Although periodic lubrication is not necessary on the Meritor RPL Series Permalube Driveline, inspection of the universal joints and driveline on a regular basis is still required, keep an eye on your joints to get the best out of your driveline.
Meritor fills each universal joint with sufficient grease at assembly to last the life of the driveline. During vehicle operation, some of this grease may purge out at one or more of the universal joint seals. Under 6 months of service or 80,000km, it is common for some grease to purge out.
Eventually the grease will stop purging, and the universal joint seals may have a ‘crusted’ look.
The ‘crusted’ appearance is normal and DOES NOT indicate the need to replace the universal joint.
Loose bolts, missing balance weights, damaged tubing, excessive slip spline wear or excessive looseness across the ends of universal joint bearing cup assemblies can cause imbalance or vibration in the driveline assembly. Imbalance and vibration can cause component wear, which can result in separation of the driveline from the vehicle. A separated driveline can result in property damage and serious personal injury. Inspect the driveline at regular intervals based on the procedures outlined below to detect worn components.
Initial inspection at no more than 3,200 km
Verify that all bolts are tightened as follows:
- Universal joint-to-end yoke bolts to 155-183 Nm
- Flange-to-flange bolts to 180-220 Nm
Every 40,000 km
If you observe any of the following conditions, remove and replace components as needed. Refer to Maintenance Manual MM-96147, Drivelines, for procedures. To obtain this publication, visit Literature on Demand at meritor.com.
1. Inspect all universal joints for grease purging. If a universal joint shows normal grease purging: Do not replace the universal joint (see above).
2. Check for excessive looseness across the ends of the universal joint bearing cup assemblies and trunnions.
- Grip driveline near the INBOARD yoke with both hands.
- Try to move the yoke VERTICALLY and HORIZONTALLY. Movement in the universal joint relative to the
INBOARD or OUTBOARD yokes must not exceed 0.152 mm.
3. Inspect the slip yoke spline seal for grease leakage or seal damage.
4. Inspect for missing balance weights, damaged tubing, or a missing welch plug at the slip yoke.
Every 240,000 km
In addition to the 40,000 km requirements:
- Use the following steps to inspect the slip splines for wear (backlash) and for radial looseness between the slip yoke and the tube shaft.
- Ensure that the vehicle is on a level surface with its wheels on the ground. For single driveline systems, check the slip yoke for movement with the driveline installed. For multiple driveline systems, remove the slip yoke assembly from the vehicle and check for movement.
- Firmly mount a dial indicator with a magnetic base onto the slip yoke barrel next to the dust seal.
- You do not want the dial indicator to move when you check the slip yoke for looseness, or the measurement will not be correct.
- Extend the dial indicator arm from the base, so that it contacts the neck of the spline plug within 19.05 mm from the dust seal.
- With your hands near the centre of the driveline, move the slip yoke UP-AND-DOWN. Check the dial indicator measurement. Movement between the spline plug and slip yoke must not exceed 0.432 mm.
- If movement exceeds 0.017-inch (0.432 mm): Components are worn or damaged. Replace as required.
- Use a dial indicator to examine the slip yoke spline for excessive radial movement. Radial movement between the slip yoke and the tube shaft must not exceed 0.017-inch (0.432 mm).
- If the radial movement exceeds 0.017-inch (0.432 mm): Replace the slip yoke and the tube shaft.
The most important thing on this subject is remembering to keep an eye on your joints to get the best out of your driveline.
