FAQ's
How much is the initial purchase cost?
Initial costs are equal to that of a set of bearings, bearings that will last three times as long compares to not utilizing the spacer and nut system.
How much extra time does the Spacer take to install?
A trained serviceman can fit the spacer in approximately 20-30 minutes, longer if new bearings need to be fitted and seals need replacing.
What are the major Benefits in fitting the Spacer?
The spacer ensures that the end play that the bearings are set to during setup, remains constant during service.
This is achieved by the inner races of the bearings being held in place on the axle and not allowed to rotate on the bearing mating surface. The axle nut remains tight, from 300 ft.lbs for steering applications, up to 600 ft.lbs for drive and trailer applications. The bearing assembly is then allowed to be a precision component of the driveline, such as the opinion in the diff centre, which uses a spacer for the same reason, to maintain end play.
If allowed to rotate on the mating surfaces, the bearing generates frictional heat and metal contamination in the lubricant, which soon alters the end play originally set by wearing into the abutment face of the inner bearing and retaining nut. Hub seals are only permitted to have a maximum of 0.005” of end play, which in most cases is exceeded before the axle even goes into service.
What applications do we fit with our Spacer?
The spacer system can be fitted to all axles of the truck/trailer. See Spacer applications
What settings do I set my Bearings to once having fitted our Spacer?
The ideal setting can be determined by looking at the graph below, which shows a test conducted by the Technology and Maintenance Council of the ATA. We recommend setting the bearing end play from 0.001” to 0.003”, which allows the end play to be checked after installation to ensure instructions have been followed correctly.
What tools do I need to install the Spacer?
Tools required to fit the spacer:
- Dial gauge indicator, available from any automotive parts outlet
- Suitable axle nut socket that will handle the torque required. OTC tools sell axle nut sockets and the part numbers for the required socket can be found in the nut applications guide.
Can I expect a longer Bearing life?
Bearing life can be extended by up to 3 times the normal life. The less end plays the bearings have, means that more weight can be shared over a greater number of bearing rollers. This is the key to prolonging bearing life. More shared load means less heat and longer life of the bearings and seals.
Will the Spacer reduce wear on my spindles?
With the inner races of the bearings held tight to the axle by the axle nut remaining tight, the familiar rotating grooves left by the bearings wearing into the axles, is eliminated.
Why do I need a wide nut?
Many American and Australian made axles use a two-nut retaining system for bearing adjustment and hub retention. This nut type is only 8-10mm thick and is not considered adequate for the torque required to effectively assemble a hub with a spacer. Unfortunately, though, there have been many failures with hubs and wheels actually coming off as a result of the locking arrangement used with the two-nut system.
The Castle Nut System is a hardened nut which incorporates a unique, patented locking system, allowing the fitter to generate enough pressure to obtain the 600ft/lbs needed to seat all the components together without fear of the axle nut tool slipping.
Is my wheel end maintenance time and cost reduced and by how much?
Since the bearings are lasting up to 4 times longer, the usual maintenance that is done on a regular basis on the axle nuts is no longer required. The seals will last the life of the brakes and longer in most cases, which means more time on the road and less in the workshop.