Spicer Drive Axles Failure Analysis Service Manual - Manual (Page 45)

Drive Axle Housing
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Spindle Damage and Fatigue Cracks
Spindle Water Contamination Fatigue Cracks
Housing Arm Fatigue Hanger Bracket Fatigue
General Description: • Spindle Damage: Worn and scored bearing mounting surfaces, seized bearings, or loose adjust-
ments result from a lube deficiency.
• Fatigue Crack: Cracking starts at the bracket weld and extends along the lines. The failure is generally
caused by induced repetitive loads at the bracket mounting surface during operation. The basic cause
of these cracks could be misapplication, material, or weld problems. Another indicator of a cracked
condition could be a wet spot caused by lube leakage. When this condition does exist, replace the hous-
ing.
Usual Causes: • Contamination
• Lack of Lube
• Load misapplication
• Weld Problems
Failure Prevention: • Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Adjustment - see Failure Prevention Section.