Introduction To The Te9000 And Te9300 Series Axles; Axle Installation - Meritor TE9000 Service Service Manual

TE9000 / 93000 Service
Introduction to the TE9000 & TE9300
Series Axles
The TE9000 & TE9300 series axles are manufactured to the same high
standards as the well established TM series axles. In fact, much of the
materials and manufacturing processes are common to both axle series.
The TE series axle has been designed with low weight and low cost of
ownership in mind, and is intended for use in predominantly tri-axle
applications, running on super single tyres at combined bogie weights up
to 27 tonne. Among many new features incorporated in the TE series axle,
two in particular stand out as conferring valuable benefits in service.
Firstly, the axles are manufactured with pre-set bearing clearances and
require no adjustment. The correct running clearances are obtained by the
careful control of manufacturing tolerances and matched bearings.
Secondly, the brake drum is outboard mounted and a full brake service
can be performed without removing the hub.

Axle Installation

The following notes and recommendations are offered as a guide to the
trailer manufacturer and service engineer. They are based on experience
gained from both the manufacture and servicing of single and multiple
axle installations.
LIMITATIONS OF USE
The following limitations apply to the TE series axles fitted with super
single tyres and used in tandem or tri-axle arrangements.
For normal road and RO–RO use at 9 tonne axle weight the TE9000
(13mm wall) beam is authorised for Meritor air and mechanical
suspensions only when assembled by Meritor. In all other instances of
normal road, RO–RO, and unrestricted tipper use at 9 tonne axle weight
using non-Meritor suspensions, air or mechanical, the TE9300 (16mm
wall) beam must be used.
For extreme conditions, i.e. narrow frame centres (<1100mm), high
centre of gravity (>2000mm) please consult Meritor Applications
Engineering.
In cases where suspensions of non-Meritor manufacture are used, the
trailer builder or suspension manufacturer must satisfy themselves as to
the suitability and compatibility of the axle and suspension, particularly
from a durability standpoint. Meritor will be pleased to assist in assessing
such compatibility, but cannot warrant the fitment of its axles to
suspensions of unknown characteristics.
STRESSES AND WELDING
During use the axle beam is subjected to a wide variety of forces. These
are caused by the payload, bumps in the road surface, cornering and
braking. Because these forces are constantly varying, the stresses in the
axle beam also vary, causing fatigue. The top and bottom of the beam
generally experience the greatest stresses and hence the most fatigue,
whilst the section of beam around the horizontal centre line sees the least
stress and fatigue.
Welds in the high stress areas will adversely affect the fatigue strength,
for this reason do not weld in the area 95mm wide top and bottom of the
beam, or 50° either side of the vertical centre line, as shown in the
diagram below. Weld tacks or weld spatter are not allowed in this area.
The beam material is controlled to ensure that pre-heating is normally not
necessary when welding as per BS5135.
The direction of welding should be as near the horizontal as possible and
welding around the corners of brackets or spring seats should be avoided.
Separate drawings exist on request from the Meritor Technical Sales
Department detailing seat welding procedures for both air and mechanical
Meritor suspensions.
The effects of welding will be minimised if:
(a) all tack welds are at least 25mm long.
(b) the number of tack welds is kept to a minimum. If
possible clamp the bracket tightly to the beam and
eliminate the tack welds.
(c) the welding procedure recommended in the Meritor
suspension manual is followed.
(d) more than one weld run is required make the
following run with a different start/finish point and
before the previous run has cooled down. Descale
between runs.
(e) oil, rust and thick deposits of paint are removed
from the surfaces to be joined.
(f) the welding consumables meet the relevant British
Standards and are used as recommended by the
manufacturer.
(g) at the end of fillet welds, the weld is 'backed up' to fill the crater.
The following precautions will prevent damage to the axle and
suspension during welding and improve service life:
(a) prevent weld spatter from falling on the axle and
road springs.
(b) ensure the earth connection is made to the axle
beam, preventing the passage of current through
the wheel bearings.
(c) do not test the arc on the axle beam or springs.
(d) remove scale and slag from fillet welds before
painting to prevent corrosion.
DO NOT WELD IN THIS AREA TOP AND BOTTOM
95
WELD DETAILS: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR AXLE BEAM
5