Filling the Axle
A regular schedule for changing the axle lubricant in a particular vehicle and operation can be accurately determined by analyzing oil samples taken from the axle at specified intervals or mileages. Lubricant suppliers frequently make their laboratory facilities available for determining the useful life of their product under actual service conditions. The final schedule that is recommended may, for economic reasons, be related to lubricant changes that are governed by climatic conditions and magnetic plug maintenance. Change lubricant type and viscosity as climatic temperatures demand, regardless of vehicle mileage or established change schedule.
The normal operating temperature of compounded lubricants during the summer season is about 160 to 220°F (71 to 104°C). The chemicals and additives that give these lubricants increased load carrying capacity oxidize faster at temperatures above 220°F (104°C), contributing to more rapid lubricant deterioration. For this reason, lubricants of this type that operate continuously at high temperatures must be changed more frequently.
Notice: Failure to change the axle lubricant at more frequent intervals, when adverse operating conditions require, could result in axle damage.
- With the vehicle on a level surface, fill the axle housings to the bottom of the oil fill hole (in the carrier or housing) with recommended lubricant; see Table . Refer to Table for Detroit drive axle lubricant capacities or Table for Meritor drive axle lubricant capacities.
- Install the fill hole plug and tighten it 30 lbf·ft
(41 N·m) for Detroit axles or 35 lbf·ft (47 N·m)
for Meritor axles.
- After filling the carrier and housing assembly with lubricant,
drive the vehicle unloaded for one or two miles (two or three kilometers)
at speeds not to exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) to thoroughly circulate the
lubricant throughout the assembly.
Table 1, Drive Axle Recommended Lubricant, Meritor Axles
Recommended Lubricant Type
Ambient Temperature
Lubricant SAE Viscosity Grade
Hypoid Gear Oil API Service Classification GL–5
10°F (–12.2°C) and up 1
85W–140
–15°F (–26.1°C) and up
80W–90
–40°F (–40°C) and up
75W–90
–40°F (–40°C) to 35°F (2°C)
75W
–40°F (–40°C) and up
75W–140
Synthetic Gear Oil
–40°F (–40°C) and up
75W–90
–40°F (–40°C) and up
75W–140
- There is no upper limit on the ambient temperature.
Table 1, Drive Axle Recommended Lubricant, Meritor Axles
Table 2, Detroit Drive Axle Lubricant Capacities
Axle Model 1
Capacity 2: pints (L)
ARS–13.0–2
15 (7)
ARS–15.0–2
15 (7)
ARS–17.5–2
15 (7)
ARS–19.0–2
15 (7)
ARS–20.0–2
15 (7)
ARS–21.0–2
15 (7)
ARS–21.0–4
23 (11)
ARS–23.0–4
23 (11)
- Model code may have a "D" in the prefix (for example, DA–RS–13.0–2).
- Quantities listed are approximate and include 1 pint (0.5 liter) for each wheel end and with the drive pinion at 3 degrees.
Table 2, Detroit Drive Axle Lubricant Capacities
Table 3, Meritor Drive Axle Lubricant Capacities
Axle Model
Capacity 1: pints (L)
MS–10–113D
14 (6.6)
MS–12–113D
15 (7.1)
RS–13–120
18.4 (8.7)
RS–15–120
14.3 (6.8)
RS–17–145
33.6 (15.9)
RS–17–144
32.3 (15.3)
RS–19–144
32.3 (15.3)
RS–19–145
33.2 (15.7)
RS–21–145
32.3 (15.3)
RS–21–160
39.5 (18.7)
RS–21–230
38.9 (18.4)
RS–23–160
39.5 (18.7)
RS–23–161
39.5 (18.7)
RS–23–186
47.3 (22.4)
RS–23–240
37.4 (17.7)
RS–26–185
38.0 (18.0)
RS–30–185
38.0 (18.0)
- Quantities listed are approximate and include 1 pint (0.5 liter) for each wheel end and with the drive pinion at 3 degrees.
Table 3, Meritor Drive Axle Lubricant Capacities
Note: Some Meritor axles have a small tapped and plugged hole located below the housing oil fill hole. This smaller hole is for the lubricant temperature sensor only and must not be used as a fill or level hole.