Drive Axle Maintenence

[Mike and Heather Brancich]

I know a lot of people that don't even think about the drive axle in their Motorhome, But here is a simple solution to preserving the bearings in the rear axle. As a Retired Technician I have built my share of rear axles in my time, and one of the things I like to do after building the axle (replacing all the bearings) or changing axle grease is when I fill up the housing with grease I like to substitute 1 bottle of   LUCAS OIL TREATMENT  for 1 bottle of grease. The purpose is for the same reason I like to use it in the Engine. It stays in and on the bearings and races just like in the engine (To keep from having a dry start up or no oil in the bearings). This is a simple solution and the LUCAS is about the same price. I am NOT a sales rep or anything like that so please don't think I am trying to sell the LUCAS product, but it seems to be the only thing I trust for their advertised applications. I will start posting some of my other tricks, past experiences and knowledge on as time goes by. If anyone has a question they would like to ask, just send me a question and I will do my best to answer.

 

                                                                           Mike   

[Bill Palmer]

I had to rebuild the rear end in my chevy sidekick and added Lucas to it. works great!

[Robert Wesner]

kewl, thanks...

[Jimmy C. Bridges]

Mike: Glad to hear you are taking tech questions. On my 68 dodge m-300 chassis I took the rear brakes off and did some maintenance on the wheel cylinders. When I put it back together I greased the inside and outside rear wheel bearings just like repacking the front ones. I cant find any torque spec on the bearing nut for pre-load anywhere. Do you have any suggestions? For now I just tightened them down then backed off and hand tightened with out a wrench. Any input will help. thanks, Jim

[Mike and Heather Brancich]

   Jimmy, here is the way I was taught over 30+ years ago,

                                                                                                                      Spinning the freshly assembled hub (assuming it's done correctly).
Torque to 70 to 75 ft lbs., back the nut off 1/4 turn and re-torque to 20 ft' lbs..

New bearings are 75, used are 70. The reason for this, is that the old bearings are already worn in and have a wear pattern.

The hub should now spin with aprox. 20 in lbs input.(turning torque)
If there is ANY play or the hub does not spin freely re-examine your assembly effort

If there is too much play in the hub, you could have worn bearings, or a race not seated all the way

 

Good luck, If you friend me, I will be able to get messages quickly, and not have to look for them, I also can give you my phone # as well If you like

Thanks Mike

[Lakota Wolf]

Thanks for the TIP, Ive used Lucas in engines and transmissions, But never thought to use it in an axle. I will do that to my truck on next service.