New Spicer(R) Driveshafts Extend Lubrication Intervals
1 September 1998
New Spicer(R) Driveshafts Extend Lubrication Intervals, Give Global Customers Additional Options
American-Based Driveshaft Supplier Selects IAA Show for International Launch
HANNOVER, Germany, Sept. 1 -- Continuing to meet the trucking
industry's worldwide growing demand for reduced maintenance, Spicer Driveshaft
Division of Dana Corporation has introduced the latest enhancement
to its popular line of Spicer Life Series(R) driveshafts. "Starting with the
last quarter of this year, the assemblies will be available with Spicer Life
XL(TM) (extended lubrication) universal joint kits that provide up to 560,000
Km (350,000 Mi.) of on-highway service without the need for relubrication,"
according to Dorian Sheail, group sales and marketing manager for the Spicer
Driveshaft Europe.
The previous recommended lubrication interval for Spicer Life Series
universal joint kits was 160,000 Km (100,000 Mi.). Sheail said that after
560,000 Km (350,000 Mi.) of service, the universal joints should be
relubricated to ensure continued performance. After that, relubrication
cycles should revert to the standard 160,000 Km (100,000 Mi.) relubrication
intervals for on-highway applications.
He added that relubricating the kits every 160,000 Km (100,00 Mi.) remains
a workable, Spicer approved, option for those fleets and maintenance
professionals who prefer to adhere to traditional relubrication intervals.
The main design improvements that brought about the extended intervals include
new garter-spring seals, new seal guards, a new needle roller spacer and the
use of a premium lithium-based grease.
Initial Spicer Life XL production will include Spicer Life(R) 170 and 250
heavy-duty assemblies. Customer deliveries for these two series are expected
to begin in October.
New Seals and Industry Compatible, Premium Grease
New double-lip seals and seal guards on Spicer Life XL universal joints
are the main contributors to the extended lubrication interval. The double-
lip seals incorporate a new application of a successful garter-spring design.
The spring improves seal retention on the journal cross trunnion, resulting in
better lubrication retention.
Seal guards have been upgraded to include a new Neoprene(TM) compound that
replaces the former thermoplastic material, and thereby allowing for better
sealing protection against environmental contaminants. A new spacer protects
the seal and reduces needle roller skewing.
The lubricant is a premium, lithium-based grease (not synthetic), approved
by Spicer that helps bring about the initial extended lubrication-free
service. It is fully compatible with most lithium-based greases in use today
around the world.
The grease fittings on Spicer Life XL 140, 170 and 250 universal joints
include a new plastic cover that reminds maintenance professionals that
re-lubrication is not required prior to 560,000 km (350,000 Mi.) of road
service. After 560,000 Km (350,000 Mi.), the cover can be removed and
u-joints re-lubricated. "Unlike other products on the market today, the
Spicer Life XL universal joints can remain in service and thereby prevent the
potentially costly expense of having to replace the kits," said Sheail. "The
option to replace or relube remains with the vehicle owner."
Field and Lab Testing
Through August of this year, field testing for the new Spicer Life XL
universal joints has been conducted with five truck fleets. Initial findings
indicate that the components will successfully surpass the Spicer target of
560,000 Km (350,000 Mi.) of road service. Tests were conducted in a variety
of applications using heavy-duty trucks from various original vehicle
manufacturers. In-house lab testing has included finite element analysis,
load life tests and mud/salt bath tests, all of which, again, have verified
the product's ability to reach 560,000 Km (350,000 Mi.) extended lubrication
miles.
Proven Performance and Options for Worldwide Customers
Introduced as a global driveshaft product in 1996, Spicer Life Series are
today manufactured and assembled in six countries, including Australia,
Brazil, Canada, France, U.K., and the U.S.
Two years after its introduction, Spicer Life Series driveshafts now
represent nearly 30 percent of heavy-duty driveshaft production for the Dana
Corporation product group.
Options for the global customer include:
* Patented bearing retention spring tabs to eliminate component looseness
* Optional end fittings include cross-serrated T-flanges, S.A.E. flanges
and Quick Disconnect(TM) end yokes.
* Cold-formed bearing retainers for Quick Disconnect(TM) style end yokes
provide structural rigidity while reducing bearing movement
* Glidecote(TM) slip spline systems have a nylon coated yoke shaft and an
integral tube sleeve to help prevent spline wear.
* Slip member components are hollow and larger diameter to carry more
torque and reduce weight.
* Slip spline system is permanently sealed to eliminate maintenance and
the sealing package is available either with a thermoplastic boot or seal-can
design.
* Centrally-located grease fittings on the journal cross allow for
increased strength and more torque carrying capacity.
* Thinner wall, larger diameter tubing to increase torque carrying
capacity and achieve higher critical speeds.
Spicer Life Series driveshafts are already specified by many of the
world's leading vehicle manufacturers including Freightliner, Kenworth, Mack,
Mercedes Benz, Navistar, Peterbilt, Renault, Sterling, Volvo and Western Star.
"With truck manufacturers throughout the world continuing to seek out
suppliers with global products and products that allow them a variety of
options, we look forward to increased market penetration with our new range of
driveshafts," added Sheail.
Spicer Driveshaft Division of Dana Corporation is the world's leading
independent manufacturer and marketer of complete driveline systems for light,
medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Division headquarters and World Center of
Engineering and Technology are located near Toledo, Ohio.
One of the world's largest independent suppliers to vehicular, off-highway
and industrial manufacturers and their related aftermarkets, Dana produces
components used on more than 95 percent of the world's 650 million motor
vehicles. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, the company operates
facilities in 33 countries and employs more than 79,000 people. The company
had pro forma sales of $11.9 billion in 1997. Dana's Internet address is:
http://www.dana.com.