Failures in a load–haul–dump vehicle axle used in deep mining operations

Following the significantly shorter life for overhauled drive axles from load–haul–dump vehicles than had been experienced with original equipment units which already showed a reduced life over that normally expected, an investigation was launched when an axle failed at even lower operating hours than previously experienced. The investigation showed no defect or deficiency in the components used in rebuilding or in assembly, but highlighted the use of a lubricant unsuited to the application. The use of a more appropriate lubricant resulted in much extended service life of both re-manufactured and original equipment units.