Regular Maintenance (Every 6 Months or 1000 km)
1. Axle Sets maintenance instruction manual
Axle Maintenance
• For wheels with a dust cap, remove the dust cap bolts and take off the cap. Skip if no dust cap is present.
• Use a wrench to remove the wheel nuts, then take off the wheel.
• Use a rubber mallet to tap the dust cap to expose a gap, then pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver (Do not reuse a dust cap if it is damaged when removed, as it may fit loosely and fall off.).
• Remove the split pin with pliers, unscrew the slotted nut with a wrench, and sequentially take out the flat washer, small bearing, brake drum, oil seal, and large bearing. Check the bearings for any damage or wear.
• Inspect the brake drum friction plate (brake lining); replace it if thickness is below 5 mm.
•After cleaning the old grease from the bearings, evenly apply new grease (high-speed lubricating oil) inside the bearing chamber (including the balls) and also fill the inner hole of the brake drum with grease (high-speed lubricating oil).
• After applying grease, install the large bearing, oil seal, brake drum, and small bearing in order. Then install the washer and tighten the slotted nut, turning it back about 1/3 to align the nut slot with the pin hole. During the entire disassembly and assembly process, ensure that no dust or debris enters the brake drum, as this may cause safety hazards.
• After completing maintenance, install an undamaged dust cover and the wheel, then secure the wheel with nuts. Pay special attention to the torque (excessive torque may cause the bolts to break), and finally install the wheel dust cap.
•Pay special attention to nuts loosening, as it may cause bolt breakage.
❕️ Note
•Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake before axle removal or installation.
•When using tools such as a hydraulic jack, place a force distribution pad between the jack and axle beam to avoid deformation. Maintain vehicle stability after lifting the axle.
•Visually inspect all components every 1,000–2,000 km for damage or wear, and replace parts as needed.
2. Support System Inspection
•Ensure fasteners on bunks or rollers are rust-free, bunks are free from mildew, and rubber rollers have no cracks.
•Brake System: Check the hydraulic brake reservoir level and top up with DOT3/DOT4 fluid if below the MIN line (do not use hydraulic oil). Clean the interior of drum brakes to remove dust.
3. Structural Integrity Inspection
•Frame: Focus on checking that there are no cracks in the weld seams. For the hot-dip galvanized parts, use cold galvanizing spray (in seawater service environments, reapply every 6 months, or grind and spray if rust appears).
•Suspension System: Ensure the leaf springs are free from breakage, and tighten the U-bolts to the standard torque specifications (typically 80-100 ft・lbs).
4. Replacement of Wear Parts
•Replace the winch strap immediately if worn or stitching is loose. Perform mandatory annual replacement (UV damage may not be visible).
•Replace brake pads if thickness is ＜3 mm. Replace hydraulic lines every 2 years.
