SECTION 11: REAR AXLES
2
DOB 2490-2789 | X3-45 Commuter PA1605 Maintenance Manual (Final Version – Rev.2 April 2016)
1. DRIVE
AXLE
This vehicle is equipped with a ZF model A132
Hypoid Single Reduction drive axle, fitted with
two Knorr Bremse brake chambers, Knorr
Bremse SN7 disc brake with a visual wear
indicator, potentiometer wear indicator and
companion flange for Dana Spicer SPL250
propeller shaft. The carrier gear ratio is 3.82.
Additional information is found in the following
manuals, included on your vehicle technical
publications CD:
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ZF AXLE A132
(version with US hub) #5871 207 982 EN.
ZF AXLE A132 REPAIR MANUAL #5871 207 002E
FIGURE 1: ZF A132 DRIVE AXLE
11019
1.1 MAINTENANCE
Proper vehicle operation begins with preventive
maintenance, such as good differential use. The
most common types of drive axle carrier failures
are spinout, shock, fatigue, overheating and
lubrication. Avoid neglecting these points since
they would be the first steps to improper
maintenance, expensive repairs, and excessive
downtime.
Inspect at the pinion oil seal, axle shaft flange
and carrier housing joint for evidence of lubricant
leakage. Tighten the bolts and nuts, or replace
the gaskets and seals to correct leaks.
Maintenance of the axle mountings consists
primarily in a regular and systematic inspection of
the radius rods, as directed in Section 16,
"Suspension".
1.1.1
Differential Oil Type
Use
Mobil Delvac synthetic gear oil 80W140
for best performance and extreme conditions.
Additional lubrication information is covered in
ZF’s list of lubricants TE-ML 12. Check in
Lubricant class 12M.
1.1.2
Checking and Adjusting the Differential
Oil Level
Place the vehicle on a level surface.
Level check plug must be cleaned carefully
before opening.
Check oil level at room temperature only.
MAINTENANCE
Oil level check
Check differential oil level and add if
necessary every 50 000 miles.
WARNING
Check the oil level when the axle is at room
temperature. When hot, the oil temperature
may be 190ºF (88ºC) or more and can cause
burns. Also, a correct reading is not obtained
when the axle is warm or hot.
1. Make sure the axle is at room temperature.
2. Clean the area around the level check plug.
Remove the level check plug from the
differential case.
3. The oil level must be even with the bottom of
the level check bore.
If oil flows from the hole when the plug is
loosened, the oil level is too high. Let drain
the oil to the correct level.
If the oil level is below the bottom of the level
check bore, add the specified oil through the
level check bore.
4. Reinstall the level check plug using a new
seals (O-ring) and tighten to 52 lbf-ft.
1.1.3
Differential Oil Change
Place the vehicle on a level surface.
Drain, filler and level check plugs must be
cleaned carefully before opening.
Drain oil only at operating temperature,
immediately after the vehicle has been
operated for an extended period of time.
Renew seals components (O-rings).
