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..
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Correct (lube level at bottom of fill hole)
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Incorrect (lube level below fill hole)
Fig. 1, Axle Lubricant Level Inspection
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 Up1
75W–90
0–76–N
- There is no upper limit on these outside temperatures, but axle sump temperature must never exceed 250°F (121°C).
Table 1, Meritor Drive Axle Recommended Lubricant
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- 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.
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.