Standpipes – Spicer Tandem Drive Axles Service Manual D__R440, 460, 480, D_R461, 462, 463, 521, 581, 601, 651, 652, 653 User Manual
Page 109
105
Lubrication
Lubrication
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 gives standpipe recommendations for vehicles oper-
ating in consistently mountainous areas.
* Does not allow for standpipes
Capacities do not include wheel equipment requirements. An
additional 1–2 pints is required in each wheel hub.
* Pinion pointing upward
* Pinion pointing upward
Axle Installation
Angle
Axle Location
Quantity (pints)
12
Rear
19*
10
Rear
21*
8
Rear
22.5*
6
Forward
Rear
24.5
25
4
Forward
Rear
27
25
2
Forward
Rear
29
26
0
Forward
Rear
31
28
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”