Meritor®
- Park the vehicle on a level surface, shut down the engine,
and set the parking brake. Chock the tires.
- Clean the fill plug and the area surrounding the fill plug on the side of the axle carrier. Remove the plug. Check the lubricant level when the axle is cold, or near room temperature.
- Check that the lubricant is level with the bottom of the
fill hole. See Fig.. If low, check for oil leaks, and correct as needed. Add oil to
the level of the fill plug, using the lubricant recommended in Table..
Table 1, Meritor Drive Axle Recommended Lubricant
Meritor Drive Axle Recommended Lubricant
Recommended Lubricant Type
Ambient Temperature
Lubricant SAE Viscosity Grade
Meritor Specification
Synthetic Gear Oil
–40°F (–40°C) and Up 1
75W–90
0–76–N
–40°F (–40°C) and Up
75W–140
0–76–M
- There is no upper limit on these outside temperatures.
Table 1, Meritor Drive Axle Recommended Lubricant
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Correct (lube level at bottom of fill hole)
-
Incorrect (lube level below fill hole)
Fig. 1, Axle Lubricant Level Inspection
- Install and tighten the fill plug 35 lbf·ft (47 N·m).
- Check the axle housing breather. Make sure that it is open
and unclogged. See Fig.. If the breather is plugged or damaged, clean or replace it as needed.
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Axle Housing Breathers
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Carrier Oil Fill Plugs
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Interaxle Differential
Fig. 2, Meritor Axle Housing Breathers
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- On non-drive axles using oil-lubricated wheel bearings,
check the oil level at the wheels, and add oil if low. Use the same
lubricant recommended for the drive axle.
Note: When adding to or checking the oil level, make certain the hub cap and plug are clean before removing the plug; this will minimize the possibility of dirt and road grime entering the assembly.
Notice: Failure to keep the rear axle filled to the proper level with the recommended lubricant can result in rear axle damage.
Notice: When operating under adverse conditions, it may be necessary to change the axle lubricant at more frequent intervals than listed in the scheduled maintenance tables. Failure to do so could result in axle damage.
Important: Oil level must be checked at each M1 interval on Meritor axles.
Note: Some Meritor axles have a small tapped and plugged hole near and below the housing oil fill hole. This smaller hole is for a lubricant temperature indicator only, and should not be used as a fill or level hole.
Important: Always check the axle breather whenever checking the lubricant level. Check the breather more frequently under adverse operating conditions.