chassIs InformatIon — 10
192
2 0 0 8 l a Pa l m a X l
DrIve aXle & DrIve Shaft
Drive Axle:
The chassis drive
axle is a single
reduction axle. The
differential gears
consist of a hypoid
pinion and ring gear set
and bevel differential
gears. The differential
carrier can be removed from the axle housing as
a unit in order to perform repairs.
All power from the engine to the rear tires is
transferred through the rear axle. For this reason,
it is important that maintenance be performed on
the axle as required to avoid premature wear of
the gears and bearings in the axle.
Drive Axle Lubricant:
The rear axle is filled with synthetic gear oil
meeting MIL-L-2105D specifications. Change
interval is every 250,000 miles or 36 months,
whichever occurs first.
During lubricant change, fine metal particles
will be observed clinging to the magnetic fill
and drain plugs of the axle. These particles are
normal wear particles from the axle components,
but will cause faster than normal wear of
the axle components if allowed to circulate
through the lubricant. It is recommended that
the magnetic plugs be tested, if not replaced, at
each lubricant change. These plugs should have
sufficient magnetic strength to pick up a 1.5
pound weight of low carbon steel. Never replace
a magnetic plug with a non-magnetic “pipe
plug” as they will not keep the lubricant clear of
metal particles or seal properly.
The level of lubricant in the rear axle should
be checked every 30,000 miles or six months,
whichever occurs first. This will ensure adequate
lubricant in the axle for proper operation.
Regular inspection of the drive axle lube levels
is an essential maintenance procedure.
WARNING:
DO NOT place yourself under
motorhome without first properly
blocking frame (jack stands) and
chocking wheels. Use extreme care and
caution. Serious injury or death could
occur.
Proper Drive Axle Lubricant Level:
With the motorhome
parked on a level
surface and rear axle
warm, place a large
container under axle.
Clean the area
around the fill plug,
which is located
approximately
halfway up the axle
housing bowl.
Remove the fill plug
and observe the
lubricant level.
The lubricant should be level with
bottom of the hole.
Important: The lube level close enough
to the hole to be seen or touched is not
sufficient. The lube must be level with
the hole.
Correct the level as necessary.
Re-install the fill plug and tighten to 35
to 50 ft. lbs.
To Drain and Replace Lubricant:
1. Place a large container under the axle.
2. Remove drain plug and allow axle to
completely drain.
3. Properly dispose of oil.
4. Clean the drain plug and
test (replace the drain
plug if needed).
5. Install and tighten drain
plug to 35 to 50 ft. lbs.
6. Clean the area around
the fill plug from the axle-housing
bowl.
7. Fill the axle with approved lubricant
until the level is even with the bottom
of the fill plug hole.
WARNING:
When checking or changing the
lubricant, always ensure that the axle
is not hot. Oil temperature 90º F or
hotter can easily cause severe burns.
NOTE:
When checking the lube level also check
the housing breathers on top of axle
housing. Clean the breathers if dirty or
replace them if damaged.
090416
Ring and Pinion Gears
Incorrect Oil Level
Correct Oil Level
090264
090467b
Fill Plug
Housing Breather
Fill
Drain
090467d
Summary of Contents for 2008 LaPalma XL
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Page 47: ...43 2008 LaPalma XL driving safety 2 Weight Record Sheet Actual Worksheet 020255b...
Page 102: ...appliances 4 98 2008 Lapalma xl Notes...
Page 128: ...equipment 5 124 2008 LaPalma xl Notes...
Page 144: ...water systems 6 140 2008 LaPalma xl Notes...
Page 172: ...electrical systems house 8 168 2008 LaPalma xl Notes...
Page 188: ...electrical systems chassis 9 184 2008 LaPalma xl engine no start flow chart...
Page 232: ...INDEX 228 2008 LaPalma xl Notes...