Dana Upgrades LMS Wheel Ends, Steer Axles
An improved hubcap extends the life and further reduces needed work on Dana's Low Maintenance System (LMS) wheel-end assemblies, while Dana Spicer Integral Arm Steer Axles get durability improvements.
The hubcap's new features prevent build up of lube pressure while keeping contaminants from entering the hub, Dana managers said. A patent-pending venting system relieves pressure at under 5psi without a continuously open port or restrictive filter membrane that could clog. A molded vent, fitted to the hubcap window, seals the entire surface of the window opening.
A contaminant exclusion system prevents water from entering the wheel-end assembly due to high-pressure washer spray or when wheels are submerged in water. A magnetized side-fill plug traps metallic wear particles. A flush-mounted, fusion-bonded window eliminates the need for screws, gaskets and pressure fittings that might loosen and leak.
The lightweight, corrosion-resistant hub material is 1- to 1.5-lbs. lighter and significantly stronger than aluminum hubcaps.
Improvements to the Integral Arm Steer Axles include a kingpin retention system using two drawkeys and a spring washer for easier alignment, and a more robust beam forging. A "power rib" beam weighs less than before, while offering greater stiffness for less caster change, and therefore better handling, during braking.
Patented compressible kingpin inserts, which were offered as part of an LMS package option, for lube intervals of 100,000 miles, are now included as standard on all models.
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