Detroit Drive Axle Lubricants
*
IMPORTANT: Lubricant used in Detroit rear axles must
meet Mercedes-Benz specification 235.8 (synthetic).
Mobil Delvac 1 Gear Oil 75W-90 meets this specification.
Type Ambient Temperature
SAE
Viscosity
Grade
Synthetic Oil –40°F (–40°C) and up
†
75W–90
*
Detroit rear axles do not require the use of friction modifiers.
†
There is no upper limit on the ambient temperature.
Table 1, Detroit Drive Axle Lubricants
Detroit Rear Axle Lubricant Capacity (Hubs Full)
Axle
Oil Capacity:
Quarts (liters)
Forward-Rear, Model 4 14.3 (13.5)
*
Single and Rearmost Tandem,
Model 4
10.6 (10.0)
*
Single, Model 2 5.8 (5.5)
*
*
These values assume the wheel ends are properly lubricated. Actual oil
capacity might vary slightly depending on gear ratio.
Table 2, Detroit Rear Axle Lubricant Capacity
Meritor
1. Clean the oil fill hole plug located in the carrier or
the side of the axle housing and the area
surrounding it. See
Fig. 2. Remove the plug.
NOTE: Some Meritor axles have a small tapped
and plugged hole located 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. When the vehicle is on level ground, the
lubricant must be level with the bottom of the oil
fill hole. If low, add lubricant. See Table 3 for
approved axle lubricants and see
Table 4 or
Table 5 for axle capacities.
35–02 Axle Breather Checking
The axle housing breather must remain clean. See
Fig. 2. When the axle lubricant level is checked,
check that the axle breather is open. Check more
often under poor operating conditions. If the breather
is plugged, clean it or replace it as needed.
Meritor Drive Axle Recommended Lubricant
Lubricant Type Ambient Temperature 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–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
f350062a10/05/2016
1
2
3
1. Axle Housing Breathers
2. Carrier Oil Fill Plugs
3. Interaxle Differential
Fig. 2, Fill Hole Plug and Axle Housing Breather
Locations
Rear Axle35
Business Class M2 Plus Maintenance Manual, 02/10/202335/2