcap, ensure a proper gasket is present and the hub flange is in good condition.
- 🧼 Cleaning is essential; use brake clean to wash down the spindle shoulder and remove any contaminants from the seal area.
- 🔍 Inspection of seals should include checking the inside and outside diameters for burrs and other signs of damage.
- 🔩轴承检查时要注意颜色和损坏迹象，如变形、裂纹或锈蚀，以确保轮端性能。
- 🛠️ Reinstallation of wheel ends involves pre-lubing bearings, using the correct tools for seal installation, and adjusting the pro torque nut according to Stemco's guidelines.
- 🏆 Three participants were randomly selected to receive Stemco coats as a token of appreciation for attending the event.
Q & A
What is the main focus of Stemco's first quarterly live tech talk?
-The main focus of Stemco's first quarterly live tech talk is to discuss wheel and kingpin products, their performance, and provide insights on proper installation, maintenance, and safety practices.
What types of wheel end warranties does Stemco offer?
-Stemco offers two types of wheel end warranties: the Platinum, which is a three-year warranty, and the Platinum Plus, which is a five-year parts and labor warranty.
How can you identify a long-life wheel end on a trailer?
-A long-life wheel end on a trailer can be identified by a hubcap with a window that does not have the removable red rubber plug. Instead, it has a hard plastic dome over the window and features a one-way vent and a Gore-Tex filter.
What is the proper procedure for removing a hubcap with a Pro Torque spindle nut?
-To remove a hubcap with a Pro Torque spindle nut, first remove the orange keeper using a pocket screwdriver by prying it off. Then, use a torque wrench to loosen and remove the nut. Remember to discard the old keeper and use a new one when reassembling.
What are the signs of a properly adjusted bearing?
-A properly adjusted bearing should have a dial indicator showing around two thousandths of an inch (0.0025 inches) of in-play when the hub is rotated and pushed in and pulled out. This allows for proper oil and grease circulation for cooling and lubrication.
How do you inspect a wheel seal for damage?
-To inspect a wheel seal for damage, check the inside and outside diameters for any cut marks, burrs, or signs of corrosion. Also, inspect the face of the seal for any dents or deformations caused by improper installation tools or techniques.
What is the significance of the heat pattern on the inside of a hubcap window?
-A heat pattern on the inside of a hubcap window indicates severe heat, which could be related to bearing adjustment issues. If the hubcap window is bulged or has cracks, it's a sign of overheating that has caused the plastic to melt and become brittle.
What are the steps to reinstall a wheel end with a new seal?
-The steps to reinstall a wheel end with a new seal include cleaning the hub, pre-lubing the bearings, using the correct tool to seat the new seal, applying semi-fluid grease (if needed), adjusting the Pro Torque nut according to specifications, and finally adding oil to the hub.
How do you ensure proper lubrication of the wheel end after reinstallation?
-Proper lubrication is ensured by filling the hub cavity with the correct type of lubricant (oil or semi-fluid grease), using the appropriate tools for oil or grease application, and adjusting the Pro Torque nut to allow for proper in-play to facilitate oil and grease circulation.
What is the purpose of the raised face marks on the Pro Torque nut?
-The raised face marks on the Pro Torque nut are used for bearing adjustment. After initial torque application and relaxation, the nut is backed off by one raised face mark to achieve the correct bearing clearance for optimal performance.
What happens during the final steps of the tech talk?
-During the final steps of the tech talk, attendees are reminded about the availability of their clinic certificates, which will be sent to their registered email. Additionally, three participants are randomly selected to receive Stemco coats as a token of appreciation for their attendance.
Outlines
📢 Introduction and Housekeeping
The video begins with Randy Pulse, Field Support Manager at Stemco, welcoming viewers to the first quarterly live tech talk. He covers housekeeping items, such as the availability of a chat function for questions, which will be handled by Keith Valley, an OEM Account Manager. Stemco's website is mentioned as a resource for frequently asked questions and tech tips. As a token of appreciation for attending, three random participants will receive a Stemco soft shell jacket. The presentation's main focus is on wheel and kingpin products, emphasizing safety, performance, and cost-saving benefits.
🛠️ Wheel End Inspection and Preparation
The speaker discusses the importance of thoroughly inspecting and preparing the wheel end for a wheel seal replacement. This includes tearing down to the smallest possible component, which makes the process easier and safer. He mentions the extended warranty programs offered by trailer manufacturers, identifying the different levels of warranty coverage based on the type of wheel end. The speaker provides detailed instructions on inspecting for visible signs of leakage and damage, emphasizing the difference between a leaking and a damp seal. He also explains the proper procedure for removing the hub cap, checking for a proper gasket, and inspecting the hub flange for damage.
🔧 Bearing and Spindle Inspection
This paragraph delves into the inspection of the spindle and bearings. The speaker demonstrates how to use a dial indicator to check for proper bearing adjustment and ensure that there is no excessive play, which could indicate a problem. He explains the process of removing the outer bearing and inspecting the back of it for Stemco markings, indicating a Platinum Plus wheel end. The speaker also discusses the importance of cleaning the wheel end components, including the spindle shoulder and the seal bore, and provides tips on how to properly clean and prepare these parts for reinstallation.
🔍 Seal Inspection and Replacement
The speaker focuses on inspecting and replacing the wheel seal. He describes the process of removing the old seal and inspecting it for signs of damage or contamination. The speaker emphasizes the importance of using the correct tools for seal installation to prevent damage. He also discusses the differences between the Guardian HP seal and the Discover seal, and explains the benefits of each. The speaker provides a detailed walkthrough of installing the new seal, including pre-lubing the bearings, using the correct tool for seal installation, and ensuring proper seal alignment.
🛠️ Component Inspection and Reinstallation
In this paragraph, the speaker continues with the reinstallation process after component inspection. He explains the importance of checking the bearing cups for signs of damage or discoloration, which can indicate heat issues. The speaker provides a detailed explanation of how to inspect and adjust the Pro Torque nut, highlighting the signs of damage that should lead to its replacement. He also introduces the new Zip Torque nut and explains its benefits and adjustment process. The speaker emphasizes the importance of proper bearing adjustment and cleanliness in the reinstallation process.
💡 Final Steps and Q&A
The speaker concludes the tech talk by discussing the final steps of the wheel end reinstallation process. He explains how to properly torque the hubcap bolts, add oil to the hub, and ensure that all components are in place and functioning correctly. The speaker also addresses the chat form for questions and answers, acknowledging that Keith Valley managed the questions during the live talk. He thanks the participants for attending and mentions that certificates for the Stemco clinic will be sent to the registered email addresses. Finally, he announces the three randomly selected participants who will receive Stemco coats as a token of appreciation for their participation.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡STEMCO
💡Wheel End
💡Pro Torque Nut
💡Hubcap
💡Bearing Adjustment
💡Seal Replacement
💡Brake Shoes
💡Trailer Suspension
💡ABS Brakes
💡Maintenance Procedures
Highlights
STEMCO's focus on safety and reputation in making roadways safer with high-performing wheel and kingpin products.
The importance of tearing down to the smallest possible component for easier and safer wheel seal replacement.
STEMCO's extended warranty programs including the Platinum and Platinum Plus wheel ends with 3-year and 5-year coverage respectively.
Identification of the Sentinel hubcap with its one-way vent and Gore-Tex filter for improved air circulation and filtration.
The level one inspection for visible signs of leakage and damage on the wheel end components.
Proper bearing adjustment and its impact on preventing seal failures and maintaining wheel end performance.
The process of removing the hub cap and checking for proper gasket and hub flange condition.
The significance of using Stemco's specialized tools for seal installation to prevent damage and ensure proper fit.
Inspection and replacement of bearings in sets to maintain proper wheel end function and avoid partial component replacement.
The detailed inspection of seals, including checking for burrs, corrosion, and proper bead alignment for optimal performance.
The method for cleaning and inspecting the spindle shoulder and seal bore to prepare for reinstallation.
Explanation of the Pro Torque spindle nut and its unique features, including the orange keeper and proper torque application.
The process of reinstallation, including pre-lubing bearings, installing the new seal, and adjusting the Pro Torque nut.
Final steps in reassembling the wheel end, such as adding oil, replacing the hubcap, and torqueing to specifications.
The importance of proper bearing and spindle inspection to prevent damage and ensure longevity of wheel end components.
The conclusion of the tech talk, including the distribution of certificates and appreciation for attendees' time and use of Stemco products.