Spicer Drive Axles Service Manual Wheel Reduction Drive Axles (EA-50) - Manual (Page 12)

parts should be reused. Often, the causes of
premature wear or drive axle failure also can
be discovered.
Wash castings or other rough parts in solvent
or clean in hot solution tanks using mild alkali
solutions. If a hot solution tank is used, make
sure parts are heated thoroughly, before
rinsing.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the
cleaning solution. Dry parts immediately with
clean rags.
Lightly oil parts if they are to be reused
immediately. Otherwise, coat parts with oil and
wrap in corrosion resistant paper. Store parts
in a clean, dry place.
Inspect machined surfaces of cast or malleable
parts. They must be free of cracks, scoring, and
wear. Look for elongation of drilled holes, wear
on surfaces machined for bearing fits and nicks
or burrs in mating surfaces.
Inspect fasteners for rounded heads, bends,
cracks or damaged threads.
The axle housing should be examined for
cracks or leaks. Also look for loose studs or
cross-thread holes.
Inspect machined surfaces for nicks or burrs.
Cleaning, Inspection, Replacement
10
As the drive axle is disassembled, set all parts
aside for thorough cleaning and inspection.
Careful inspection will help determine whether
Cleaning
The differential carrier assembly may be steam-
cleaned while mounted in the housing as long
as all openings are tightly plugged. Once
removed from its housing, do not steam clean
differential carrier or any components. Steam
cleaning at this time could allow water to be
trapped in cored passages, leading to rust,
lubricant contamination, and premature
component wear. The only proper way to clean
the assembly is to disassemble it completely.
Other methods will not be effective except as
preparatory steps in the process. Wash steel
parts with ground or polished surfaces in
solvent. There are many suitable commercial
solvents available.
WARNING: GASOLINE IS NOT AN
ACCEPTABLE SOLVENT BECAUSE
OF ITS EXTREME COMBUSTIBILITY.
IT IS UNSAFE IN THE WORKSHOP
ENVIRONMENT.
Inspection
Inspect steel parts for notches, visible steps or
grooves created by wear. Look for pitting or
cracking along gear contact lines. Scuffing,
deformation or discoloration are signs of
excessive heat in the axle, usually related to
low lubricant levels or improper lubrication
practices.
Before reusing a gear set, inspect teeth for
signs of excessive wear. Check tooth contact
pattern for evidence of incorrect adjustment
(see Adjustment Section for correct pattern).