Tech Updates

While it is important to handle any bearing with extreme care, SKF recommends following these procedures when cleaning bearings:

Step 1: To begin the cleaning process, soak the bearings in a metal basket suspended in a clean container or tank holding a recommended solvent. Soak the bearings overnight, if possible. If a basket is not available, suspend the bearings with a wire, or place them on a metal plate at the bottom of the container. Do not rest the bearings directly on the bottom of the bucket (they may not clean as efficiently due to sediment on the bottom of the container).

Step 2: After dirt and grease are removed, rinse the bearings in another clean bucket of solvent. The bearings should then be thoroughly dried. The safest method is natural air drying. Compressed air, which is free from condensed moisture, may be used to blow out the bearings, but only after all dirt and chips have been removed. If you use compressed air, do not allow bearings to spin and always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from injury.

Step 3: After cleaning, inspect the bearing thoroughly for nicks, leftover dirt and damage. Inspected bearings, which are considered “good,” may be used again. However, if re-assembly cannot be done immediately, these bearings should be protected.

Step 4: Dip the clean bearings in a protective lubricant or coat all surfaces with a light grease (see Figure 3). Rotate each bearing to work the grease thoroughly in and around the roller and on the races. Wrap the bearings in waterproof paper and place each in a clean box or carton (see Figure 4). If cartons are not available, just wrap them in waterproof paper. Mark the outside of each package to identify the bearing enclosed.

Safety Recalls The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued the following recalls:

• The rubber diaphragm inside the quick release valves (QRV) on 138 Hendrickson air control kit assemblies in lift axle and suspension applications equipped with Haldex quick release valves may experience delamination. This can result in significant levels of air pressure leakage past and/or through the diaphragm, or the development of a bubble in the diaphragm which may trap air pressure in the valve. Hendrickson also sells the Haldex QRV for service purposes under part number VA-1129. A reduction of pressure in the lift axle ride air springs can reduce the lift axle’s load carrying capacity. In addition, any trapped air pressure in the QRV may prevent the ability to exhaust lift axle ride air springs in order to raise the lift axle. Reduction of pressure in the suspension air springs can lower the vehicle ride height. In addition, any trapped air pressure in the QRV may prevent the ability to raise and/or lower the air suspension to the proper ride height. An overloaded axle or improper ride height can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and a crash without warning.
• The plastic cover that seals the terminal of the cab feed battery cable may prevent proper electrical contact with the fuse or battery terminal post resulting in an open or unprotected circuit on 45 model year 2007 through 2010 Navistar heavy-duty trucks manufactured between January 1, 2007, and May 15, 2009, equipped with feature code 008875 sealed battery cables. An open circuit may result in sudden loss of cab power or engine shut down, possibly resulting in a crash. An unprotected circuit may cause an electrical short, which could result in a fire.
• On 338 model year 2009 Mack MRU and LEU heavy-duty trucks manufactured from August 20 through November 26, 2008, and equipped with certain Haldex quick release valves (QRV), the rubber diaphragm inside the QRV may experience delamination resulting in significant levels of air pressure leakage past and/or through the diaphragm, or the development of a bubble in the diaphragm which may trap air pressure in the valve and not allow the service brakes to release. Malfunction of the air brake system could result in a vehicle crash.
• On 43 Great Dane model year 2009 semi-trailer converter dollies, Model DLY-0022-00099, manufactured for FedEx ground between July 16 and August 13, 2008, equipped with certain Haldex quick release valves (QRV), the rubber diaphragm inside the QRV may experience delamination resulting in significant levels of air pressure leakage past and/or through the diaphragm, or the development of a bubble in the diaphragm which may trap air pressure in the valve and not allow the service brakes to release. Malfunction of the air brake system could result in a vehicle crash.
• The engine cooling fan on 17,614 model year 2008-2009 Volvo S80, V70 and XC70 vehicles may stop working because of a software programming error in the fan control module. Depending on driving conditions, the customer may experience reduced air conditioning performance and/or rapid increase in engine coolant temperature. This situation may result in loss of cooling system function and engine failure. The driver may not have sufficient time to react to the warning light(s) or the text message in the instrument panel, increasing the risk of a crash.
• A new forward cab crossmember design on three model year 2009-2010 Western Star 4900 trucks built with DD15 engines have reduced clearance for cab mounted battery disconnect switch power cables on standard cab height vehicles. During cab articulation the new crossmember may pinch power cables against the cab. Cables that become pinched between the cab and forward cab crossmember could short to ground and potentially overheat resulting in injury to vehicle occupants. The cables need to be reinstalled in a new, safe location.
• Thirteen model year 2009 Kenworth T2000 vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 106, “Brake Hoses.” The air tube expander fitting used between the air tube inlet and dash air gauges for the trailer do not meet the burst pressure requirements. This can result in brake hose rupture, air pressure loss and compromised vehicle braking which could result in a crash without warning.
• The brake spider mounting fasteners attaching the brake spider to the front steer axle flange on nine Kenworth model year 2009 T800S vehicles equipped with Dana front axles may have received insufficient torque during the installation process. The insufficient torque may allow the brake spider fasteners and brake spider to become loose. This can allow the fasteners to shear and fall either onto the roadway or into the drum brake assembly, potentially allowing the brake to bind and causing increased stopping distance and a crash could occur. Inspect and replace the brake spider mounting fasteners and torque them properly, as well as review the brake spider and steer axle flange holes for signs of vibration and fatigue and replace if necessary.
• The axle beam on 10,300 model year 2004 and 2005 Mack CL, CV, DM, LE and RB and model year 2004 RD heavy trucks manufactured from October 1, 2003, through September 30, 2004, equipped with axle beams manufactured by Bharat Forge may have transverse shear lines on the bottom of the axle from the trimming process. These lines, if present, can promote initiation of cracks, which over time may possibly lead to axle beam failure and a vehicle crash can occur.
• Increased brake excitation may be found on 3,423 Kenworth model year 2004-2009 T2000, T800, T600, W900 and T660 vehicles in a certain vehicle configuration which includes Bendix drum brakes, wide base low profile single tires and an AG400 or AG460 rear suspension. Brake excitation can cause fatigue and cracking of brake assembly components. Cracking can cause a complete fracture of the cam tube, which could increase stopping distance and decrease parking brake hold capability. Inspect the rear axle brakes assembly, replace cracked rear axle brakes assembly components where required and install cam tube support brackets on all rear axle wheel ends.