Meritor Drive Axle Recommended Lubricant
Lubricant Type
Ambient Temperature
Viscosity Grade
Meritor Specification
Synthetic Gear Oil
–40°F (–40°C) and up
*
75W–90
0–76–N
–40°F (–40°C) and up
*
75W–140
0–76–M
*
There is no upper limit on the ambient temperature, but axle sump temperature must never exceed 250° (121°C).
Table 3, Meritor Drive Axle Recommended Lubricant
Meritor Drive Axle Lubricant Capacities for Single
Axles
Axle Model
Capacity
*
:
pt (L)
MS–10–113D
14 (6.6)
MS–12–113D
15 (7.1)
RS–13–120
18.4 (8.7)
RS–15–120
14.3 (6.8)
RS–17–145
33.6 (15.9)
RS–17–144
32.3 (15.3)
RS–19–144
32.3 (15.3)
RS–19–145
33.2 (15.7)
RS–21–145
32.3 (15.3)
RS–21–160
39.5 (18.7)
RS–21–230
38.9 (18.4)
RS–23–160
39.5 (18.7)
RS–23–161
39.5 (18.7)
RS–23–186
47.3 (22.4)
RS–23–240
37.4 (17.7)
RS–26–185
38.0 (18.0)
RS–30–185
38.0 (18.0)
*
Quantities listed are approximate and include 1 pint (0.5 liter) for each
wheel end and with the drive pinion at 3 degrees.
Table 4, Meritor Drive Axle Lubricant Capacities for
Single Axles
Meritor Drive Axle Lubricant Capacities for Tandem
Axles
Axle Model
Axle Position
Capacity
*
RT–40–145
Forward
30.2 (14.3)
Rear
25.8 (12.2)
RT–40–145P
Forward
30.2 (14.3)
Rear
25.8 (12.2)
Meritor Drive Axle Lubricant Capacities for Tandem
Axles
Axle Model
Axle Position
Capacity
*
RT–40–160
Forward
39.1 (18.5)
Rear
34.4 (16.3)
RT–44–145
RT–44–145P
Forward
29.3 (13.9)
Rear
25.1 (11.9)
RT–46–160
Forward
39.1 (18.5)
Rear
34.4 (16.3)
*
Quantities listed are approximate and include 1 pint (0.5 liter) for each
wheel end and with the drive pinion at 3 degrees.
Table 5, Meritor Drive Axle Lubricant Capacities for
Tandem Axles
35–03 Axle Lubricant Changing
and Magnetic Plug
Cleaning
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 sup-
pliers frequently make their laboratory facilities avail-
able 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 tem-
peratures 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 ca-
pacity oxidize faster at temperatures above 220°F
(104°C), contributing to more rapid lubricant deterio-
ration. For this reason lubricants of this type that op-
Rear Axle
35
Business Class M2 Maintenance Manual, November 2016
35/3
Property of American Airlines
