*** Originally released on Nov. 8, 2012
Meritor has released a technical bulletin with service instructions for heavy vehicle components that have been submerged in contaminated floodwater, in the wake of the recent hurricanes that have hit the northeast.
These components may have sustained damage that includes, but is not limited to, rust and corrosion.
To help prevent possible product issues from occurring in the future, Meritor advises service providers to perform the following service procedures before returning a vehicle with submerged components to service. None of the following actions are warrantable.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are cautioning the public about the potential hazards associated with floodwaters, due to elevated levels of contamination and other hazardous substances. For the complete EPA guidelines concerning floodwater safety issues, visit the EPA website at www.epa.gov.
Recommended Service Procedures for Components Submerged in Contaminated Floodwater
Hazard Alert Messages
Read and observe all Warning and Caution hazard alert messages contained in the publication for the component you will service before you perform procedures to prevent serious personal injury and damage to components.
Inspect Components
Axles
Rear Drive and Front Drive Steer
Refer to Maintenance Manual 5A, Single-Reduction Differential Carriers Single Rear Drive Axles, Rear-Rear Tandem Drive Axles and Front Drive Steer Axles; Maintenance Manual 5L, Single-Reduction Forward Differential Carriers on Tandem and Tridem Axles; Maintenance Manual MM-0970, MT-14X Series Single-Reduction Forward Differential Carriers on Tandem Axles; and Maintenance Manual MM-0990, Amboid Rear Differential Carrier Rear/Rear Carrier on MT-40-14X Series Tandem Drive Axles.
- Remove and completely disassemble the carrier assembly. Inspect all components for water and contaminant damage that includes, but is not limited to, rust and corrosion. Replace all damaged components.
- Clean the housings to ensure that you remove all water and contaminants.
- Replace all seals. Do not reuse seals.
- Replace the breather assembly.
Front Non-Drive Steer
Refer to Maintenance Manual 2, Front Non-Drive Steer Axles/All Meritor Conventional, Easy Steer Plus™ and MFS Series.
- Remove and completely disassemble the wheel end and steering knuckle assembly.
- Inspect all components for water and contaminant damage that includes, but is not limited to, rust and corrosion. Replace all damaged components.
- Replace all seals. Do not reuse seals.
Tie Rods
Inspection is not possible. Replace all tie rod ends.
Before You Service a Component
Contact the OnTrac Customer Service Center at 866-668-7221 to obtain the correct service publication. For complete service information on all Meritor components, visit the Literature on Demand Section of www.meritor.com.
