Service Manual

Page 18
NOTE: For the axle equipped with the wet brakes,
there are O-ring oil fill/drain plugs. The lower (3) plugs
are magnetic plugs. These plugs must be removed
and cleaned.
WARNING
To prevent serious eye injury, always wear safe eye
protection when you perform vehicle maintenance
or service.
Solvent cleaners can be flammable, poisonous
and cause burns. Examples of solvent cleaners
are carbon tetrachloride, and emulsion-type and
petroleum-base cleaners. Read the manufacturer’s
instructions before using a solvent cleaner, then
carefully follow the instructions. Also follow the
procedures below.
• Wear safe eye protection.
• Wear clothing that protects your skin.
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Do not use gasoline, or solvents that contain
gasoline. Gasoline can explode.
• You must use hot solution tanks or alkaline
solutions correctly. Read the manufacturer’s
instructions before using hot solution tanks and
alkaline solutions. Then carefully follow the
instructions.
• Remove gasket material from parts. Take care
not to damage ground surfaces.
• Do NOT clean ground or polished parts in a hot
solution tank, water, steam or alkaline solution.
Take care when you use Loctite
®
adhesive to avoid
serious personal injury. Read the
manuf
acturer’s instructions before using this
product. Follow the instructions carefully to
prevent irritation to the eyes and skin.
Clean Rough Parts
1. Clean rough parts with the same method as
cleaning ground and polished parts.
2. Rough parts can be cleaned in hot solution tanks
with a weak or diluted alkaline solution.
3.
Parts must remain in hot solution tanks until
heated and completely cleaned.
4. Parts must be washed with water until all traces
of the alkaline solution are removed.
!
Clean Ground and Polished Parts
1. Use a cleaning solvent to clean ground or polished
parts or surfaces. Kerosene or diesel fuel oil can
be used for this purpose. Do not use gasoline.
2. Use a tool with a flat blade if required, to remove
sealant material from parts. Be careful not to
damage polished or surfaces.
CAUTION
Do not use hot solution tanks or water and
alkaline solutions to clean ground or polished
parts. Damage to parts can result.
3. Do not clean ground or polished parts with water or
steam. Do not immerse ground or polished parts in
a hot solution tank or use strong alkaline solutions
for cleaning, or the smooth sealing surface may
be damaged.
Cleaning the Axle Housing
Assembly
NOTE: Refer to manual 5.4 to Clean and Inspect the
Carrier. Follow all recommended procedures and
comments with all Warnings and Cautions noted.
• An axle housing may be steam cleaned on the
outside to remove dirt. If cleaning only outside of
housing, cover over all openings in the axle
assembly. Examples of openings are breathers
(unless breathers are remote mounted).
• The axle housing may be steam cleaned internally
when all components and plugs are removed. Cover
over all openings in the axle assembly. Examples of
openings are breathers (unless breathers are
remote mounted).
•
The axle housing should be inspected for any signs
of housing cracks or other wear damage. All thread-
ed holes should be reviewed to assure threads are
not damaged for re-assembly. Threaded holes may
be repaired by thread metric taps, if possible.
• Remove all metallic particles from all the magnetic
drain plugs.
• After cleaning, check behind the internal flange in
carrier area for contaminants.
Also, check housing
arms for contaminants. Remove any contaminants
prior to reassembling.
Dry Parts After Cleaning
1. Parts must be dried immediately after cleaning
and washing.
2. Dry the parts using soft, clean paper or cloth rags.
!
Section 3
Prepare Parts for Assembly