Lubricating the wheel-end assembly

Maintaining the trailer

Proper lubrication is required for the wheel-end assembly to maintain its design capacity.

WARNING

Strictly follow the guidelines listed below to avoid potentially hazardous wheel-end system failure, which may result in serious injury or death. • Inspect the wheel hub lubricant level before each operation. • Do not mix different types of lubricants in any wheel-end assembly. • In any wheel-end assembly, only use the lubricant (oil or semifluid grease) specified by the manufacturer. • In the absence of relevant information, contact the wheel-end system manufacturer or a qualified local lubricant supplier and ask for recommendations.

NOTICE

The Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) Recommended Practice No. 631A provides recommendations for inspecting, lubricating, and maintaining wheel-end systems. This document recommends that semi-fluid grease levels be maintained at, but not above, the 3 and 9 o’clock positions (a 50% fill of the cavity).

Oil or semi-fluid grease are used to lubricate wheel bearings within the wheel hub assembly.

WARNING

To avoid potential injury, death, or property loss due to premature wheel-end system failure: • Only use the same lubricant previously used to fill the hub well.

Do not mix different types or grades of lubricants. • Do not mix oil and grease to lubricate the wheel-end assembly. • Check for oil leaks and immediately replace the related parts, such as hubcap seals, if necessary. Oil leaks may cause premature failure of wheel-end assembly and can be indicated by oil stains and contamination around the hubcaps, rims, and tires.

™ NOTE • The internal design of the wheel-end assembly may differ depending on the manufacturer, and the approved lubricants and inspection intervals may also vary. For detailed information about the lubricants approved for your trailer’s wheel-end assembly, including the lubricant type, grade, and viscosity, refer to the maintenance guidelines provided by the wheel-end assembly manufacturer. • The lubricant information can also be found on the wheel end or on the bottom rail of the trailer body above the running gear.