Section 11: REAR AXLES
PA1553
3
FIGURE 4: DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING BOWL 11007
1.4 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 the pinion oil seal, axle shaft flange and
carrier housing gaskets 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 air suspension units and radius rods, as
directed in Section 16, "Suspension".
1.4.1 Checking and Adjusting the Oil Level
DANGER
Before servicing, park safely over a repair pit,
apply parking brake, stop engine and set
battery master switch to the "OFF" position.
1. Make sure the vehicle is parked on a level
surface.
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.
2. Make sure the axle is "cold" or at room
temperature.
3. Clean the area around the fill plug. Remove
the fill plug from the differential axle housing
bowl (Fig. 4).
4. The oil level must be even with the bottom of
the hole of the fill plug.
a. If oil flows from the hole when the plug is
loosened, the oil level is high. Drain the
oil to the correct level.
b. If the oil level is below the bottom of the
hole of the fill plug, add the specified oil.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug to 35-50 lbf-ft
(48-67 Nm).
1.4.2 Draining and Replacing the Oil
DANGER
Before servicing, park safely over a repair pit,
apply parking brake, stop engine and set
battery master switch to the "OFF" position.
1. Make sure the vehicle is parked on a level
surface. Put a large container under the
axle's drain plug.
NOTE
Drain the oil when the axle is warm.
2. Remove the drain plug from the bottom of the
axle. Drain and discard the oil in an
environment friendly manner.
3. Install and tighten the drain plug to 35-50
lbf-ft (48-67 Nm).
4. Clean the area around the fill plug. Remove
the fill plug from the differential housing bowl.
5. Add the specified oil until the oil level is even
with the bottom of the hole of the fill plug.
Allow the oil to flow through the axle and
check the oil level again (lube capacity 41
pints [13,3 liters]).
CAUTION
The differential overheats when the oil
temperature rises above 250ºF (120ºC).
6. Install and tighten the fill plug to 35-50 lbf-ft
(48-67 Nm).
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
