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System: Clutch Bulletin #: 23-8 Date: March 7, 2005

Clutch Release Bearing Lubrication – Volvo Tractors

In an effort to reduce the potential for clutch release bearing failures due to lack of lubrication, I am sending you the following information about an upcoming change to the grease tube used in the Volvo chassis and would also like to make some recommendations in regards to the proper greasing procedures for Eaton Fuller Clutches. Even though the new tube is currently not released, I wanted to get this information to you now so you can start inspecting for this failure mode.

Below are the vital details pertaining to the potential failure mode to the clutch release bearing grease tube that extends from the left hand side of the transmission clutch housing and delivers grease to the clutch release bearing. As you will read, the current version has the potential to wear and not allow grease to get to the release bearing, which could cause a release bearing failure due to lack of grease. Even with the upcoming change to a threaded insert, this tube is subject to other failure modes if not installed properly, which may cause the tube to rub against the clutch and again not allow grease to get to the release bearing.

With this said, it is important to remember that the grease tube is only a delivery mechanism. It is in no way a mechanism that should prevent a mechanic from removing the clutch inspection cover during greasing and visually see grease coming out of the release bearing. This may be difficult at times with the small inspection cover provided, but it is important that all mechanics begin to visually inspect for grease coming out of the release bearing during the greasing process and repair any problems if grease is not present. Failure to do so will result in a premature release bearing failure.

With this information, I offer 3 recommendations:

1. Be sure to follow the proper recommended grease intervals for your clutch. The Lubrication Recommendation Chart is attached to this bulletin.

2. Always remove the inspection cover when greasing the release bearing and make visual contact for grease coming out of the release bearing during the greasing process. It does not matter if grease gets onto the clutch brake and Eaton recommends purging the bearing of grease until fresh grease is visible.

3. After greasing the release bearing, ALWAYS re-install the inspection cover. This cover prevents unnecessary dirt and contamination from entering the clutch area, which could cause components to stick or corrode.

I ask that you please forward this to all your service techs and have them include it into their current PM procedures for all tractors, regardless of make.

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Fitting worn through allowing grease Corresponding mounting hole in clutch to escape. housing wears to match fitting.

Containment/Corrective Action:

Service Kit is pending release targeted for the end of the fourth quarter.

Affected Models/Population:

Volvo trucks with Lightning and Autoshift transmissions starting 8/1/2000, all other models starting 1/1/2001.

This includes all Volvo trucks with Eaton and Meritor 3-pedal systems.

Field Strategy:

Inspect fitting for wear and replace failed lube tube with current service kit (A-7295) until a new service kit is released. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at Location # 24. Thank you, Walter Kirkland Jr. Tallahassee Maintenance Department Attachment: Eaton Lubrication Bulletin

Eaton® Fuller® Clutches

Lubrication Recommendations for Eaton® Fuller® Clutch Products

Your Eaton® Fuller® Clutch release bearing and bushings were lubricated at the factory duringassembly. The release bearing was once again lubricated during truck assembly at the OEM. This is to ensure that you receive trouble-free performance of your Eaton Fuller Clutch for thefirst maintenance interval.

To ensure proper lubrication:

1. If lube tube assembly is used, remove inspection cover to verify it isattached and functional.

2. Apply grease via the lube tube or grease fitting, and continue to apply lubeto cause enough grease to purge out of the housing onto the transmis-sion input shaft.

3. Apply extra lube onto the transmission shaft between the bearing housingand clutch brake. Note: Put enough lube onto the transmission shaft andclutch brake facings to prevent bushing failure and excessive wear to theclutch brake and transmission bearing cap. (The clutch brake facing isdesigned to run in grease.)

4. Apply lube to the release yoke fingers to reduce wear to pads on therelease bearing.

IMPORTANT: Use approved N.L.G.I. #2 or #3 lithium soap grease withE.P. additives. (The use of non-compatible lubes will result in the lubebreak-down and zero lubrication protection. Release bearing and bush-ing failure will occur along with excessive wear to the bearing cap of thetransmission and the clutch brake facings.)

Listed below are the recommended lube intervals.

(ON-HIGHWAY APPLICATIONS ONLY)*

PART # CLUTCH FAMILY LUBE INTERVAL

Various All Stamped Angle Spring® and 10,000 mi. (16,000 km)Solo™ Std. Medium-Duty or once per month

Various 14” Solo™ Maintenance-Free No lubrication requiredMedium-Duty

Various 14” and 15.5” Easy-Pedal Plus® 20,000 mi. (32,186 km)109700,109701 15.5” Solo™ Std. Heavy-Duty 25,000 mi. (40,232 km)109705 15.5” Solo™ XL Heavy-Duty ** 50,000 mi. (80,465 km) ***

* Off highway lube interval is every 250 hours or once per month.** Extended Lube.

*** Consult OE Service Manual for specific recommendation.

Recommended Lubrication:

Eaton recommends the use of a high quality N.L.G.I. #2 or#3 lithium soap grease with E.P. additives.

Approved Lubrication Sources and Products

Supplier Supplier’s Product NameAmerican Oil Co. Amoco Lithium-M.P. GreaseCity Service Citgo Premium Lithium-Grease #2Shell Oil Co. Alvania #2Exxon Unirex N3, N2Texaco Premium RB

© 2002 Eaton CorporationAll rights reserved.Printed in USACLIB-1293 11/022M/WP

Eaton CorporationClutch Division201 Brandon StreetAuburn, IN 46706U.S.A.www.roadranger.com/clutch

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