Draining 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.
- 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 around it. Remove the
plug from the oil fill hole. See Fig..
Note: Typical engine-rear configuration shown; engine-front configuration is similar.
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Rear View
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Front View
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Axle Housing Breather
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Breather Hose
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Oil Fill Plug
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Oil Drain Plug
Fig. 1, Component Locations, Detroit Axles
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- Remove the plug at the bottom of the housing and drain the lubricant while the unit is warm. Allow enough time for all the old lubricant to drain completely.
- Clean the drain plug. For magnetic drain plugs, a piece of key stock or any other convenient steel slug may be used to short the two magnetic poles and divert the magnetic field.
- After cleaning the drain plug, install and tighten the plug 30 lbf·ft (41 N·m) for Detroit axles or 35 lbf·ft (47 N·m) for Meritor axles.
Caution: Be careful when draining the axle oil. It may be very hot, and could cause personal injury if it contacts the skin.
Note: Meritor recommends using magnetic plugs with elements having a minimum pickup capacity of two pounds (one kilogram) of low-carbon steel in plate or bar form. Magnets will rapidly lose effectiveness as collected material bridges the gap between the two poles. Clean or change the plugs before this occurs. It may be necessary to clean or change the plugs one or more times between lubrication change intervals.