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35–01 Axle Lubricant Level
Checking
CAUTION
Failure to keep the rear axle filled to the proper
level with the recommended lubricant can result in
rear axle damage.
1. Clean the oil fill hole plug, located in the carrier
or the side of the axle housing, and the area sur-
rounding it (see Fig. 1). Remove the plug.
NOTE: Some Meritor axles have a small tapped
and plugged hole located near and below the
housing oil fill hole. This smaller hole is for the
lubricant temperature sensor only, and must not
be used as a fill or level hole.
2. With the vehicle on level ground, lubricant must
be level with the bottom of the oil fill hole.
If low, add lubricant. See Table 1 for approved
axle lubricants and see Table 2 or Table 3 for
axle capacities.
Meritor Drive Axle Recommended Lubricant
Recommended
Lubricant Type
Ambient Temperature
Lubricant SAE
Viscosity Grade
Meritor
Specification
Hypoid Gear Oil
API Service
Classification GL–5
+10°F (–12.2°C) and up
*
85W–140 0–76–A
–15°F (–26.1°C) and up
*
80W–140 0–76–B
–15°F (–26.1°C) and up
*
80W–90 0–76–D
–40°F (–40°C) and up
*
75W–90 0–76–E
–40°F (–40°C) to +35°F (+2°C) 75W 0–76–J
–40°F (–40°C) and up
*
75W–140 0–76–L
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 these ambient temperatures, but axle sump temperature must never exceed 250°F (121°C).
Table 1, Meritor Drive Axle Recommended Lubricant
Meritor Drive Axle Lubricant Capacities, Single Axles
Axle Type Axle Model
Capacity
*
:
pints (liters)
Axle Type Axle Model
Capacity
*
:
pints (liters)
Single
†
RS–13–120 16 (7.6)
Single
†
RS–19–220 31 (14.7)
RS–15–120 16 (7.6) RS–21–145 32 (15.1)
RS–15–210 16 (7.6) RS–21–160 39.5 (18.7)
RS–17–140 31 (14.7) RS–21–230 39 (18.5)
RS–17–145 33.6 (15.9) RS–23–160 42 (19.9)
RS–17–220 31 (14.7)
RS–23–240 45 (21.3)
RS–19–145 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.
†
Single drive axles equipped with traction equalizers may require a "friction modifier" to correct a slip-stick condition, as described in the vehicle driver’s
manual. Meritor’s experience shows that the following additives perform adequately: Add Elco No. 2 Friction Modifier (1 ounce [30 ml] of additive for each1pint
[0.5 liter] of lube capacity) or Lubrizol No. 797 or 762 (1 ounce [30 mL] of additive for each 1 pint [0.5 liter] of lube capacity).
Table 2, Meritor Drive Axle Lubricant Capacities, Single Axles
Rear Axle 35
Acterra Maintenance Manual, March 2000 35/1