After landing the crew noticed a lot of heavy white smoke coming from the wheel #3. Further inspection performed by the maintenance personell revealed that the wheel axle and bearings where full with grease, way too much than allowed. This should have been noticed during the installation of the wheel, but the main cause is the assembly of the wheel in the shop, where there was too much grease applied to the bearings and surrounding area. Also the lubrication of the rim-bolts & nuts of the wheel was done with too much grease, as seen on the pictures. During the installation of the wheel on the a/c the axle should be cleaned and no excessive grease may be left on the axle. See the statement in the AMM: CAUTION:DO NOT APPLY GREASE TO THE AREA BETWEEN THE AXLE BEARINGS. HIGH TEMPERATURES IN THIS AREA DURING A LANDING CAN CAUSE ALL GREASE IN THIS AREA TO BURN. THIS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO WHEELS, TIRES, AND BRAKES.  SeeTASK 32-45-11-400-801

 

 

 

 

 

 

> FOR INFORMATION ONLY. UNCONTROLLED DATA !.