Community Forums

American Eagle · 05-27-2021, 05:54 AM

Hello everyone
Question. When should the fluid in the front wheels be changed out. A friend just had his wheel bearings go bad and had to limp home. He stopped for fuel and seen his wheel smoking with the center plug popped out. He called me and i said that his bearings went bad and heated up the oil and cooked it off popping out the plug. Is that what could happen?? Thanks John

wolfe10 · 05-27-2021, 06:13 AM

Several "failure modes" for oil bath wheel bearings.

Most common are leaking seal allowing oil to run out. No oil, bearings seize.

Contamination of oil-- driving in deep water can allow water to enter and the now oil/water combination has little lubricating properties.

Best advice is to check fluid level occasionally and immediately if you ever see streaks of oil radiating out from the hub or signs of oil leaking inside the wheel/on brake components.

And, it not clear, clean gear lube, change immediately.

These are really good systems used on virtually all OTR trucks, but like most anything mechanical they are not totally maintenance free.

donr103 · 05-28-2021, 10:26 AM

there are great vids on you tube where other have been so kind to post.. and change it regularly.. they are expensive to repair..i do not know how often.. but sure would check as above post and change every 5 yrs and or 50,000.. they can still absorb water.. that is why every 5yrs.. no matter what miles.. and do same with diff.. every one forgets that and flush brakes every 2 yrs.. good luck and let us know how you did and find out what your friend pd and tell us so other can learn.. it does not have to be exact price..