TM 5-3895-346-14
AXLE
DRIVE CARE AND MAINTENANCE
When this method of cleaning is used, water is trapped in the cored passage of the castings and in the close
clearances between parts as well as on the parts. This can lead to corrosion (rust) of critical parts of the
assembly and the possibility of circulating rust particles in the lubricant. Premature failure of bearings, gears
and other parts can be caused by this practice. Assembled drive units cannot be properly cleaned by steam
cleaning, dipping or slushing. Complete drive-unit disassembly is a necessary requisite to thorough cleaning.
ROUGH PARTS
Rough parts such as differential carrier castings, cast brackets, and some brake parts may be cleaned in hot
solution tanks with mild alkali solutions providing these parts are not ground or polished. The parts should
remain in the tank long enough to be thoroughly cleaned and heated through. This will aid the evaporation of
the rinse water. The parts should be thoroughly rinsed after cleaning to remove all traces of alkali.
WARNING
Exercise care to avoid skin rashes and inhalation of vapors when using alkali cleaners.
COMPLETE ASSEMBLIES
Completely assembled axles may be steam cleaned on the outside only, to facilitate initial removal and
disassembly, providing all openings are closed. Breathers, vented shift units, and all other openings should be
tightly covered or closed to prevent the possibility of water entering the assembly.
DRYING
Parts should be thoroughly dried immediately after cleaning. Use soft, clean, lintless, absorbent paper towels
or wiping rags free of abrasive material, such as lapping compound, metal filings or contaminated oil. Bearings
should never be dried by spinning with compressed air.
CORROSION PREVENTION
Parts that have been cleaned, dried, inspected and are to be immediately reassembled should be coated with
light oil to prevent corrosion. If these parts are to be stored for any length of time, they should be treated with a
good RUST PREVENTIVE and wrapped in special paper or other material designed to prevent corrosion.
INSPECT
It is impossible to overstress the importance of careful and thorough inspection of drive unit parts prior to
reassembly. Thorough visual inspection for indications of wear or stress, and the replacement of such parts as
are necessary will eliminate costly and avoidable drive unit failure.
1. Inspect all bearings, cups and cones, including those not removed from parts of the drive unit and
replace if rollers or cups are pitted or damaged in any way. Remove parts needing replacement with a suitable
puller or in a press with sleeves.
Avoid the use of drifts and hammers. They may easily mutilate or distort component parts.
2. Inspect first reduction bevel or hypoid and second reduction spur gears for wear or damage. Gears
which are pitted, galled, or worn or broken through case hardening should be replaced.
When necessary to replace the pinion or gear of a spiral bevel or hypoid gear set, the entire gear set should be
replaced. We assume no responsibility for gears of these types when replaced in any other manner.
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