freightliner Argosy COE 2011, Maintenance Manual

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3. Install the housing cover and a new cover gas-
ket. Tighten the housing cover capscrews 7.5 to
9.2 lbf·ft (10.2 to 12.5 N·m), then remove the oil
fill plug from the cover.
IMPORTANT: When the ambient temperature is
above 0°F (–18°C), use SAE 10 heavy-duty en-
gine oil, API service classification SD (sulfated
ash content must not exceed 1.85%). When the
ambient temperature is below 0°F (–18°C), use
one part kerosene to three parts SAE 10 heavy-
duty engine oil, API service classification SD
(sulfated ash content must not exceed 1.85%).
This cold-weather mixture can be safely used
up to 32°F (0°C).
Commercially available automatic transmission
fluid may be used in place of SAE 10 engine oil.
Automatic transmission fluid can be used for all
temperatures; do not mix it with kerosene. To
prevent component damage, do not mix engine
oil and automatic transmission fluid.
4. Fill the shift unit housing through the oil fill hole
until specified lubricant is level with the bottom of
the opening.
5. Apply a small amount of Loctite® 242, or equiva-
lent sealant, to the threads of the fill plug. Install
the plug finger-tight on the rear axle housing.
Use a wrench and tighten it an additional 1-1/2
turns.
35–02 Axle Breather and Axle
Lubricant Level
Inspection
Detroit ™
NOTICE
Failure to keep the rear axle filled to the proper
level with the recommended lubricant can result in
rear axle damage.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, shut down
the engine, and set the parking brake. Chock the
tires.
2. If the vehicle has just been driven, allow a few
minutes for the lubricant to settle.
IMPORTANT: On Detroit axles, the oil change
interval for long haul vehicles can be extended
to 500,000 miles (800 000 km) for axles with
weight ratings of 34,000 to 40,000 lb (15 000 to
18 000 kg) using synthetic lubricant if a lubricant
analysis shows adequate quality. Oil must be
changed at least every four years, and more
often if the axle is exposed to high temperatures
and steep grades.
3. 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.
NOTE: Some Detroit 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.
4. Check that the lubricant is level with the bottom
of the fill hole. See
Fig. 2 . If low, check for oil
leaks, and correct as needed. Add oil to the level
of the fill plug, using the lubricant recommended
in
Table 1 .
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.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug 30 lbf·ft (41 N·m).
IMPORTANT: Always check the axle breather
whenever checking the lubricant level. Check
the breather more frequently under adverse op-
erating conditions.
6. Check the axle housing breather. Make sure that
it is open and unclogged. If the breather is
plugged or damaged, clean or replace it as
needed.
Dana Spicer Axle
NOTICE
Failure to keep the rear axle filled to the proper
level with the recommended lubricant can result in
rear axle damage.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground, apply the park-
ing brakes, and chock the tires.
Rear Axle
35
Century Class Trucks Maintenance Manual, January 2016
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