33–01 Knuckle Pin Lubrication,
Meritor Axles
CAUTION
Use regulated pressure when lubricating the
knuckle assemblies, otherwise damage could re-
sult to the knuckle caps.
When lubricating knuckle pin bushings, do not raise
the front axle. Wipe the lube fittings clean, and apply
multipurpose chassis grease, NLGI Grade 1 (6% 12-
hydroxy lithium stearate grease) or NLGI Grade 2
(8% 12-hydroxy lithium stearate grease) until new
grease is seen at the bushing grease seal opposite
the fittings. The grease seal will accept grease pres-
sure without damage, and is designed to have
grease pumped out through it during lubrication.
Even if grease leaks out around the top, or bottom-
plate gasket, continue pumping until new grease is
seen at the bushing seal opposite the grease fitting.
See Fig. 1.
33–02 Tie Rod Inspection
Inspect the tie-rod ends as follows:
1. Shake the cross-tube. A loose fit, or movement
between the tapered shaft of the ball and the
cross-tube socket members indicates that the
tie-rod end assembly must be replaced.
2. The threaded portion of the tie-rod end assembly
must be inserted all the way into the cross-tube
split for adequate clamping. See Fig. 2. Replace
the components if this cannot be done. For in-
structions, see Group 33 of the
Century Class
Trucks Workshop Manual
.
33–03 Tie Rod Lubrication,
Meritor Axles
For any Meritor axle that requires lubrication of the
tie-rod ends, wipe the grease fittings clean, then
pump multipurpose chassis grease, NLGI Grade 1
(6% 12-hydroxy lithium stearate grease) or NLGI
Grade 2 (8% 12-hydroxy lithium stearate grease),
into the tie-rod ends until all used grease is forced
out and fresh grease is seen at the ball stud neck.
09/06/96 f320032a
A
1
1
A. Grease Exit
1. Grease Fitting
Fig. 1, Meritor Knuckle Pin Lubrication
f320033a
1
OK
OK
02/27/2007
NOTE: Shown without pinch bolt to provide clarity.
1. Cross-Tube Split
Fig. 2, Tie-Rod End Adjustment
Front Axle 33
Century Class Trucks Maintenance Manual, July 2003 33/1