SMB-141 – Steering Knuckle Lubrication – New Flyer

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
NEW FLYER	NEW FLYER	9999

SMB-141B 1 of 3
SERVICE MANUAL BULLETIN
This Service Manual Bulletin is prepared by the Publications Department of New Flyer Industries
Canada ULC. Refer to details below.
The New Flyer vehicles described in this manual may be protected by one or more
patents and design applications or registrations in the United States and Canada,
and in other countries. Refer to “Vehicle Patent Information” in this manual.
Copyright © 2016 New Flyer Industries Canada ULC
ISSUE DATE: Jan 26 2016
SMB-141B
APPLICABILITY
VEHICLE LENGTH  30ft.  35ft.  40ft.  60ft.  ALL
VEHICLE TYPE
 Xcelsior®  MiDi®  Invero®
 ALL
 Low Floor  High Floor
FUEL TYPE
 Diesel  Diesel/Electric  CNG  LNG
 ALL
 Fuel Cell  Trolley/Electric  Battery/Electric
SUBJECT Steering Knuckle Lubrication
Model VOK-07-F
SECTION TITLE PM – PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
INITIAL DETAILS This bulletin provides revised OEM information for lubricating the front
steering knuckle bearings on MAN VOK-07-F front axles. Revision B provides
clarification and more detail on the lubrication procedure.
This information supersedes all prior information on this subject already
provided in your New Flyer Service Manuals. Make this Service Bulletin
available to service personnel to inform them of changed information.
REV B DETAILS SMB141 dated Mar 04 2015 has been revised to:
❒ Provide additional detail on the greasing procedure
❒ Provide troubleshooting procedures
2 of 3 SMB-141B
SERVICE MANUAL BULLETIN
SMB-141B
The New Flyer vehicles described in this manual may be protected by one or more
patents and design applications or registrations in the United States and Canada,
and in other countries. Refer to “Vehicle Patent Information” in this manual.
Copyright © 2016 New Flyer Industries Canada ULC
1. Steering Knuckle
Lubrication
Lubricate the upper and lower steering
knuckle bearing every six months if operating
under harsh winter conditions where
the vehicle is exposed to salt spray or
extremes of temperature. It is recommended
that the bearings be greased
before the start of the winter season, and
then again immediately following the winter
season. Do not grease more frequently
than recommended.
☞NOTE:
The lubrication interval may be extended
to once every year or 36,000 miles (58,000
km), whichever occurs first, if operating
under less harsh conditions.
1. Remove upper and lower dust caps, if
installed, and discard. See “Fig. 1: Steering
Knuckle Lubrication” on page 2.
☞NOTE:
Newer axles with N2G calipers do not have
dust caps and are fitted with a 45° grease
fitting and a protective red plastic cap on
the upper and lower bearings.
2. Replace upper and lower bearing straight
grease fittings with a 45° angle fitting if not
already done so.
3. Ensure the wheels are supporting the
weight of the vehicle. Do not lift on the axle
or chassis with the wheels hanging unsupported,
as this will prevent proper lubrication
of the upper bearing.
4. Remove the protective plastic cap from the
grease fitting and clean the fitting and surrounding
area.
Fig. 1: Steering Knuckle Lubrication
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SMB-141B 3 of 3
SERVICE MANUAL BULLETIN
SMB-141B
The New Flyer vehicles described in this manual may be protected by one or more
patents and design applications or registrations in the United States and Canada,
and in other countries. Refer to “Vehicle Patent Information” in this manual.
Copyright © 2016 New Flyer Industries Canada ULC
5. Ensure that the adapter on the grease gun
properly fits the grease fitting.
DO NOT over-pressurize the bearing
cavity when greasing the bearing, as
this could cause the sealing washer,
located below the circlip, to bulge outward.
Replace sealing washer if distorted.
6. Lubricate the upper bearing first. Use only
RenoLit LX-OTP-2 lubricant and continue
to apply grease until the old grease begins
to escape from between the steering
knuckle and axle I-beam. It is not necessary
to completely purge all of the old
grease.
☞NOTE:
If the lower bearing is lubricated first, it will
tend to minimize the cavity above the
upper kingpin bearing and restrict grease
flow to the upper bearing.
7. Lubricate the lower bearing, same as the
upper bearing.
8. If difficulty is experienced lubricating either
the upper or lower bearing, Refer to 1.1.
“Lubrication Troubleshooting” on page 3 for
troubleshooting proceedures.
9. Clean any excess grease from the steering
knuckle joint as well as the area above the
sealing washer.
10.Install protective plastic cap on grease fitting.
11.Once the upper and lower bearings have
been greased, pack the sealing washer
cavity with a preservation wax to prevent
corrosion of the sealing washer.
☞NOTE:
Newer axles with N2G calipers will have
painted sealing washers to prevent corrosion
of the washer and will not require the
wax.
1.1. Lubrication Troubleshooting
Use the following checks and procedures if
difficulty is experienced lubricating the
bearings:
1. If neither bearing is taking grease, proceed
as follows:
a. Confirm that the weight of the vehicle is
on the wheels when applying grease.
b. Confirm that the proper grease gun
adapter is being used.
c. If excessive greasing pressures are
being used, a hydraulic lock may form
and prevent the flow of grease. Relieve
the excessive pressure by turning the
wheels fully left and right several times.
If grease pressure will not relieve, proceed
to the following step.
☞NOTE:
Replace the sealing washer if any evidence
of distortion or bulging is noted.
d. Use a thin punch or similar tool to
depress the check ball in the grease fitting
and allow grease to escape. If
grease pressure still won’t relieve, proceed
to the following step.
e. Remove the circlip and sealing washer,
wipe off the grease, and turn the
wheels fully left and right several times.
f. Install new grease fitting and ensure it
does not protrude into the kingpin cavity.
Reinstall sealing washer and circlip.
2. If only the upper bearing is not taking
grease, proceed as follows:
a. Confirm that the weight of the vehicle is
on the wheels when applying grease.
b. Remove the snap ring and sealing
washer and examine the grease fitting
to ensure that it is flush with the sealing
washer and does not protrude into the
kingpin cavity.
☞NOTE:
The use of a non-specified grease fitting
with longer threads could result in the
grease fitting contacting the upper kingpin
surface and effectively blocking the flow of
grease. Refer to your New Flyer Parts
Manual for correct grease fitting application. 

MC-10110588-9999

MC-10110471-9999