Meritor Announces Unitized Wheel End Technology for Drive Axles
23 March 2000
Meritor Announces Unitized Wheel End Technology for Drive Axles - Completing Its Family of Axles with Low-Maintenance Wheel Ends
LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 22 Meritor Automotive Inc.
has announced the availability of the new UWE-90 unitized wheel
end on its 23,000, 34,000 and 40,000 pound gross axle weight rated (GAWR)
single and tandem drive axles. The wheel end, utilizing SKF bearing and seal
technology, is pre-assembled, pre-set for preload, permanently lubricated and
sealed for the life of the component, minimizing wheel end maintenance. The
announcement was made here today at the Mid-America Trucking Show.
The new drive axles with unitized wheel ends are designed for linehaul and
city delivery applications, and will be available in early 2001 through all
major North American OEMs.
"By reducing wheel end maintenance, we estimate this premium wheel end has
the potential for reducing life-cycle costs by $4,000 or more as compared to
conventional wheel ends, during the typical first owner's use of one million
miles. The savings multiply when truck operators specify Meritor's Easy Steer
Plus(TM) front steer and TB Series trailer axles with unitized wheel ends as
well," said Brad Arnold, vice president and general manager for Meritor's
Heavy Vehicle Systems (HVS) Axle business.
Meritor is the first and only supplier of low-maintenance, lightweight
unitized wheel ends for both the tractor and trailer. The company first
introduced the technology on its front steer axles in early 1996, then on
trailer axles later that year. The drive axle product completes the company's
family of axles with unitized wheel ends.
Customer orders and positive feedback have confirmed customers' desires
for low-maintenance components, focusing solely on revenue-producing
operations.
The lightweight assembly eliminates seal installation and bearing
adjustment, and saves 110 pounds per tandem axle over ductile iron hubs,
making it the lightest hub on the market. Other features include:
* New 90mm barrel spindle end on axle housing for increased durability;
* Precision assembly with inner races selectively machined and matched to
specific hub cup dimensions to determine precise cone fit. Precise bearing
setting control is achieved when assembled by Meritor at final assembly;
* Four seals for maximum sealing capability. The inner seal keeps grease
inside the assembly and protects brake shoes from wheel bearing grease. An
outer seal keeps wheel bearing grease separate from axle lubricant. Two
additional internal seals prevent axle lubricant from traveling along the
spindle and contaminating wheel bearing grease or brake shoes;
* Unique three-piece wheel end hardware, designed for the high clamp load
required for bearing setting, consists of a large flat washer, a locking clip
with bend over tab and an octagon heavy-duty nut; and
* Axle carriers common to conventional Meritor drive axles which provide
greater parts commonality, assisting the speed of servicing for truck
technicians and reducing parts inventories.
The UWE-90 is available on Meritor's RT-34-145, RT-40-145 and RT-40-160
on-highway tandem drive axles and RS-23-160 and RS-23-186 single drive axle
models. The unitized hubs are also available on Meritor axles compatible with
Cummins Signature 600 high torque engine using Smart Torque (STX) technology.
This unique technology provides more engine power and allows the use of a
lighter axle, providing a significant cost savings and increased payload for
the truck operator.
Axle manufacturing and final assembly of the UWE-90 hub unit to the axle
are performed at Meritor's Asheville, N.C. facility.
The company offers the new drive axle with unitized wheel ends as a
complete assembly with Q Plus(TM) cam brakes (16.5-inch x 7-inch and 16.5-inch
x 8-inch), hubs and drums. The assembly is covered by Meritor's five-
year/750,000-mile linehaul warranty.
Meritor, with 1999 sales of $4.5 billion, is a global supplier of a broad
range of systems and components for commercial, specialty and light vehicle
OEMs and the aftermarket.
Meritor consists of two businesses: Heavy Vehicle Systems, a leading
supplier of complete drivetrain systems and components for medium- and heavy-
duty trucks, trailers and off-highway equipment and specialty vehicles,
including military, bus and coach, and fire and rescue; and Light Vehicle
Systems, a major supplier of roof, door, access control and suspension systems
and wheel products for passenger cars, light trucks and sport utility
vehicles.