Front Drive Axle Lubricant Change

4700 mm 33.06.001

Notice: Failure to change the axle lubricant at more frequent intervals, when adverse operating conditions require, could result in axle damage.

Refer to Table. and Table. for recommended drive axle lubricants.

Table 1, Eaton Drive Axle Recommended Lubricants

Eaton Drive Axle Recommended Lubricants
Lubricant Type Conditions SAE Viscosity

Eaton® Roadranger® Synthetic Drive Axle Lubricants, or Equivalent with Military Specification MIL-L-2105D

Over-the-Road Service

75W-90

Off-Highway, or Under Extra-Heavy Loads

80W-140

    Table 1, Eaton Drive Axle Recommended Lubricants

    Table 2, Meritor Drive Axle Recommended Lubricants

    Eaton Drive Axle Recommended Lubricants
    Lubricant Type Outside Air Temperature SAE Viscosity

    Hypoid Gear Oil API-GL-5 with Military Specification MIL-L-2105C

    +10°F (-12°C) & Up12345

    85W-140

    -40°F (-40°C) & Up12345

    75W-90

    -40°F (-40°C) & Up12345

    75W-140

    Synthetic Gear Oil

    -40°F (-40°C) & Up12345

    75W-90

    -40°F (-40°C) & Up12345

    75W-140
    1. There is no upper limit on these outside air temperatures, but axle sump temperature must never exceed 250°F (121°C).
    2. There is no upper limit on these outside air temperatures, but axle sump temperature must never exceed 250°F (121°C).
    3. There is no upper limit on these outside air temperatures, but axle sump temperature must never exceed 250°F (121°C).
    4. There is no upper limit on these outside air temperatures, but axle sump temperature must never exceed 250°F (121°C).
    5. There is no upper limit on these outside air temperatures, but axle sump temperature must never exceed 250°F (121°C).

    Table 2, Meritor Drive Axle Recommended Lubricants

    1. With the vehicle parked on level ground, apply the parking brakes and chock the tires.
    2. Clean the area around the fill plug. Remove the fill plug.
    3. Place a drain pan under the axle. Remove the drain plug from the bottom of the housing and completely drain the lubricant, while the unit is warm.
    4. The drained oil should be stored appropriately for recycling.
    5. It is necessary to flush the axle the first time (ONLY) that the axle lubricant is changed. Flush the axle with clean flushing oil, then drain it thoroughly. The drained oil should be stored appropriately for recycling.

      6. Important: The axle should not be flushed with any solvent, such as kerosene.

    6. Clean the fill and drain plugs. A piece of keystock or other convenient steel bar may be used across the magnetic poles to divert the magnetic field. Clean the metallic particles from the plug.

      7. Note: The magnetic plug should have a minimum pickup capacity of 1-1/2 lb (0.7 kg) of low-carbon steel, in bar or plate form. Magnets will rapidly loose 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 lubricant change intervals.

    7. Install and tighten the drain plug to 35 lbf·ft (47 N·m).
    8. Fill the axle housing to the bottom of the fill hole, (Fig.) using the specified lubricant. See Table. and Table. for recommended drive axle lubricants.

      • Correct (lubricant level at bottom of fill hole)

      • Wrong (lubricant level below fill hole)

      Fig. 1, Drive Axle Lubrication Level

    9. Install and tighten the fill plug to 35 lbf·ft (47 N·m).
    10. Remove the chocks. Then drive the vehicle, unloaded, for 1 to 2 miles (2 to 3 km) at speeds not to exceed 25 mph (40 km/h), to thoroughly circulate lubricant throughout the carrier and housing assembly.
    Note:
    Parent topic: Front Axle
    Document Number: 0000120951
    Manual Publication Date: 2024-05-23
    Topic Publication Date: 2024-10-31