Repack Front Wheel Bearings
The wheel bearings secure the wheel and tire to the
vehicle on the drive shaft inside the wheel hub. While
wheel bearings are designed to last 100,000 miles, they
can lose lubricity over time. Dirt and debris can also
seep into the wheel bearings. If the wheel bearings
aren’t cleaned and repacked, they can wear out and
possibly break or damage other wheel components.
When any of the following symptoms appear, the wheel
bearing is damaged and should be replaced on both
wheels of the same axle.
• Abnormal and excessive tire wear on the inside or
outside edge of tire.
• Grinding or roaring noise from a tire. This symptom
indicates metal-on-metal contact and denitely
requires wheel bearing replacement.
• The steering wheel bounces and vibrates at lower
speeds, vibrating more as the machine accelerates.
Cleaning and repacking or replacing
wheel bearings is a messy job. Wear gloves and
have plenty of shop rags and room to work around
the entire wheel hub. Dispose of used grease in
accordance with environmental law.
To clean and repack (or replace) wheel bearings:
1. Park the grader on a level surface in a designated
area where grease does not touch or run off onto
the ground.
2. Using a hydraulic lift (if possible) or raise vehicle
with a pair of jack stands on the same axle to
service wheel bearings. Use wheel chocks on the
other wheels for safety.
3. Beginning with one side, remove dust cover and lug
nuts from wheel, then remove tire and wheel hub,
placing it clearly away from the work area. (Figure
5-35)
Dust Cap
Lug Nuts
Figure 5-35. Wheel Dust Cap and Lug Nuts
4. Remove nuts and washers on the axle spindle.
(Figure 5-36)
5. Carefully pull the wheel bearing and seal off the axle
spindle. Inspect wheel bearing and seal for wear or
damage.
• Discard bearing if replacement is needed. It is
recommended that you discard the seals and
replace with new ones.
• Otherwise, thoroughly clean wheel bearings,
wheel hub, axle spindle and mounting hardware
with solvent. Once the excess grease is
removed, you can spray liberal amounts of
brake cleaner inside the wheel bearings and
wheel hub for additional cleaning.
Wheel
Bearing
and Seal
Spindle
Wheel
Bearing
Seal
Nuts/Washers
Figure 5-36. Axle Spindle, Seal and Wheel Bearings
Maintenance
LeeBoy 685D Motor Grader5-30
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