How to maintain axles to extend their service life?

11 Mar 2026

Axles are key components for the safety, performance and longevity of your agricultural and industrial vehicles. Regular maintenance and use in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations not only help optimize their service life but also ensure reliable operation over time.

Here are the essential best practices to follow.

Respect load and speed limits

Overloading or excessive speed leads to premature wear of components and may even cause failures. Monroc products must be used in accordance with their intended operating conditions, particularly in terms of:

• load
• speed

Use only genuine Monroc parts

To ensure the conformity and safety of your axles, it is essential to use only Monroc spare parts and accessories.

Genuine Monroc parts ensure:

• perfect compatibility with the axle
• maintained performance
• compliance with standards and approvals

Respect maintenance intervals

Regular maintenance helps detect potential issues early and avoid costly repairs.

It is essential to follow the maintenance intervals recommended by the manufacturer and to implement a rigorous monitoring of inspections.

This includes in particular:

• checking the overall condition of components
• monitoring the wear of mechanical parts
• supervising safety-related components
• carrying out lubrication and adjustment operations

Planned and consistent maintenance over time is a key factor in preserving the reliability and longevity of the axle.

Wheel tightening

Wheel tightening must be checked:

• during the first commissioning of the vehicle
• after the first use or after 1,000 km
• then every 5,000 km and/or once a year

Incorrect tightening may cause abnormal stresses on components, premature wear and potential damage. Regular checks ensure safety and proper operation of the running assembly.

Monitor and maintain the braking system

The braking system must be checked and adjusted at every use.

Service pressures must be strictly respected:

Hydraulic system: service pressure 100 bar – maximum allowable pressure 150 bar
Pneumatic system: service pressure 6.5 bar – maximum allowable pressure 8 bar

Beyond these values, braking performance is no longer compliant and the braking system will deteriorate.

Brake shoes must be replaced as soon as the minimum lining wear limit is reached or if a defect appears on the linings (cracks, torn pieces, etc.).

Ensure regular lubrication

Lubrication is an essential part of maintenance:

• grease all lubrication points
• ensure that components remain properly lubricated over time

Insufficient lubrication accelerates mechanical wear and reduces the service life of the axle.

Steering and self-steering axles

• Pivot points should be greased before each working season to extend the service life of the axle.
• The rocker arm pins must be greased at each working season.

Steered axles

Grease nipples are provided:

• on the pivots
• on certain ball joint models
• on the drawbar hub

Grease should be topped up once a year depending on the intensity of use.

Protect components against corrosion

It is important to regularly check the condition of components:

• clean parts if corrosion appears
• prevent oxidation through proper maintenance

All Monroc hub caps are screwed: their tightening must be checked regularly, especially after shocks or incidents.
They must be replaced immediately in case of loss or damage (holes) in order to protect the internal components of the hub.

Proper maintenance for long-term performance

A well-maintained axle is safer, more efficient and more durable. By following Monroc’s recommendations regarding use, maintenance and spare parts, you significantly extend the service life of your equipment.

Need technical advice or support for maintaining your axles?
Contact the Monroc team — we are here to help.