Lesson 2/Learning Event 3
Learning Event 3:
DESCRIBE THE INSPECTION PROCEDURES FOR AXLE ASSEMBLIES
Wheeled vehicle axles undergo rough treatment whenever the vehicle moves over an
uneven surface. Military tactical vehicles often travel cross-country, and you will have to
inspect axles quite often to find small troubles before they develop into big troubles.
There are two major types of axles or axle arrangements you will work on: the
independent suspension type and the solid-housing type. Inspection procedures for all
solid types are about the same, but procedures for independent suspension types differ.
Axles must be inspected and serviced properly if they are to do their job properly. Faults,
such as loose bolts, cracked housings, leaking seals, and other minor troubles, will
eventually lead to a major repair job if not corrected as soon as possible. If minor repairs
are not made when first needed, a vehicle could very well have to be evacuated to higher
levels of maintenance at a later date.
This lesson will cover the maintenance procedures for inspecting front and rear axle
assemblies and axle components on the M151-series, 1/4-ton trucks, and 2 1/2-ton, 6X6
trucks.
INSPECTION PROCEDURES
The first types of axle assemblies we will discuss are those used on the 2 1/2-ton truck
M35A2. These trucks have one driving front axle assembly and two driving rear axles.
All axles are of the top-mounted, double-reduction, single-speed type. The two rear axle
assemblies are exactly alike. The front axle is similar but contains additional components
to allow the front wheels to pivot to steer the truck.
Rear Axle Inspection - M35A2
When you inspect the rear axle assembly of a 2 1/2-ton truck M35A2, use the following
as a guide:
-
Take a look at the axle assembly. Can you see anything that would make the
axle assembly unserviceable?
-
Use a lug wrench to check if all lug nuts are tight.
-
Check all other nuts, bolts, and screws to make sure they are present and
tight.
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