Spicer® Service Parts � Dana Holding Corporation � www.spicerparts.com � www.dana.com.au

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DA012011

WATER CONTAMINATED LUBRICANTS DUE TO FLOODING

SERVICE/TECHNICAL DATE: 7/2/2011

TO: All Service Departments

The purpose of this bulletin is to raise awareness of an increased potential for water ingestion with drive and steer axles due to flooding. Water contamination to grease and oil will cause premature wear and/or catastrophic failures to bearings, gearing and sealing systems.

Below you will find visual examples of some of these non-warrantable failures caused by water contaminated lubricants.

A visual inspection of the steer and drive axle lubricants may be performed to vehicles that have been operating in flood areas.

Drive Axle Inspection: 1. Place a CLEAN catch pan under the drive axle to be inspected. If the lube is not contaminated, it can be reused.

2. Remove the drain plug from the bottom of the axle housing.

3. Visually inspect the lube for a milky appearance. See example below. If the appearance of the lube is questionable a crackle test can be performed to identify the presence of water.

Spicer® Service Parts � Dana Holding Corporation � www.spicerparts.com � www.dana.com.au

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Note: A crackle test can be performed by applying a couple drops of suspect lube on to a heated surface such as a hot plate. The surface of the heated plate must be hot enough so that the oil smokes when applied. If the lubricant pops and/or crackles on the heated surface, there is water in the lube. If the lube just smokes, no water is present.

4. If water is found in the lubricant, a visual inspection of all bearings, seals and machined surfaces should be performed to look for signs of water damage. Any components showing signs of water damage should be replaced. 5. If the lube is not contaminated, it can be reused.

Spicer® Service Parts � Dana Holding Corporation � www.spicerparts.com � www.dana.com.au

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Steer Axle Inspection:

1. With a grease gun, add enough of the same type of grease to the knuckle caps and the tie rod end to purge out all of the old grease.

2. If the old grease has a milky appearance or is lighter in colour than the new grease, water may be present.

3. If the grease is contaminated, a visual inspection of the thrust bearings, bushings and kingpin surfaces should be perform to look for signs of water damage. Tie rod ends should be replaced if contaminated grease is found. Any component showing signs of water damage should be replaced.

Steer Axle Components: Water Contamination Damage Visually inspect the kingpins, thrust bearings and shim packs for water damage. If pitting is present, replace damaged components.

Spicer® Service Parts � Dana Holding Corporation � www.spicerparts.com � www.dana.com.au

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Steer Axle Wheel End Components: Water Contamination Damage

• Visually inspect bearing cups, cones and steer knuckle spindle bearing journals for water damage. If water damage is present, replace damaged components.

• Replace wheel seals

Spicer® Service Parts � Dana Holding Corporation � www.spicerparts.com � www.dana.com.au

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Drive Axle Carrier Assembly Components: Water Contamination Damage

• Visually inspect carrier assembly bearing cups and cones, primary gearing, and sealing surfaces for water damage. If water damage is present, replace damaged components.

• Replace seals

Drive Axle Carrier Assembly Components: Water Contamination Damage

Spicer® Service Parts � Dana Holding Corporation � www.spicerparts.com � www.dana.com.au

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Drive Axle Wheel Ends: Water Contamination • Visually inspect bearing cups, cones and axle housing spindle bearing journals for water

damage. If water damage is found, replace damaged components.

• Replace wheel seals

Brake Assemblies: Submerged / Partially Submerged • Replace shoe and linings, air chambers and slack adjusters • Visually inspect S-cam brackets, S-cam assemblies, brake spiders, and springs for

pitting due to rust. If pitting is present, replace damaged components.

Spicer® Service Parts � Dana Holding Corporation � www.spicerparts.com � www.dana.com.au

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Current literature can be downloaded from www.spicerparts.com. Click on the Literature button or The EXPERT® icon, and navigate to the literature needed.

Should you have any queries on the above or require further information, please contact Dana Australia on 1300 00 DANA

Shane Carey Sales & Service Representative Spicer® Driveline Products Encl: DA012011