Standpipes, Final check – Spicer Tandem Drive Axles Service Manual D__R440, 460, 480, D_R461, 462, 463, 521, 581, 601, 651, 652, 653 User Manual
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Inspection
Inspec
tio
n
Standpipes
Drive axles are lubricated with oil drawn from a large sump in-
tegral to the assembly. Most axle designs attempt to position
vital components such as pinion bearings in close proximity to
this sump, keeping them bathed in a generous supply of oil at
all times.
When drive axles are installed at severe angles in vehicle chas-
sis, the position of these components is changed relative to the
oil sump. The same effect is present when the vehicle travels
up a steep grade. Oil in the sump remains level while the axle
itself tilts up or down. This makes it possible for bearings and
gears located well forward in the assembly to “starve” for lu-
brication even though the axle is filled to the base of the fill
plug hole as recommended by the manufacturer.
Axles should be modified with standpipes to raise lube levels
whenever chassis installation angles exceed 10° and when the
vehicle must negotiate continuous or lengthy grades on a rou-
tine basis.
The chart below gives standpipe recommendations for vehi-
cles operating in consistently mountainous areas.
Note: Grades must be continuous or lengthy in nature. Moni-
tor oil temperatures before installing standpipes. Axles
should operate at approximately 100°F (38°C) over am-
bient temperature and not exceed 240°F (116°C).
Final Check
Prior to putting vehicle back into service, run the vehicle to
bring axle lube up to temperature.
Check filler and drain plugs and axle joints for leakage. Re-
tighten to specifications as necessary.
Tandem Forward Axles
Installation
Angle*
5-10%
Grade
10-15%
Grade
15-20%
Grade
0°
-
-
-
3°
-
-
2.00”
5°
-
1.00”
2.25”
7°
-
1.25”
2.50”
10°
1.50”
1.75”
2.75”
13°
1.75”
2.00”
3.00”
15°
2.50”
2.50”
3.25”
Tandem Rear Axles
Installation
Angle*
5-10%
Grade
10-15%
Grade
15-20%
Grade
0°
-
-
-
3°
-
-
1.00”
5°
-
1.00”
1.75”
7°
-
1.75”
2.00”
10°
-
2.00”
2.25”
13°
1.00”
2.25”
2.75”
15°
2.00”
2.50”
3.25”
*Pinion Pointing Upward
1 - Oil filler hole
2 - Lost oil capacity
3 - Additional oil capacity
1
1
1
2
3
Horizontal
mounting
12˚ Installation
12˚ Installation
with standpipe