Greased wheel ends can provide many thousands of miles of reliable service, provided proper maintenance procedures are followed.

Symptoms

First, check for the symptoms that indicate a wheel end needs service:

• A hot to the touch hubcap – take precautions to avoid burns – is one sign, as is site glass (oil) on a hubcap that is discolored or burnt.

• Low lubrication levels and wetness around either the hubcap gasket area or wheel seal are problematic, while vibration or wobble indicates a serious condition that requires immediate service.

• A grinding noise, a burning smell, smoke or abnormal side pull while braking also means something’s not right.

• Any vehicle being put into service after long storage faces the possibility that its seals may have dried out or become contaminated.

• Any time a wheel end has been submerged in floodwater, it must be inspected. As the water could be toxic, wear safety equipment.

Inspections

• Lift and support each axle. Rotate the wheel, checking for vibration. If the rotation is not smooth or if a vibration is detected, inspect the bearings.

• Check the bearing endplay with a dial indicator. If endplay is out of the recommended .001” to .005” range, inspect the bearings for wear and damage.

• Pull the outer bearing and inspect the lubricant level, as both over- and under-fill conditions shorten wheel end life. Semi-fluid grease should be at the 3:00/9:00 fill level, while hard grease should be present between all rollers and filled in the hub cavity to the bearing races.

• Inspect the grease. If it is milky white or foamy, the grease has been contaminated with moisture. Remove all lubricant out of the hub and clean and inspect the bearings for damage. If grit or hard particles are present, grease has been contaminated with external dirt, rust, grit or metal debris from failed wheel end components. Use a magnet to determine if the debris is metallic; if so, inspect bearings and other internal metal components.

Safety

As always, safety comes first.

Never work under a vehicle supported by only a jack. Always support the vehicle with proper stands. Block the wheels and make sure the vehicle won’t roll before releasing the brakes. Always wear eye protection and protective apparel. Follow all safety policies and regulations.

This article was authored under the guidance and editorial standards of HDT's editors to provide useful information to our readers. Scott Simmonds is Vice President of Heavy Duty Sales for SKF USA Inc. SKF is a global supplier of bearings, seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems and services.