35–02 Axle Breather and Axle
Lubricant Level
Inspection
For all axles, including tandem drive axles and two-
speed axles, perform the applicable procedures
under the heading, "All Axle Models." For a two-
speed axle with a shift unit, also check the shift unit
lubricant; see under the heading, "Two-Speed Axles
With Shift Unit."
All Axle Models
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 2
.
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 (see
Fig. 1
).
Make sure that it is open and unclogged. If the
breather is plugged or damaged, clean or re-
place it as needed.
Meritor®
NOTICE
Failure to keep the rear axle filled to the proper
level with the recommended lubricant can result in
rear axle damage.
NOTICE
When operating under adverse conditions, it may
be necessary to change the axle lubricant at more
frequent intervals than listed in the scheduled
maintenance tables. Failure to do so could result
in axle damage.
1.
Park the vehicle on a level surface, shut down
the engine, and set the parking brake. Chock the
tires.
IMPORTANT: Oil level must be checked at each
M1 interval on Meritor axles.
2.
Clean the fill plug and the area surrounding the
fill plug on the side of the axle carrier. Remove
the plug. Check the lubricant level when the axle
is cold, or near room temperature.
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.
3.
Check that the lubricant is level with the bottom
of the fill hole. See
Fig. 2
. If low, check for oil
Rear Axle
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Cascadia Maintenance Manual, August 2015
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