Stemco Double & Voyager Nut Torque Process w/Seal Installation - Part 2
TLDRThe video script offers a comprehensive guide on inspecting and maintaining wheel ends, emphasizing the importance of using a dial indicator to measure end play and ensuring proper lubrication. It details the process of checking wheel smoothness, adjusting bearings, and replacing seals and plugs as needed. The script also highlights the use of a ProTorque nut for bearing adjustments and the necessity of proper torque application. Additionally, it addresses potential issues with wheel seals and ABS sensors, advocating for regular maintenance to prevent leaks and performance issues.
Takeaways
- 🔍 Use a dial indicator to measure wheel end play, ensuring it's within acceptable limits (1/2 to 5/1000 of an inch).
- 🛠️ Select the correct dial indicator, one that measures in thousands, not ten thousands, and use it with a magnetic base for accuracy.
- 💡 When checking wheel end play, grasp the wheel at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock, oscillate it, and pull towards you while taking the measurement.
- 🔧 Properly maintain and replace wheel seals and bearings to avoid leaks and ensure smooth wheel rotation.
- 📈 For non-drive axle applications, fill the hub cavity with oil until it's even with the full line on the hub cap.
- 🚫 Ensure the axle breather plug is not clogged to prevent pressure build-up and damage to drive axle seals.
- 🌐 Follow TMC ARP 631 for proper fill recommendations and procedures for both non-drive and drive axle applications.
- 🔩 When using the ProTorque nut, apply an initial torque of 200 foot-pounds while rotating the wheel, then retorque to the same value after three rotations.
- 🔄 Back off the ProTorque nut by 1/4 turn after the initial retorque to allow for bearing adjustment.
- 🛠️ Use a straight punch tool to fill the wheel end with the appropriate semi-synthetic grease when it's not running in oil.
- 🏋️♂️ Ensure proper torque values are applied to avoid damaging components, such as not over-tightening 5/16 bolts to prevent snapping.
Q & A
What is the purpose of using a dial indicator in checking wheel end play?
-A dial indicator is used to measure the end play of a wheel end accurately. It helps to determine the amount of movement or 'play' in the wheel, which is crucial for maintaining proper wheel alignment and function. The dial indicator provides a precise measurement in thousandths of an inch, allowing for fine-tuning and adjustments.
What is the correct procedure for using a dial indicator to check wheel end play?
-To use a dial indicator for checking wheel end play, you should first set the dial to zero. Then, attach the dial indicator to the magnetic base and ensure the plunger has a slight preload without being at zero. Grab the wheel at the nine o'clock and three o'clock positions, oscillate it while pulling towards you, and hold it. Take a reading as the needle moves. Repeat the process by pushing the wheel away from you and oscillating it while holding it. Compare the readings to determine the amount of play.
What is considered an acceptable range for wheel end play?
-An acceptable range for wheel end play is typically between one and five thousandths of an inch. This range ensures that the wheel operates smoothly without excessive play, which could lead to poor performance and potential damage.
How should you check for proper lubrication and potential leaks in the wheel assembly?
-For proper lubrication, the wheel should turn smooth, quiet, and free without any hesitation or popping sounds. Visually inspect the wheel assembly for any signs of oil seepage or wetness around the seal and brake hardware. If there's evidence of leakage or if the wheel assembly is soaked in oil, it's a violation and requires attention. Replace any damaged or missing vent plugs and ensure that the axle breather is not clogged to prevent pressure buildup and seal damage.
What is the recommended procedure for filling the wheel hub with oil?
-To fill the wheel hub with oil, remove the filler plug and add oil until it is even with the full line indicated on the hub cap. For non-drive axle applications, fill the hub cavity directly. For drive axle applications, jack up one end and then the opposite end of the axle by a minimum of 8 inches, wait for a minute to allow oil to flow, and then fill it up to the manufacturer's recommendation. Ensure that the axle breather is clear to prevent pressure buildup.
How do you properly install and torque a ProTorque nut on a wheel end?
-To install a ProTorque nut, first, remove the double nuts and do not use impact guns or bendable stars. Hand tighten the ProTorque nut onto the bearings and then tighten it an additional three rotations or three clicks past hand tightness. The initial torque for the ProTorque nut is 200 foot-pounds while rotating the wheel. Retorque it to the same value after allowing for three rotations. The final torque is 100 foot-pounds while rotating the wheel. Ensure the ProTorque nut is aligned with the alignment marks on the hub cap.
What are the potential issues that can cause an ABS light to come on?
-An ABS light can come on due to several issues, including a faulty speed sensor, a frayed wiring harness, too much air gap, or excessive lateral movement on the spindle. These issues can lead to improper functioning of the Anti-lock Braking System and should be investigated and resolved to ensure vehicle safety.
What is the significance of the breather vent plug in the axle?
-The breather vent plug in the axle is essential for maintaining proper pressure within the axle housing. A clogged vent plug can cause pressure to build up, leading to the blowing of drive axle seals. Regularly checking and cleaning the vent plug, as well as replacing it if it's damaged or missing its rain cap, helps prevent seal damage and ensures the longevity of the wheel end components.
How do you ensure proper bearing adjustment and prevent damage when working on wheel ends?
-Proper bearing adjustment involves using the correct torque values and techniques. For standard bearings, you should not spin the nut once it's loose, as this can unseat the bearings. Instead, back the nut off by a quarter turn or one alignment mark and ensure the ProTorque nut is correctly aligned with the alignment marks on the hub cap. Using new gaskets and avoiding over-tightening of the 5/16 bolts also helps prevent damage and ensure proper wheel end function.
What is the difference between using a conventional wheel end and a ProTorque nut system?
-A conventional wheel end typically uses a double nut system, whereas the ProTorque nut system replaces the jam nuts with a single, adjustable nut. The ProTorque nut offers advantages such as ease of installation, consistent bearing adjustment, and compatibility with various types of wheel ends, including steering, drive, and trailer applications. It simplifies the process and reduces the risk of improper installation or damage to the wheel end components.
How do you properly fill a wheel end with synthetic grease?
-To fill a wheel end with synthetic grease, you must first remove the outer bearing and fill the wheel assembly up to 50% capacity using a straight grease gun. Ensure that the bearing is pre-packed with a bearing packer before reassembly. Use a template to help maintain the correct fill level and prevent excessive grease, which could lead to leaks or other issues.
What is the importance of the alignment marks on the ProTorque nut and how do they help during installation?
-The alignment marks on the ProTorque nut are crucial for ensuring proper positioning during installation. By backing the nut off by one alignment mark or 1/4 turn from the fully tightened position, you can guarantee that the bearings are not over-compressed. These marks also help in maintaining the correct orientation of the nut, preventing installation errors that could lead to premature wear or failure of the wheel end components.
Outlines
🔍 Wheel End Inspection and Dial Indicator Usage
This paragraph discusses the process of inspecting the wheel end play using a dial indicator. It emphasizes the importance of using a dial indicator with a magnetic base and an offset gauge to measure the play accurately. The speaker explains that the dial indicator should be set to measure in thousandths, not ten thousandths, and provides guidance on how to avoid damaging the indicator. The paragraph also highlights the affordability of dial indicators and the proper technique for checking wheel end play, including how to hold and oscillate the wheel. The goal is to ensure the wheel turns smoothly and quietly without hesitation or popping sounds, indicating proper lubrication and bearing adjustment.
🛠️ Axle Maintenance and Torque Specifications
The second paragraph focuses on the maintenance of non-drive and drive axles, including the correct fill recommendations and torque specifications. It outlines the procedure for raising the axle end to allow oil flow, the importance of checking the axle breather plug to prevent seal damage, and the use of the ProTour nut for bearing adjustments. The speaker provides detailed instructions on the initial and final torque settings for the ProTour nut, as well as the correct method for backing off the nut and ensuring proper alignment. The paragraph also touches on the visual inspection of wheel assemblies and the consequences of failing to maintain them according to regulations.
🔧 ProTour Nut Application and Wheel End Dial Indicating
This paragraph delves into the application of the ProTour nut and the process of dial indicating the wheel end. It explains the steps for installing the ProTour nut, including the initial and final torque settings, and the importance of not over-tightening to avoid unseating the bearings. The speaker also describes the method for backing off the nut to the correct position using alignment marks and the role of the keeper in ensuring proper installation. The paragraph reiterates the need for proper lubrication and the use of a dial indicator to measure wheel end play, with an acceptable range between one and five thousandths.
🚫 Common Issues and Solutions in Wheel End Service
The final paragraph addresses common issues encountered in wheel end service, such as problems with drive axle seals and the importance of maintaining the vent plug and rain cap. It also discusses the role of the speed sensor and how improper air gaps can lead to ABS light issues. The paragraph then shifts focus to the use of synthetic grease in wheel ends, explaining the process of filling the wheel end with the correct amount of grease and the benefits of using a bearing packer. The speaker provides a step-by-step guide on how to fill the wheel end with grease, emphasizing the importance of heat and gravity in keeping the grease in place.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Dial Indicator
💡End Play
💡Magnetic Base
💡Wheel Oscillation
💡Kingpins
💡Wheel Seal
💡Axle Breather Vent
💡ProTorque Nut
💡Lubrication
💡ABS Light
💡Speed Sensor
Highlights
The importance of using a dial indicator to measure wheel end play and identify worn kingpins.
The proper use of a dial indicator with a magnetic base and an offset gauge for accurate measurements.
The cost-effectiveness of modern dial indicators, now being very inexpensive compared to a few years ago.
The method for checking wheel end play by grabbing the wheel at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock, oscillating, and pulling towards you.
The significance of the dial indicator's needle movement representing thousands and the acceptable range for wheel end play.
The final check for a wheel's smooth, quiet rotation without hesitation or popping sounds.
The necessity of visual inspections for the inboard side of the wheel assembly and the legal implications of soaked oil breaks.
The recommendation to always replace the wheel seal when the filler plug is replaced, as per TMC's RP 631.
The proper filling recommendation for non-drive axle and drive axle applications according to TMC's RP 631.
The importance of checking and replacing the axle breather plug to prevent pressure buildup and seal damage.
The introduction of the adjustable ProTorque nut as a standard on most manufactured items, including tractors and trailers.
The bearing adjustment process using the ProTorque nut with specific torque values and the need for retorquing.
The method to back off the ProTorque nut by 1/4 turn after initial torque application and the significance of alignment marks.
The correct installation of the ProTorque nut with specific attention to the keeper and alignment marks for proper orientation.
The process of refilling the wheel end with lubricant, emphasizing the correct amount and method for synthetic grease application.
The potential ABS light problem due to too much air gap between the speed sensor and the tone ring.
The solution for excessive lateral movement on the spindle by addressing loose wheel bearings and ensuring proper adjustment.