What are the maintenance items for maintenance-free axles?
2 Answers
Maintenance-free axle inspection and maintenance items include regularly checking whether the axle fasteners are loose or leaking oil, and whether the hub is damaged. Below are the specific details of maintenance-free axles: 1. Regularly add gear oil: Maintenance-free axles feature long maintenance cycles and improved operational efficiency. Maintenance-free axles use oil lubrication instead of grease lubrication. However, as usage time increases, it is necessary to regularly add or replace the gear oil inside the drive axle to ensure sufficient lubrication capability. 2. Function: The function of maintenance-free axles is to use oil lubrication instead of grease lubrication for the hub bearings, filling the hub unit with gear oil. The hub and oil seal form a storage space for the gear oil, allowing the bearings to be immersed in the gear oil for optimal lubrication. This can lower the bearing temperature and extend the maintenance cycle.
Although called maintenance-free axles, they shouldn't be completely neglected. From my experience, regularly checking oil levels is crucial. If using gear oil type, it's best to inspect the oil quantity every 80,000 kilometers. Additionally, get under the vehicle to check for oil leaks on the housing - seal ring aging is a common issue, and oil leakage leads to dry bearing wear. Loose bolts can also cause trouble, especially after hauling heavy loads, so remember to tighten them. Stay alert for unusual noises while driving - humming sounds may indicate impending bearing failure. Finally, following the manufacturer's manual for oil changes is vital. Some 'lifetime lubrication' designs actually degrade after 100,000 km - don't wait until the axle fails to regret it. A simple 30-minute maintenance routine can save you thousands in repair costs.
