MAINTENANCE MANUAL - Meritor

Prepare Parts for Assembly2. Remove the differential from the axle housing.See the correct Meritor differential maintenancemanual or the vehicle manufacturer’sinstructions.CAUTIONRemove the brake air chambersbefore you weld onto an axle. Donot expose a brake air chamber tomore than 250°F (121°C). Damage tothe air chamber can result.3. Remove the wheel-end components andbrake air chambers from the axle. See thecorrect Meritor brake maintenance manual orthe vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.4. For housing-to-cover welds, clean the outsidehousing-to-cover weld area 2.00-3.00-inches(50.8-76.2 mm) past each end or sideof the crack. Clean the inside area wherethe cover mates with the housing. Clean thearea completely around the cover. Use a wirebrush and a cleaning solvent that will removedirt and grease from these areas. Figure 3.9..WARNINGThe axle housing must be 70°F (21°C) or warmerbefore you weld onto the axle. Do not weldonto a cold axle or weld cold parts onto an axle.Cracks in the weld area, damage to componentsand serious personal injury can result.6. Ensure that the axle housing temperaturemeasures 70°F (21°C) or warmer.• If the axle housing temperature measuresless than 70°F (21°C): Store the axle in a heatedroom until the housing reaches the correcttemperature.7. Heat the damaged area to approximately300°F (149°C) before you begin welding.8. Use suitable weld wire electrodes when youweld. Suitable weld wire electrodes includeeither BS EN 499 – E 42 2 B 32 H5 or BSEN 440 – G 42 2 M GSi (American WeldingSociety equivalents E7018 and ER70S3,respectively).9. For complete welding instruction, see theMaintenance Manual 8. To obtain this publication,see the Service Notes page on thefront inside cover of this manual.Do Not Bend or Straighten a DamagedDrive Axle Housing1 - Clean this areaFigure 3.9WARNINGReplace damaged or out-of-specification axlecomponents. Do not bend, repair or reconditionaxle components by welding or heat-treating. Abent axle beam reduces axle strength, affectsvehicle operation and voids Meritor’s warranty.Serious personal injury and damage to componentscan result.5. For suspension bracket welds, clean both lowerand upper suspension brackets and theareas of the axle housing around each bracket.Use a wire brush and a cleaning solventthat will remove dirt and grease from theseareas.Always replace a damaged drive axle housing.Do not bend or straighten a damaged housing,which can misalign or weaken it, and voidMeritor’s warranty.MAINTENANCE MANUAL17