Checking the Axle Lubricant Level
Notice: Failure to keep the rear axle filled to the proper level with the recommended lubricant can result in rear axle damage.
- Park the vehicle on a level surface, shut down the engine, and set the parking brake. Chock the tires.
- If the vehicle has just been driven, allow a few minutes for the lubricant to settle.
- 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. and Fig..
- 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 in Table. for Detroit axles or Table. for Meritor axles.
- 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.
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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Axle Housing Breather
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Oil Fill Plug
Fig. 2, Component Locations, Meritor Axles
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Correct (lube level at bottom of fill hole)
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Incorrect (lube level below fill hole)
Fig. 3, Checking Axle Lubricant Level
Table 1, 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
75W–90
- There is no upper limit on the ambient temperature.
Table 1, Detroit Drive Axle Lubricants
Table 2, 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 2, Drive Axle Recommended Lubricant, Meritor Axles
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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.
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.