General Information
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 correlated with 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.
Note: A normal oil change does not include the hubs.