Detroit™

p3 mm 35.02.001
    Notice: Failure to keep the rear axle filled to the proper level with the recommended lubricant can result in rear axle damage.
  1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, shut down the engine, and set the parking brake. Chock the tires.
  2. If the vehicle has just been driven, allow a few minutes for the lubricant to settle.
    3. Important: On Detroit axles, the oil change interval for long haul vehicles can be extended to 500,000 miles (800 000 km) for axles with weight ratings of 34,000 to 40,000 lb (15 000 to 18 000 kg) using synthetic lubricant if a lubricant analysis shows adequate quality. Oil must be changed at least every four years, and more often if the axle is exposed to high temperatures and steep grades.
  3. Clean the fill plug and the area surrounding the fill plug on the side of the axle carrier. Remove the plug. Check lubricant level when the axle is cold, or near room temperature.
    4. Note: Some Detroit 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.
  4. 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..

    • Correct (lube level at bottom of fill hole).

    • Incorrect (lube level below fill hole).

    Fig. 1, Axle Lubricant Level Inspection

    Detroit Rear Axle Lubricant Capacity

    Table 1, Detroit Rear Axle Lubricant Capacity, Model 4 and Model 6 (Hubs Full)

    Axle

    Oil Capacity: Quarts (liters)

    Forward-Rear, Model 4

    14.3 (13.5) 1

    Single and Rearmost Tandem, Model 4

    10.6 (10.0) 23

    Single, Model 2

    5.8 (5.5)23
    1. These values assume the wheel ends are properly lubricated. Actual oil capacity might vary slightly depending on gear ratio.
    2. These values assume the wheel ends are properly lubricated. Actual oil capacity might vary slightly depending on gear ratio.
    3. These values assume the wheel ends are properly lubricated. Actual oil capacity might vary slightly depending on gear ratio.

    Table 1, Detroit Rear Axle Lubricant Capacity, Model 4 and Model 6 (Hubs Full)

    5. Important: A lubricant level close enough to be seen or touched is not sufficient. It must be level with the bottom of the fill hole.
  5. Install and tighten the fill plug 30 lbf·ft (41 N·m).
    6. Important: Always check the axle breather whenever checking the lubricant level. Check the breather more frequently under adverse operating conditions.
  6. Check the axle housing breather (see Fig.). Make sure that it is open and unclogged. If the breather is plugged or damaged, clean or replace it as needed.

    • Front View.

    • Rear View.

    1. Axle Breather

    2. Breather Hose

    3. Temperature Sensor Port

    4. Oil Fill Plug

    Fig. 2, Detroit Model 4 and Model 6 Tandem Axle (forward axle shown)

Note:
INSPECT
Parent topic: All Axle Models
Document Number: 0000113632
Manual Publication Date: 2024-05-15
Topic Publication Date: 2025-12-08