Tips for Maintaining Truck Axles for Longer Life

Posted on November 4, 2024 by Nur Wachda Mihmidati

Truck axles are important components that serve as the wheel support axle and power transmission system of heavy vehicles such as trucks. The axle connects the truck’s wheels to the drive system, enabling stable wheel movement and distributing the vehicle’s load. In large vehicles such as trucks, axles are designed to withstand heavy loads and keep the truck stable when carrying large amounts of cargo. In this TransTRACK article, we will discuss more about the components of truck axles, how they work, and tips for maintaining them so that they are always in optimal condition.

How Truck Axles Work

Truck axles work by transferring power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the wheels to turn and the truck to move forward or backward. This process happens through several steps:

Transmission of Power from the Engine: Power from the engine is transmitted through the transmission system and driveshaft, and then to the differential at the rear or front wheels.
Power Distribution to Axles: The differential manages the distribution of power to the left and right axles. These axles then turn the wheels simultaneously, which helps maintain traction and stability.
Support and Load-bearing: In addition to turning the wheels, the axle also supports the weight of the vehicle and cargo. The wheels are directly attached to the end of the axle, and as the wheels turn, the axle must be strong enough to withstand the stress of the heavy load.
Vehicle Maneuvering: The front axle of a truck is usually connected to the steering system, so it can turn and allow for better maneuverability.

With this mechanism, the axles on a truck ensure that the power from the engine reaches the wheels efficiently, distributes the load stably, and supports the maneuverability of the truck on the road.

Truck Axle Maintenance

Truck axle maintenance is essential to ensure vehicle performance and safety, especially since trucks often carry heavy loads and travel long distances. Here are some steps for truck axle maintenance:

Routine Inspection

Check for Leaks: Check for oil or lubricant leaks on the axles, as leaking lubricant can cause excessive friction and wear.
Monitor Wheel and Tire Condition: Make sure the wheels and tires are properly mounted. Worn or unbalanced tires can put extra pressure on the axle.
Check Looseness of Bolts and Nuts: Make sure the bolts and nuts that connect the wheels to the axle are tightly secured to prevent the wheels from wobbling or coming loose.

Axle Lubrication

Use the Right Lubricant: A quality lubricant or grease is essential to prevent excessive friction between components. Use the lubricant recommended by the manufacturer.
Lubrication Frequency: Perform lubrication regularly, especially after the truck has traveled long distances or operated under heavy conditions.

Wheel Bearing Check

Check Bearing Condition: Wheel bearings are an important part of the axle. Check for wear or damage to the bearings, as worn bearings can cause noise and vibration.
Bearing Replacement: Replace wheel bearings periodically as recommended by the manufacturer or if there are signs of wear.

Maintenance and Checking of Axle Seals

Check Seal Condition: The axle seals prevent lubricant leakage. Make sure the seals are in good condition and not torn or worn.
Replace If Damaged: If the seal is damaged or leaking, replace it immediately to prevent lubricant from escaping the system.

Brake System Check

Check the Brake Pads and Plates: Make sure that the brake pads and plates are not worn out. An optimal brake system also affects the stability of the axles.
Check the Brake Caliper: Loose or jammed brake calipers can put uneven load on the axles.

Calibration and Resetting

Readjustment: Periodically, adjust or calibrate the axles to ensure that they remain stable and do not shift.
Balancing and Alignment: Ensure that the wheels are always in a state of balancing and alignment to avoid excessive vibration that could damage the axles.

Replace Axles If They Look Worn

If serious damage or wear is found on the axles, consider replacing them for optimal and safe truck performance.

Sound and Vibration Monitoring

If you hear unusual noises or vibrations, check the axle immediately. This could be a sign of a problem with the bearings or other components inside the axle.

By performing this maintenance regularly, truck axles will last longer, truck performance will be optimized, and the risk of damage can be reduced.

Common Truck Axle Problems and How to Fix Them

Many of the problems that arise with axles occur due to frictional forces, excessive pressure, lack of lubrication, or overuse. When these problems arise, the effects are not only limited to a decrease in vehicle performance but also to driver safety and truck operational efficiency. Ignored axle damage can lead to major risks, such as loose wheels, excessive vibration, and loss of control while driving.

Therefore, understanding the signs of damage and the solutions is essential for truck owners and drivers. Performing regular maintenance on axles and promptly addressing any indications of problems can extend the life of these components, reduce the risk of accidents, and maintain efficient vehicle operations. Let’s take a closer look at common truck axle problems and how to deal with them to keep trucks operating safely and effectively.

1. Wear on Bearings or Wheel Bearings

Problem: Worn wheel bearings cause noise, vibration, and can destabilize the truck. This happens due to excessive friction from lack of lubrication or overloading.
Remedy: Replace worn bearings with new ones and make sure to always provide sufficient lubrication. Also check the load capacity of the truck to avoid excessive stress on the bearings.

2. Axle Lubricant Leakage

Problem: Lubricant leaks cause the axles to run without sufficient lubrication, which can accelerate wear and cause overheating.
Remedy: Check the axle seals regularly. If the seals are damaged or leaking, replace them immediately. Also make sure to use quality lubricants according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for optimal lubrication.

3. Bent or Damaged Axles Due to Overloading

Problem: The axles may bend or crack if the truck frequently carries excessive loads or travels on severely damaged roads. This destabilizes the vehicle and can cause the wheels to misalign.
Remedy: Make sure the truck only carries the recommended load capacity. If the axle is bent, replace it with a new axle that matches the truck’s specifications.

4. Excessive Vibration of the Wheel

Problem: Vibration in the wheels can be caused by unbalanced wheels (balancing), worn bearings, or problems in the suspension system. This vibration can make the truck difficult to control and accelerate axle damage.
How to overcome: Check the wheel balancing regularly and make sure the bearings are in good condition. If the vibration is caused by the suspension system, perform a thorough inspection and repair on the relevant components.

5. Noise or Growling from the Axles

Problem: Growling or squeaking sounds on the axles are usually caused by wear on the bearings, lack of lubrication, or damage to the differential gears.
Remedy: Check axle lubrication and add if deficient. Check the condition of the differential bearings and gears. If any parts are worn or damaged, replace them immediately to avoid further damage.

6. Overheating of the Axles

Problem: Overheating of the axles is caused by high friction, usually due to insufficient lubricant or damaged bearings. Overheating can cause failure of the axle.
Remedy: Make sure there is always enough lubricant, especially if the truck takes long trips. Replace damaged bearings and check seals for lubricant leaks.

7. Wheel Axle Seal Damage

Problem: Worn or damaged axle seals cause lubricant to leak, which results in a lack of lubrication and increases the risk of component wear.
How to Remedy: Replace the damaged seal immediately. Perform regular checks on the seals, especially after the truck has traveled long distances or over rough terrain.

8. Damage to Axle End or Fastening Bolt

Problem: If the axle ends or fastening bolts are loose or damaged, the wheels may vibrate and cause uneven wear. This condition also risks causing the wheel to come off.
Remedy: Ensure that bolts and fasteners are always tight and not worn. Replace worn or damaged bolts to maintain safety.

9. Problems in Differential

Problems: A faulty differential can cause power to be unevenly distributed to the wheels, resulting in instability and uneven wear on the axles.
Remedy: Perform regular differential checks and replace components that are experiencing wear and tear. The differential lubricant should also be checked periodically.

With care and attention to these common issues, truck axles can remain in optimal condition, improving safety and extending vehicle life.

As a very important component in a truck vehicle system, axles require proper care and attention. By maintaining the condition of the axles through regular inspection and maintenance, you not only extend the life of the vehicle, but also improve the safety and operational efficiency of the truck on the road.

However, ensuring the maintenance of truck components such as axles can be challenging, especially in organizing service schedules and recording any necessary repairs. For that, use Vehicle Maintenance System from TransTRACK that helps make your fleet maintenance management easier. With this system, you can set up inspection schedules, monitor component status in real-time, and ensure every part of the vehicle is in its best condition.

Keep your vehicle safe, efficient, and long-lasting with TransTRACK. Contact us today to find out more about this technology-based vehicle maintenance solution!