The drive axle is the major part of the wheel loader. It is responsible for outputting power. As a result of the large output torque and complex structure of the wheel loader, repair failing to implement the repair specification strictly or operation disobeying the rules can lead to fault easily. Now, we summarize the reason, phenomenon and processing methods for three common faults of drive axle.

1. Abnormal Sound
The sound that the drive axle makes is complex to analyze. The situation such as unqualified parts, improper installation and adjustment for the main drive and excessive wear during use can all give rise to sound in the process of traveling and working. Under normal circumstances, the abnormal sound would increase with the rising of the machine speed. The specific situations are listed below.

A. Improper Meshing Clearance of Drive and Driven Gears
a. If the meshing clearance is too large, the teeth of drive gear and driven gear would collide with each other coming with the rhythmless Gedeng sound.
b. If the meshing clearance is too small, the gear teeth would squeeze with each other and generate the consecutive Aoao sound with the drive axle emitting heat.
c. If the meshing clearance is not uniform, the sound would be the rhythmical Genggeng sound. If serious, the drive axle would swing.
The processing method is to disassemble the main drive and to readjust the meshing clearance between the drive gear and driven gear.

B. Improper Bearing Clearance
The small bearing clearance would cause the consecutive Ying sound. The large bearing clearance may lead to the dissonant Hala sound. In this case, dismantle the main drive and readjust the bearing clearance. If the bearing is damaged, replace the damaged one with the new one and then adjust the bearing clearance.

C. Abnormal Sound of Differential
When the planetary gear blocks with the universal joint, the Gaba sound would come out and mostly occur when the machine is making a turn. The sound in the case of poor planetary gear meshing is different in diversified situations. When the machine is running straight, the sound is the Eng type. It would become larger with the increase of the machine speed. The machine can also emit the Gedeng sound when it is making a turn.

The effective method for the fault is to disassemble the main drive and to replace the universal joint or planetary gear.

2. Overheating
After the machine working or traveling for a period of time, if you feel very hot when you touch the axle housing, that is the overheating of the drive axle. The overheating of drive axle is mainly caused by the too tight bearing clearance, too small meshing clearance between drive gear and driven gear as well as lacking of lubricating oil.

In this case, you should check whether the problem originates from the lacking of lubricating oil. If the lubricating oil is sufficient, then dismantle the main drive, check and adjust the bearing clearance or the meshing clearance between the drive gear and driven gear.

3. Oil Leakage
When the machine is running or stops working, the gear oil leakage occurs at the joint of the main drive and axle housing as well as inside of the wheel reduction. The gear oil leakage happening at the joint of the main drive and axle housing is mainly resulted from the loose bolt or damaged asbestos paper gasket. And the gear oil leakage happening inside of the wheel reduction basically arises from the damage of the double lips framework oil seal or O-shaped sealing ring.

The processing method for this phenomenon is to replace the double lips framework oil seal or the asbestos paper gasket.

During use, if the drive axle has the phenomenon of abnormal sound, overheating or oil leakage, the user should stop the machine immediately, investigate the cause and eliminate the fault. Otherwise, the interior parts of the drive axle or wheel reduction would be damaged severely.