Spicer Tandem Drive Axles Service Manual D__R440, 460, 480, D_R461, 462, 463, 521, 581, 601, 651, 652, 653 - Manual (Page 138)

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Inspection
Changing Lube
Draining
Drain when the lube is at normal operating temperature (150°-
200°F). It will run freely and minimize the time necessary to
fully drain the axle, insuring the axle is flushed.
Unscrew the magnetic drain plug on the underside of the axle
housing and allow the lube to drain into a suitable container.
Note: Dispose of all used lubricants properly by following dis-
posal methods approved for mineral or synthetic based
oils.
After initial oil change, inspect drain plug for large quantities of
metal particles. These are signs of damage or extreme wear in
the axle. Clean the drain plug and replace it after the lube has
drained completely. Inspect breather for clogging or corrosion.
Clean or replace as necessary.
Filling
Front Axle
• With vehicle on level ground, remove the filler hole
plug from the center of the axle housing cover and fill
the axle with approved lubricant until level with the
bottom of the hole.
Rear Axle
• Remove the filler hole plug from the center of the axle
housing cover and fill the axle with the approved lu-
bricant until level with the bottom of the hole.
• If wheel ends were removed.
Always use the filler hole as the final reference. If lube is level
with the bottom of the hole, the axle is properly filled.
Note: Lube fill capacities are basic guidelines and will vary
based on the angle the axle is installed in a particular
chassis. Torque fill plug to 40-60 lbs. ft. (54–81 N•m).
Lube Fill Capacities
TIP: The axle can be filled through the axle housing breather
hole. Fill until lube level is even with the bottom of filler hole in
axle housing rear cover.
1 - With axle on level surface, fill housing with oil to bottom
of plug
1
2
Single Reduction Tandem
Drive Axles Pints Liters
RS/RD/RA461 42 20
RS/RD/RA521 41 19.5
DS/DD/DA461-P 49 23
DS/DD/DA521-P 48 22.5
DS/DD/DA581-P 48 22.5
RS/RD/RA581 41 19.5