Wheel end assembly lubricating grease tool

Abstract

A grease tool for a combined wheel end assembly is provided. The grease tool can have a plug having a fluid conduit to place a lubrication source in fluid communication with an inner bearing and a cap having a fluid conduit to place the lubrication source in fluid communication with an outer bearing. The grease tool can include a cylindrical body having an inner bearing support and an outer bearing support. The cylindrical body has an inner rotor and disc and an outer rotor and disc, wherein the inner rotor and the outer rotor move the discs between an extended position and a retracted position.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Patent Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 904,810, filed September 24, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in full. BACKGROUND

[0003] A wheel end assembly generally includes a body or hub that defines a cavity that houses a wheel spindle, a main shaft, etc. The body houses an inboard bearing assembly, a spacer (optionally), and an outboard bearing assembly. The spacer is generally used to maintain a distance between the inboard bearing assembly and the outboard bearing assembly and can allow for limited movement of both so that the bearings and associated races / cups can be properly seated. Typically, the wheel end assembly also includes a main shaft nut, an oil seal, and a retainer that are located on the assembly.

[0004] The inboard bearing assembly is located on the inboard side and is defined by the oil seal. The oil seal secures the inboard side of the wheel end assembly to prevent further movement of the inboard bearing, the spacer, etc. An end cap or retainer is typically placed on the outboard bearing and coupled to the body to prevent the wheel end assembly from unloading to the outboard side of the body.

[0005] A current trend is to provide a unitized wheel end assembly. The unitized wheel end assembly is shipped fully assembled and is generally ready for installation on a vehicle main shaft. While there are many benefits to providing a unitized wheel end assembly for installation, one drawback is that the inboard bearing assembly and the outboard bearing assembly are often dry, e.g., they are not packed with a lubricant such as grease.

[0006] To pack the inboard bearing and the outboard bearing with lubricant, the unitized wheel end assembly can be disassembled and packed with lubricant. However, this defeats the purpose of providing a unitized wheel end assembly because the assembly of the wheel end is arduous, cumbersome, and difficult.

[0007] In some applications, the wheel end bearings are installed on the main shaft in a dry manner. The cavity of the wheel end assembly is generally provided with lubricant. It is desirable that during operation, the lubricant from the cavity is transferred to the inboard bearing and the outboard bearing. However, this is a less than ideal solution because the degree of lubrication to the bearings is unknown and the lubricant in the wheel end is often viscous and has limited flowability.

[0008] Therefore, contrary to the background art described above, there is a need for a tool that allows for packing of lubricant into the inboard bearing and the outboard bearing of a wheel end assembly. SUMMARY

[0009] This summary is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the detailed description below. This summary and the above background technology are not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. In addition, this summary is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] In some aspects of the technology, a grease system for providing lubricant to an inner bearing and an outer bearing of a modular wheel-end assembly is provided. The grease system has an internal grease tool and an external grease tool. The internal grease tool includes a plug having a sidewall that is shaped to engage the modular wheel-end assembly. The plug includes a fluid conduit formed in the plug, wherein the fluid conduit includes an inlet configured to fluidically connect a lubrication source to the fluid conduit and an outlet formed in the sidewall of the plug in fluid communication with the fluid conduit so that lubricant can be delivered from the lubrication source to the inner bearing. The external grease tool includes a cap configured to couple to a retainer of the modular wheel-end assembly. The cap includes the fluid conduit. The external grease tool includes an inlet and an outlet, wherein the outlet is proximal to the outer bearing to fluidically connect the lubrication source to the outer bearing of the modular wheel-end assembly. In some aspects, the cap includes a cover portion coupled to a base.

[0011] In some embodiments, the internal grease tool and the external grease tool are coupled via a cylindrical body. In other embodiments, the internal grease tool and the external grease tool are separate tools that can function together.

[0012] In some aspects of the technology, a grease system for providing lubricant to inner and outer bearings of a modular wheel-end assembly is provided. The grease system includes a body configured to fit within a spindle bore of the modular wheel-end assembly, wherein the body has a proximal side and a distal side, the proximal side being configured proximal to the inner bearing of the modular wheel-end assembly, and the distal side being opposite the proximal side and being configured proximal to the outer bearing of the modular wheel-end assembly. An inner rotor and an outer rotor are rotationally coupled to the body. The inner rotor is operably coupled to a retractable inner disc. The outer rotor is operably coupled to a retractable outer disc. Rotation of the inner and outer rotors causes the retractable inner and outer discs to move between extended and retracted positions. A plurality of fluid conduits extending through the body are configured to deliver lubricant to chambers adjacent the inner and outer bearings when the inner and outer rotors are in the extended position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the body is coupled to a rod that rotates the inner / outer rotors.

[0014] These and other aspects of the present systems and methods will be apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and accompanying figures herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present application, including preferred embodiments, will be described with reference to the following figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. Note that for purposes of clarity, not every component is called out in the figures.

[0016] Figure 1a and Figure 1b is a cross-sectional view of a wheel end assembly that can use the technology of the present application.

[0017] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a grease system consistent with the technology of the present application.

[0018] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a grease system consistent with the technology of the present application similar to Figure 2 .

[0019] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a grease system consistent with the technology of the present application.

[0020] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a grease system consistent with the technology of the present application.

[0021] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a grease system of Figure 5 in a retracted (or installed) state.

[0022] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a grease system of Figure 5 in an extended (or lubricant delivery) state.

[0023] Figure 8 is a plan view of a rotor of a grease system of Figure 5 .

[0024] Figure 9 are perspective views of a grease system of Figure 5 in a retracted state and an extended state.

[0025] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a grease system of Figure 5 with portions removed to better illustrate the chambers.

[0026] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a grease system consistent with the technology of the present application.

[0027] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a grease system consistent with the technology of the present application.

[0028] Figure 13is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a grease system consistent with the technology of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The technology of the present application will now be described further herein below, with reference to the drawings, which form a part of this application, and which illustrate specific exemplary embodiments. The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative of the present application rather than limiting thereof, as this application is capable of being practiced in numerous and various forms. These embodiments are presented solely to provide a thorough description of the application. Thus, the specific embodiments set forth below are not to be interpreted as limiting.

[0030] The technology of the present application is described with particular reference to a combined wheel end assembly for a heavy duty vehicle. However, the technology described herein can be used in applications other than those specifically described herein. For example, the technology of the present application can be applied to other wheel ends, non-combined wheel ends, etc. Further, the technology of the present application will be described in connection with exemplary embodiments. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. In addition, unless otherwise specifically noted, the embodiments described herein are to be construed as exemplary.

[0031] Reference is now made to Figure 1a and Figure 1b , cross-sectional views of combined wheel end assemblies 10 and 10' are provided. Combined wheel end assembly 10 includes a hub 12 (or body 12) which, among other things, defines a cavity 14, an inboard oil seal 16, an inboard bearing assembly 18, an outboard bearing assembly 20, a spacer 22, and a combined nut assembly 24. Inboard bearing assembly 18 includes bearing races and cups, outboard bearing assembly 20 also includes bearing races and cups, spacer 22 is located between inboard bearing assembly 18 and outboard bearing assembly 20, and combined nut assembly 24 generally includes the necessary elements to secure the combined wheel end assembly to a vehicle spindle. Retainers 26 are provided on combined nut assembly 24.

[0032] Combined wheel end assembly 10' is similar to combined wheel end assembly 10, but does not include a spacer. Combined wheel end assembly 10' includes a hub 12' (or body 12') which, among other things, defines a cavity 14', an inboard oil seal 16', an inboard bearing assembly 18', an outboard bearing assembly 20', and a combined nut assembly 24'. Inboard bearing assembly 18' includes bearing races and cups, outboard bearing assembly 20' also includes bearing races and cups. Retainers 26' are provided on combined nut assembly 24'.

[0033] Reference is now made toFigure 2 A grease system 200 is provided that allows for filling of both the inner bearing and the outer bearing. As shown in Figure 2 the grease system includes an inner grease tool 210 and an outer grease tool 250.

[0034] The inner grease tool 210 is generally a plug 212 sized to fit within the spindle bore 214 of the combined wheel end assembly 216. The wheel end assembly 216 is shown with a spacer 218, such as the spacer associated with International Application PCT / US18 / 51434 entitled “Spacer to Enhance Lubrication for Wheelend Assembly,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. However, the spacer 218 is optional and the grease system 200 functions when the wheel end assembly does not have a spacer. The plug 212 can include a cylindrical body 220 with a tapered end 222. The tapered end 222 has a first diameter Dl at a first terminal end 223 of the cylindrical body 220. The first diameter Dl is less than the diameter D2 of the spindle bore. The cylindrical body has a second diameter D3 at a transition 224 between the tapered end 222 and the rest of the plug 212. The second diameter D3 is greater than the spindle bore diameter D2 such that the plug 212 forms a tapered lock with the seal inner diameter. While the tapered lock connection facilitates placement of the plug 212 in the seal inner diameter, the plug 212 can be held with a tool or by hand while filling the bearings to ensure that the plug does not dislodge during operation.

[0035] The plug 212 is formed with an internal fluid passage 225. The fluid passage 225 has an inlet 226 shown generally at a central location 227 on the top surface 228 of the plug 212 and a plurality of outlets 229 shown generally on the radial sidewall of the plug 212. The outlets 229 are located proximate to the inner bearing 230 of the combined wheel end assembly 216. As shown, the inlet 226 is connected with the outlets in a hub and spoke configuration. While shown as a single inlet 226, the plug 212 can have multiple inlets 226 and in certain embodiments can have multiple inlets and outlets. The inlet 226 is configured with a fitting for receiving a conduit or hose to place the inlet 226 in fluid communication with a source of lubrication (not specifically shown), such as grease. While shown with multiple outlets 229 in a hub and spoke arrangement, in certain embodiments the plug 212 can include a single outlet 229. The lubricant from the single outlet 229 will flow from one bearing to the next under pressure from a grease gun or the like until all of the bearings are lubricated.

[0036] The external grease tool 250 is generally a cap 252 sized to fit over the nut assembly 24 (or 24'). The cap 252 can be formed in a base 253 and a cover 254. The base 253 is coupled to the wheel end assembly 216 and the cover 254 is coupled to the base 253. Both couplings can be by friction fit or threaded connection. During use, the cap 252 can be held on the nut assembly 24 (or 24') manually or with a tool to ensure that the cap 252 does not come off during operation.

[0037] The cap 252 is formed with an internal fluid conduit 255 that can be formed by a gap between the base 253 and the cover 254 when coupled together. The base 253 and the cover 254 can be coupled using a threaded connection T. As shown, the fluid conduit 255 includes an inlet 256 generally at the center of the cover 254 and has a fitting 257 to place a source of lubrication (not specifically shown) in fluid communication with the fluid conduit 255. The cap 252 is also formed with a plurality of outlets 258 that are located near the outer bearings 259 of the combined wheel end 216. While shown with a plurality of outlets 258 in the form of a hub and spoke arrangement, the cap 252 can include a single outlet 258 in certain embodiments. Lubricant from the single outlet 258 will flow from one bearing to the next under pressure from a grease gun or the like until all of the bearings are lubricated.

[0038] Figure 3 Another grease system 300 is shown that is similar to the above-described grease system 200. The grease system 300 includes an internal grease tool 310 and an external grease tool 350. The internal grease 310 is similar to the above-described internal grease tool 210 but has a significantly smaller profile. The external grease tool 350 is provided as a plurality of ports 352 that are disposed in the retainer 26 (or 26') of the combined wheel end assembly 216. In this example embodiment, at least one of the ports, such as the port 352', has an inlet 353 adapted to place a source of lubrication in fluid communication with the port 352'. The port 352' also includes an outlet 354 proximal of the outer bearing. Lubricant is moved from the source of lubrication to the inlet 353 via a grease gun or the like, through the port 352', and out the outlet 354 so that the lubricant flows to the outer bearing. A second one of the plurality of ports 352, such as the port 352", can be configured as a vent having an inlet 355 and an outlet 356. In certain embodiments, the external grease tool 350 can include a single port 352'.

[0039] Generally, Figure 2 and Figure 3The tool shown in the middle is used for in-field or after-market application of lubrication to the bearings of the combined wheel end assembly 216. Operation of the lubrication systems 200 and 300 includes orienting the combined wheel end assembly 216 to receive the lubrication. To fill the inner bearing with lubrication, the plug 212 is pushed into the spindle hole (or bearing opening). As described above, the plug 212 can form a tapered lock or can be held in place. The lubrication source is coupled to the inlet 226 using the appropriate fitting. The lubricant, such as grease or semi-fluid lubricant, is added to the bearing. The lubrication will move between the seal 217 and the inner bearing 18 (or 18') to fill the cavity 219 formed between the inner bearing and the seal. As lubricant from the lubrication source continues to flow into the cavity 219, the lubricant is pushed into the bearing rollers and out the opposite end. The lubricant also flows to the successive bearings. Once the desired amount of lubricant has been used, the tool is removed and the combined wheel end assembly 216 is placed on the spindle in the conventional manner.

[0040] Once the inner bearing is filled, the combined wheel end assembly 216 is placed on the spindle. The outer lubrication tool 250 is assembled on the holder. The outer lubrication tool 300 can be formed as part of the holder. Similar to the above, the outer lubrication tool is coupled to or held in place. The lubrication source is coupled to the inlet 257 (sometimes referred to as fitting or port 352'). The lubricant is caused to flow from the lubrication source, through the inlet, the fluid conduit, and the outlet, to the outer bearing. Once the appropriate amount of lubricant has been applied to the outer bearing, the outer lubrication tool is removed.

[0041] After the above procedure, the inner bearing and the outer bearing are filled with lubricant, and the combined wheel end assembly is ready to be coupled to the vehicle spindle. Once the lubricant is added to the cavity 14 (or 14') in the wheel hub 12 (or 12'), the combined wheel end is ready for operation.

[0042] Figure 4 Another lubrication system 400 is shown, which is partially similar to the above-described lubrication systems. A lubrication system 400 is shown for a wheel end assembly 402 having an outer bearing 404 with a diameter 404 d that is smaller than the diameter 406 d of the inner bearing 406. The smaller outer bearing diameter 404 dA cylindrical body 408 is allowed to be inserted through a spindle bore 410 of the wheel end assembly 402. The cylindrical body 408 is coupled to an outer plug 412 at a proximal end 410. The outer plug 412 is sized to fit in the wheel end 402 and can include a flanged surface 414 and an annular tang 416 to form a sealed engagement with the wheel end 402. The outer plug 412 has an inner bearing fluid passage 418 and an outer bearing fluid passage 420. A distal end 422 of the cylindrical body 408 includes an inner plug 424. The inner plug 424 has a flanged surface 426 with an annular tang 428 to form a sealed engagement with the wheel end 402. The distal end 422 of the cylindrical body 408 also includes an inner barrier 430 with an annular rim 432 that forms a sealed engagement with the outer bearing 404. The flanged surface 426 and the inner barrier 430 can be flexible members to allow them to be bent so that they can be inserted into the cavity of the wheel end and also have enough rigidity so that when lubricant flows in the outer bearing fluid passage 420, the flanged surface 426 and the inner barrier 430 contain the lubricant so that it fills the outer bearing 404. The inner bearing fluid passage 418 and the outer bearing fluid passage 420 each have a fitting 432 to couple the fluid passages to a source of lubricant (not specifically shown).

[0043] Figure 5 An internal grease system 500 is shown with an internal grease tool portion 502 and an external grease tool portion 504. Generally, the internal grease system 500 will be used with a stand 506 and a wheel end assembly 508 is removably coupled to the stand 506 such as by a fitting, clamp, or the like. For simplicity, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The internal grease system 500 is shown removed from the wheel end assembly 508. Figure 6 The internal grease system 500 is shown configured to be inserted through a spindle bore 510 (retracted position RP) and Figure 7 The internal grease system 500 is shown configured to distribute lubricant to an outer bearing 512 and an inner bearing 514 (extended position EP).

[0044] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The internal grease system 500 will be explained in more detail. The internal grease system 500 has a proximal side 602 (which can be referred to as the internal grease tool portion 502) and a distal side 604 (which can be referred to as the external grease tool portion 504). The stand 506 has a bore 606 (which can be referred to as the internal grease tool portion 502) and a distal side 608 (which can be referred to as the external grease tool portion 504). The wheel end assembly 508 has a proximal side 610 (which can be referred to as the internal grease tool portion 502) and a distal side 612 (which can be referred to as the external grease tool portion 504). Figure 5), the shaft 607 of the internal lubricant system 500 extends through the hole 606. It can be appreciated that the bracket 506 can serve as the plug described above. The shaft 607 extends from the proximal side 602 to the distal side 604, the shaft 607 includes a fluid passage and conduit similar to those described above. The hole 606 houses a nut 614, which houses the shaft 607 of the internal lubricant system 500.

[0045] The bracket 506 has a slot 608 Figure 5 ), which houses a rod 610, which will be explained further below. The rod 610 is coupled to an adapter 612 (or sleeve 612), which is rotationally coupled to the shaft 607. The adapter 612 is rotationally coupled to the internal lubricant system 500 using a bearing 609, such as a shown needle bearing. The rod 610 is rotatable in the slot 608. The adapter 612 rotates in the internal lubricant system 500 with the rod 610. The adapter 612 is coupled to an inner rotor 618 and an outer rotor 620 (see Figure 8 ). Rotation of the adapter 612 causes the inner rotor 618 and the outer rotor 620 to rotate. During rotation of the rotors 618, 620, a plurality of pins 622 move in a movement guide 624 Figure 8 ) from an inner position 626 to an outer position 628. Movement of the pins 622 in the movement guide 624 causes a slider 631 to move from a retracted position (see Figure 6 ) to an extended position (see Figure 7 ). Movement of the slider 631 causes a disc 630 (or fin 630) to extend from the cylindrical body of the internal lubricant system 500 to form a barrier. As Figure 5 shown, when extended, the disc 630 forms a flow path from the fluid passage and conduit to the inner and outer bearings. Figure 9 Perspective views showing the slider 631 and disc 630 in the retracted and extended positions are shown.

[0046] The internal lubricant system 500 extends from the inner side of the wheel end to the outer side of the wheel end and is coupled to an inner side nut 614 and an outer side nut 632. The internal lubricant system 500 does not extend beyond the retainer and spindle nut. The generally cylindrical body of the internal lubricant system 500 has an outer bearing support 634 on the distal side 604, which in this example embodiment is an annular protrusion and flange surface. The outer bearing support 604 is also internal and abuts the outer bearing. The internal lubricant system 500 also includes an inner bearing support 636 on the proximal side 602. In this example embodiment, the inner bearing support 636 can be an annular surface on the cylindrical body.

[0047] In this example, the lubricant flow for the inner bearing and the outer bearing is along the disc 630 to the chamber C formed by the disc 630 and the inner and outer bearings. Figure 10 One form of the internal grease system 500 is shown, with other portions not shown or not labeled, so that the chamber C is more easily seen. The lubricant is brought into the bearings from the hub side of the wheel end assembly. During operation, the wheel end assembly is slid onto the cylindrical body of the grease tool system and arranged horizontally (similar to how it is deployed on the vehicle). As the wheel end is deployed on the internal grease system, the lever is rotated to rotate the rotor and move the barrier from the retracted position to the extended position. The lubricant source is brought into fluid communication with the internal and external fluid passages and the conduit. Once the appropriate amount of lubricant is delivered, the lever or is reversed to retract the barrier to the retracted position. The wheel end is removed from the tool and installed on the vehicle spindle in the conventional manner. It will be appreciated that, Figure 10 The grease tool 650 shown is a slightly different configuration to bring the outer bearing into fluid communication with the lubricant source. In this example, the flow configuration provides a fluid conduit from the retainer side of the combined wheel end assembly, rather than the oil seal end. Figure 10 In this example, the flow configuration provides a fluid conduit from the retainer side of the combined wheel end assembly, rather than the oil seal end.

[0048] Figures 11-13 Optional internal grease systems 700, 800, and 900 are shown. The internal grease systems 700, 800, 900 include inner bearing tool portions 702, 802, 902 and outer bearing tool portions 704, 804, 904, both of which are designed to engage the inner and outer bearings 701 / 703, 801 / 803, 901 / 903 of the wheel end assemblies 705, 805, 905. The internal grease systems 700, 800, 900 include inner bearing supports 706, 806, 906, which are annular surfaces on the inner bearing tool portions 702, 802, 902 of the cylindrical bodies of the internal grease systems 700, 800, 900, and outer bearing supports 708, 808, 908, which are protrusion and flange surfaces on the outer bearing tool portions 704, 804, 904. Rather than a slider 631 that moves from a retracted position to an extended position based on rotation, the internal grease systems 700, 800, 900 include elastic members that elastically deform and fold around the cylindrical body of the internal grease system. The elastic members return to the deployed position to form a seal with the inner and outer bearings.

[0049] While the technology has been described in terms of certain structures or materials, it is contemplated that the application defined in the appended claims can encompass a wider range of structures and / or materials. Therefore, although particular aspects have been described in terms of particular aspects, those skilled in the art will recognize that the application described herein can be practiced with the claim of the application where the practice would be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of one or more of the claims. The application encompasses many alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the endpoints of the ranges can be included or excluded in any given instance. Where

Claims

1. An apparatus configured to allow filling of at least one bearing of a modular wheel-end assembly with lubricant, comprising: An internal grease tool, comprising: a plug having sidewalls shaped to engage the modular wheel end assembly; at least a first fluid conduit formed in the plug, the first fluid conduit comprising: an inlet having a fitting configured to fluidly connect a source of lubrication to the first fluid conduit formed in the plug, and an outlet formed in the sidewall of the plug, the outlet being configured proximal to the at least one bearing, wherein the outlet is configured to form a chamber with the at least one bearing, such that the outlet is configured to be in fluid communication with the at least one bearing through the chamber, such that lubricant for the at least one bearing can flow from the lubrication source through the inlet, the first fluid conduit, the outlet, and the chamber to the at least one bearing until the at least one bearing is filled with the lubricant; and an external grease tool, wherein the external grease tool includes at least a first port, wherein the first port is coupled to a retainer of the modular wheel end assembly and has an inlet and an outlet opposite the inlet, the inlet and the outlet being configured to fluidly connect the lubrication source to the second bearing.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lubricant is grease.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the grease is a semi-fluid grease.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the external grease tool comprises a base coupled to the retainer of the modular wheel end assembly and a cap coupled to the base, wherein a second fluid conduit is formed between the base and the cap, and wherein the cap comprises an inlet and the second fluid conduit comprises an outlet, the outlet being configured to be proximal to at least the second bearing of the modular wheel end assembly.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the external grease tool comprises at least a second port, wherein the second port comprises a vent, the vent comprising an exhaust port and an inlet opposite the exhaust port.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an inner bearing support and an outer bearing support.

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