Spicer Use of Axilock Wheel Bearing Lock Nut System on all Spicer Drive Axles - Manual

Drive Axles Service Procedures
and Parts Information
Spicer ® Components Bulletin
Use of Axilock ™ Wheel Bearing
Lock Nut System on all Spicer Drive Axles
ABIB-9703
3/97
Important Safety Information
Spicer has concluded that a potential compatibility problem exists between the Axilok Wheel Bearing Nut System and Spicer
axle models.
Most Spicer drive, steer, and trailer axle models contain a milled keyway slot in the axle spindle end. This slot engages a
locking tab on the wheel bearing nut locking mechanism to prevent loosening of the nut service. The length of this slot in
certain Spicer models may not be sufficient to accommodate the locking tab on the Axilok Nut. This dimensional condition
may cause the tab to be deformed or damaged during installation. If this occurs, the tab’s ability to prevent rotation of the nut
during vehicle operation may be compromised. The nut could loosen completely, allowing the wheel to seperate from the axle.
The attached table summarizes the compatibility status of the Axilok Nut System with each Spicer axle model. The Axilok Nut
System must not be retrofitted on those Spicer Axles noted to be incompatible with the Axilok nut.
Several truck and trailer OEM’s are offering the Axilok Nut System either as standard equipment or as an option. To
accommodate these requirements, Spicer has made dimensional revisions to some axle models which allow the Axilok Nut to
be used. Axilok nuts installed as part of the original equipment package by OEM truck and trailer manufacturers can be
considered acceptable, unless notification is received from the OEM to the contrary.
Please pass this important information on to your customers and appropriate individuals within your organization. If you have
any questions concerning this issue, please contact Spicer Marketing at 1-(800)826-4357.
WARNING: REPLACEMENT OF SPICER AXLE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT WHEEL NUT HARDWARE WITH THE AXILOK NUT
SYSTEM COULD CAUSE FAILURE OF THE FASTENING SYSTEM, WHICH COULD RESULT IN WHEEL SEPARATION.
CHECK COMPATIBILITY OF THE AXILOK NUT WITH THE SPICER MODEL IN QUESTION (PER ATTACHED CHART) BEFORE
INSTALLING.