october2021 - 45

When it comes to fasteners, Use said technicians
should always follow the manufacturer's recommended
installation procedures because there is
such a wide variety available. Technicians can
also consult TMC RP 618B.
A proper hubcap also plays a role in wheel-end
longevity. " Fleets should make sure they are properly
vented, " Use said. It's also important to select
the right material composition
to help resist corrosion.
" Depending on a fleet's area of
operation and weather environment,
composite materials
may be a better selection than
metals, " Use added.
Finally, selecting the right
lubricant for the application
is critical.
" Choosing a lubricant that
maintains its chemical properties
at your operating temperatures
ensures long life of the
wheel-end, " Use said. " Getting
the proper level of lubricant
in your wheel-end is also
important. TMC RP 631C is
your definitive guide to best
lubrication practices. When
using a semi-fluid lubricant,
it is imperative that the hub
cavity be filled to 50%. You
can utilize a fill template to
simplify this process. "
Tools and
technology help
monitor wheel-ends
According to Timken's Domin,
it is hard to just generally say
wheel-ends should be inspected
every 30,000 or 50,000
miles, for example. Some
fleets inspect them every time
a vehicle comes in for a PM.
The challenge is that PM intervals,
in many cases, have been
extended significantly due to
longer oil drain intervals. A
technician could use some
assistance in alerting them to
a potential wheel-end issue
that needs to be investigated.
Timken added a new product
a couple of years ago to
help. Hot Dots are little sticker-like
objects that adhere
directly to the wheel hub or
hubcap. The white circle in
the center will turn black
when wheel-end temperature
exceeds 250°F. " That could be
due to a lack of lube, a bearing
issue, or even an issue with
the brakes, " Domin pointed
out. " Regardless, that wheelend
got really hot and should
be inspected. "
Taking things one technological step further,
a telematics sensor can actually monitor hub
temperature while the vehicle is in operation. It can
also monitor vibration. " This is the next step in the
wheel-end evolution that goes beyond what pre-trip
and PM inspections can cover, " ConMet's Maye said.
ConMet's PreSet Plus SmartHub is an emerging
telematics technology that algorithmically processes
data captured from the wheel-end. SmartHub
starts with a wireless sensor mounted to the barrel
of the hub right above the outer bearings.
" That sensor measures both the temperature
of the hub and the vibration signatures coming
off of the hub, " ConMet's Otto said. Backend algorithms
analyze the temperature and vibration
data. " SmartHub will determine when an abnorISUZU
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October 2021 | FleetMaintenance.com
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october2021

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