Checking the Axle Lubricant

wv mm 35.02

Notice: Failure to keep the rear axle filled to the proper level with the recommended lubricant can result in rear axle damage.

Note: If the vehicle is exposed to water deep enough to cover the hubs, disassemble and inspect them for water damage and/or contamination. See  of the Walk-In Van Chassis Workshop Manual for instructions, or take the vehicle to an authorized Freightliner dealer.

  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. 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. See Fig. for a Detroit axle, or Fig. for a Meritor axle.

    • Front View

    • Rear View

    1. Breather Hose

    2. Axle Housing Breather

    3. Oil Drain Plug

    4. Oil Fill Plug

    Fig. 1, Component Locations, Detroit Axle

    1. Ratio Tag

    2. Drain Plug

    3. Limited Slip Lubrication Tag

    4. Filler Plug

    5. Model Number

    6. Axle Housing Breather

    7. Manufacturing Date

    8. Part Number

    Fig. 2, Rear Axle Differential, Meritor Axle

  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. For a Detroit axle, use the lubricant recommended in Table..
    For a Meritor axle, add SAE 80W-90 multipurpose gear lubricant, or an SAE 75W-90 multipurpose synthetic gear lubricant. Either type of lubricant must meet MIL L-2105-D and be suitable for American Petroleum Institute service classification GL-5.

    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 the oil fill plug and tighten it 30 lbf·ft (41 N·m) for Detroit axles or 35 lbf·ft (47 N·m) for Meritor axles.

    Important: Lubricant used in Detroit rear axles must meet Mercedes-Benz specification 235.20 (mineral) or 235.8 (synthetic). Mobil Delvac™ Gear Oil A 80W-90 and Mobilube™ HD-A Plus 80W-90 meet specification 235.20. Mobil Delvac 1 Gear Oil 75W-90 and Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 meet specification 235.8.

    Note: Detroit rear axles do not require the use of friction modifiers.

      Table 2, Detroit Drive Axle Lubricants

      Type

      Ambient Temperature

      SAE Viscosity Grade

      Mineral Oil

      –15°F (–26.1°C) and up 1

      80W–90

      Synthetic Oil

      –40°F (–40°C) and up 2

      75W–90
      1. There is no upper limit on the ambient temperature.
      2. †  There is no upper limit on the ambient temperature.

      Table 2, Detroit Drive Axle Lubricants

    1. Inspect the axle for signs of leakage. If leakage is indicated and the lubricant level is down, have your dealer perform any necessary maintenance.

      Fig. 3,  Axle Lubricant Level Inspection

    Note:
    Parent topic: Rear Axle
    Document Number: 0000116644
    Manual Publication Date: 2024-05-14
    Topic Publication Date: 2024-11-19