Meritor Axle
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 level ground, apply the parking brakes, and chock the tires.
- Clean the fill plug and the area surrounding the fill plug on the side of the axle carrier. See Fig.. Remove the plug.
- 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 the specified
lubricant. See Table. for recommended drive axle lubricants.
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Oil Fill Plug
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Drain Plug
Fig. 2, Axle Housing Drain and Fill Plugs
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Correct (lube level at bottom of fill hole)
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Incorrect (lube level below fill hole)
Fig. 3, Axle Lubricant Level Inspection
Table 1, Meritor Drive Axle Recommended Lubricant
Meritor Drive Axle Recommended Lubricant
Lubricant Type
Ambient Temperature
Lubricant SAE Viscosity Grade
Meritor Specification
Synthetic Gear Oil
–40°F (–40°C) and up 1
75W–90
0–76–N
–40°F (–40°C) and up
75W–140
0–76–M
- There is no upper limit on these outside temperatures.
Table 1, Meritor Drive Axle Recommended Lubricant
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- Install and tighten the fill plug 35 lbf·ft (47 N·m).
- For a two-speed axle with a shift unit, check the lubricant
level of the shift unit; see elsewhere in this maintenance operation
for the shift unit lubricant level inspection procedure.
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Axle Housing Breathers
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Carrier Oil Fill Plugs
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Interaxle Differential
Fig. 4, Meritor Axle Housing Breathers
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- On non-drive axles using oil-lubricated wheel bearings,
check oil level at the wheels, and add oil if low. Use the same lubricant
as specified for the drive axle.
Note: When adding to or checking the oil level, make certain the hub cap and plug are clean before removing the plug; this will minimize the possibility of dirt and road grime entering the assembly.
Note: Some Meritor axles have a small tapped and plugged hole near and below the housing oil fill hole. This smaller hole is for a lubricant temperature indicator only, and should not be used as a fill or level hole.
Important: Axle housing breathers (see Fig. ) must remain clean and unclogged. Always check the axle breather whenever checking lubricant level. Ensure that it is open and unclogged. Check the breather more frequently under adverse operating conditions. If the breather is plugged or damaged, clean or replace it as needed.