TM 5-3810-300-24 & P2
kerosene or diesel fuel oil.
NOTE
GASOLINE SHOULD BE AVOIDED. DO NOT CLEAN THESE PARTS IN A HOT SOLUTION TANK
OR WITH WATER AND ALKALINE SOLUTIONS SUCH AS SODIUM HYDROXIDE,
ORTHOSILICATES OR PHOSPHATES.
Drying.
Parts should be thoroughly dried immediately after cleaning. Use soft, clean, lintless, absorbent paper towels or wiping
rags free of abrasive material, such as lapping compound, metal filings or contaminated oil. Bearings should never be
dried by spinning with compressed air.
Corrosion Prevention.
Parts that have been cleaned, dried, inspected and are to be immediately reassembled should be coated with light oil to
prevent corrosion. Spindles, knuckle pins or sleeves that are to be stored for any length of time should be treated with a
good rust preventative and wrapped in oiled paper and boxed to keep dry and clean.
INSPECT.
It is impossible to overstress the importance of careful and thorough inspection of steering knuckle components prior to
reassembly. Thorough visual inspection for indications of wear or stress, and the replacement of such parts as are
necessary will eliminate costly and avoidable front end difficulties.
Steering Knuckle and Knuckle Pin.
A. Inspect the steering knuckle thrust bearing, wheel bearing cones and cups. Replace if rollers or cups are worn,
pitted or damaged in any way. If wheel bearing cups are to be replaced, remove from hubs with a suitable puller.
Avoid the use of drift and hammers as they may easily mutilate cup bores.
B. Inspect the steering knuckles and replace if indications of weakness or excessive wear is found.
C. Check knuckle pin for excessive wear. Compare with correct specification.
D. Check upper knuckle pin seal for rips, tears and excessive wear. Do not remove upper seal from steering
knuckle counterbore unless replacement is necessary. If seal must be replaced, follow removal procedures.
E. Remove lower knuckle pin seal from thrust bearing case and inspect seal for wear, rips and tears.
F. Check thrust bearing and lower seal gaskets for wear. Some axles may employ an integral gasket in the lower
seal or thrust bearing.
G. Check knuckle pin bushings for flaking and galling. Compare with correct specification. Do not remove bushings
from steering knuckle unless replacement is necessary.
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