Service Manual

Reelmaster 5500-DDifferential Axle Page 6 - 4

Axle Shafts and Wheel Bearings

Lubrication

NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the axle assembly

to lubricate the axle bearings.

1. Put machine on a level surface, lower cutting units,

stop the engine and remove key from ignition switch.

Block rear wheels to prevent machine from moving.

2. Slightly loosen all front wheel lug nuts. Jack both

front wheels off the ground and install jackstands or

blocks under traction unit frame (not axle tubes) to pre-

vent machine from falling. Remove both front wheels.

3. Slide the brake drum off of the axle flange (Fig. 5).

4. Lubricate the wheel bearings through the grease fit-

tings (one each wheel) with No. 2 general purpose lithi-

um base grease (Fig 6).

WARNING

Do not to overfill bearing cavity with grease. Do

not get grease on brake linings or inside brake

drum. Greasy brake linings and drums increase

vehicle stopping distance. Wipe brake linings

and drums with brake cleaner or lacquer thinner

and a clean rag if necessary.

5. Install brake drums and wheels. Tighten wheel lug

nuts to 45-55 ft-lbs. (61-75 Nm).

Figure 5

Figure 6

1. Grease fitting