What must be done after servicing wheel bearings on a rear tandem axle?

After servicing wheel bearings on a rear tandem axle, it is essential to ensure that the axle housing is properly filled with oil. Tilting the axle housing allows for an even distribution of lubricant, which is crucial for the proper operation of the wheel bearings and the overall health of the axle assembly. Sufficient lubrication prevents overheating, friction, and wear, thus prolonging the life of the bearings and ensuring optimal performance of the axle system.

Other practices, such as checking brake lining thickness or torquing the axle locknut, are important maintenance tasks but are not directly related to the immediate requirement of ensuring that the hubs are filled with oil after servicing the wheel bearings. Consequently, tilting the axle to fill the hubs addresses the critical need for proper lubrication in this scenario.