2005 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER Fluid

LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FLUID TYPES
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - FUEL REQUIREMENTS -
DIESEL ENGINE.......................1
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE COOLANT........1
DESCRIPTION - HOAT COOLANT..........2
DESCRIPTION - AXLE...................3
DESCRIPTION - BRAKE FLUID............3
DESCRIPTION - POWER STEERING FLUID . . 3
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE OIL - DIESEL
ENGINES............................3
DESCRIPTION - AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUID - NAG1............4
OPERATION - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID...............................4
FLUID CAPACITIES
SPECIFICATIONS - FLUID CAPACITIES.......4FLUID FILL/CHECK LOCATIONS
INSPECTION - FLUID FILL/CHECK
LOCATIONS..........................4
PARTS & LUBRICANT RECOMMENDATION
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PARTS &
LUBRICANT RECOMMENDATIONS.........5
HOISTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HOISTING........5
JUMP STARTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - JUMP STARTING . . 6
TOWING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOWING.........6
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
DESCRIPTION..........................7
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
DESCRIPTION..........................9
FLUID TYPES
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - FUEL REQUIREMENTS -
DIESEL ENGINE
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel
blending agent. They can be unstable under certain
conditions and hazardous or explosive when mixed
with diesel fuel.
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable sup-
plier in your Dodge truck. For most year-round ser-
vice, number 2 diesel fuel meeting ASTM
specification D-975 will provide good performance. If
the vehicle is exposed to extreme cold (below 0ÉF/-
18ÉC), or is required to operate at colder-than-normal
conditions for prolonged periods, use climatized No. 2
diesel fuel or dilute the No. 2 diesel fuel with 50%
No. 1 diesel fuel. This will provide better protection
from fuel gelling or wax-plugging of the fuel filters.
Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water. To
prevent fuel system trouble, including fuel line freez-
ing in winter, drain the accumulated water from the
fuel/water separator using the fuel/water separator
drain provided. If you buy good-quality fuel and fol-low the cold-weather advice above, fuel conditioners
should not be required in your vehicle. If available in
your area, a high cetane ªpremiumº diesel fuel may
offer improved cold starting and warm-up perfor-
mance.
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE COOLANT
ETHYLENE-GLYCOL MIXTURES
CAUTION: Richer antifreeze mixtures cannot be
measured with normal field equipment and can
cause problems associated with 100 percent ethyl-
ene-glycol.
The required ethylene-glycol (antifreeze) and water
mixture depends upon the climate and vehicle oper-
ating conditions. The recommended mixture of 50/50
ethylene-glycol and water will provide protection
against freezing to -37É C (-34É F). The antifreeze
concentrationmust alwaysbe a minimum of 44 per-
cent, year-round in all climates.If percentage is
lower than 44 percent, engine parts may be
eroded by cavitation, and cooling system com-
ponents may be severely damaged by corrosion.
Maximum protection against freezing is provided
with a 68 percent antifreeze concentration, which
prevents freezing down to -67.7É C (-90É F). A higher
percentage will freeze at a warmer temperature.
Also, a higher percentage of antifreeze can cause the
VALUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 1

engine to overheat because the specific heat of anti-
freeze is lower than that of water.
Use of 100 percent ethylene-glycol will cause for-
mation of additive deposits in the system, as the cor-
rosion inhibitive additives in ethylene-glycol require
the presence of water to dissolve. The deposits act as
insulation, causing temperatures to rise. The
increased temperature can result in engine detona-
tion. In addition, 100 percent ethylene-glycol freezes
at -22É C (-8É F ).
PROPYLENE-GLYCOL MIXTURES
It's overall effective temperature range is smaller
than that of ethylene-glycol. The freeze point of 50/50
propylene-glycol and water is -32É C (-26É F), 10É C
higher than ethylene-glycol's freeze point. The boiling
point (protection against summer boil-over) of propy-
lene-glycol is 125É C (257ÉF)at96.5 kPa (14 psi),
compared to 128É C (263É F) for ethylene-glycol. Pro-
pylene glycol also has slightly poorer heat transfer
characteristics than ethylene glycol. This can
increase cylinder head temperatures under certain
conditions.
Propylene-glycol/ethylene-glycol mixtures can cause
the destabilization of various corrosion inhibitors,
causing damage to the various cooling system compo-
nents. Also, once ethylene-glycol and propylene-glycol
based coolants are mixed in the vehicle, conventional
methods of determining freeze point will not be accu-
rate. Both the refractive index and specific gravity
differ between ethylene glycol and propylene glycol.
DESCRIPTION - HOAT COOLANT
WARNING: ANTIFREEZE IS AN ETHYLENE-GLYCOL
BASE COOLANT AND IS HARMFUL IF SWAL-
LOWED OR INHALED. IF SWALLOWED, DRINK
TWO GLASSES OF WATER AND INDUCE VOMIT-
ING. IF INHALED, MOVE TO FRESH AIR AREA.
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT
STORE IN OPEN OR UNMARKED CONTAINERS.
WASH SKIN AND CLOTHING THOROUGHLY AFTER
COMING IN CONTACT WITH ETHYLENE-GLYCOL.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. DISPOSE OF
GLYCOL BASE COOLANT PROPERLY, CONTACT
YOUR DEALER OR GOVERNMENT AGENCY FOR
LOCATION OF COLLECTION CENTER IN YOUR
AREA. DO NOT OPEN A COOLING SYSTEM WHEN
THE ENGINE IS AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE OR
HOT UNDER PRESSURE, PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT. AVOID RADIATOR COOLING FAN WHEN
ENGINE COMPARTMENT RELATED SERVICE IS
PERFORMED, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.CAUTION: Use of Propylene-Glycol based coolants
is not recommended, as they provide less freeze
protection and less corrosion protection.
The cooling system is designed around the coolant.
The coolant must accept heat from engine metal, in
the cylinder head area near the exhaust valves and
engine block. Then coolant carries the heat to the
radiator where the tube/fin radiator can transfer the
heat to the air.
The use of aluminum cylinder blocks, cylinder
heads, and water pumps requires special corrosion
protection. MopartAntifreeze/Coolant, 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula (MS-9769), or the equiva-
lent ethylene-glycol base coolant with organic corro-
sion inhibitors (called HOAT, for Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology) is recommended. This coolant
offers the best engine cooling without corrosion when
mixed with 50% ethylene-glycol and 50% distilled
water to obtain a freeze point of -37ÉC (-34ÉF). If it
loses color or becomes contaminated, drain, flush,
and replace with fresh properly mixed coolant solu-
tion.
CAUTION: MoparTAntifreeze/Coolant, 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula (MS-9769) may not be
mixed with any other type of antifreeze. Mixing of
coolants other than specified (non-HOAT), may
result in engine damage that may not be covered
under the new vehicle warranty, and decreased cor-
rosion protection.
COOLANT PERFORMANCE
The required ethylene-glycol (antifreeze) and water
mixture depends upon climate and vehicle operating
conditions. The coolant performance of various mix-
tures follows:
Pure Water-Water can absorb more heat than a
mixture of water and ethylene-glycol. This is for pur-
pose of heat transfer only. Water also freezes at a
higher temperature and allows corrosion.
100 percent Ethylene-Glycol-The corrosion
inhibiting additives in ethylene-glycol need the pres-
ence of water to dissolve. Without water, additives
form deposits in system. These act as insulation
causing temperature to rise. The increased tempera-
ture can result in engine detonation. In addition, 100
percent ethylene-glycol freezes at -22ÉC (-8ÉF).
50/50 Ethylene-Glycol and Water-Is the recom-
mended mixture, it provides protection against freez-
ing to -37ÉC (-34ÉF). The antifreeze concentration
must alwaysbe a minimum of 44 percent, year-
round in all climates. If percentage is lower, engine
parts may be eroded by cavitation. Maximum protec-
tion against freezing is provided with a 68 percent
antifreeze concentration, which prevents freezing
0 - 2 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEVA
FLUID TYPES (Continued)

down to -67.7ÉC (-90ÉF). A higher percentage will
freeze at a warmer temperature. Also, a higher per-
centage of antifreeze can cause the engine to over-
heat because specific heat of antifreeze is lower than
that of water.
CAUTION: Richer antifreeze mixtures cannot be
measured with normal field equipment and can
cause problems associated with 100 percent ethyl-
ene-glycol.
COOLANT SELECTION AND ADDITIVES
The use of aluminum cylinder blocks, cylinder
heads and water pumps requires special corrosion
protection. Only MopartAntifreeze/Coolant, 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula (glycol base coolant with
corrosion inhibitors called HOAT, for Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology) is recommended. This coolant
offers the best engine cooling without corrosion when
mixed with 50% distilled water to obtain to obtain a
freeze point of -37ÉC (-34ÉF). If it loses color or
becomes contaminated, drain, flush, and replace with
fresh properly mixed coolant solution.
CAUTION: Do not use coolant additives that are
claimed to improve engine cooling.
DESCRIPTION - AXLE
NOTE: DaimlerChrysler recommends MoparTlubri-
cant or lubricant conforming to MS-8985.
REAR AXLE
²Synthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-140
DESCRIPTION - BRAKE FLUID
NOTE: DaimlerChrysler recommends using DOT- 4
or equivalent brake fluid.
BRAKE FLUID
²DOT-4 or equivalent brake fluid.
DESCRIPTION - POWER STEERING FLUID
NOTE: DaimlerChrysler recommends using Mopar
ATF+4 Automatic Transmission fluid or equivalent.
POWER STEERING FLUID
²Mopar ATF+4 Automatic Transmission fluid or
equivalent.
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE OIL - DIESEL
ENGINES
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE
CAUTION: Low viscosity oils must have the proper
API quality.
The engine manufacturer strongly recommends the
use of synthetic engine oils, such as Mobilt1 SAE
0W-40.
We strongly recommend engine oils that meet the
requirements of the API Service Category CI-4 and
meet the requirements of Material Standard
MS-6395. Use Mopar or an equivalent oil meeting
the specification MS-6395.
Do not add any materials (other than leak detec-
tion dyes) to the engine oil. Engine oil is an engi-
neered product and it's performance may be impaired
by supplemental additives.
When topping off engine oil, only use oil of the
same quality grade and SAE classification.
The SAE class(viscosity)should be selected in
accordance with the average air temperature for the
season of the year.
The temperature limits given for the different SAE
classes should be regarded as guidelines which may
be exceeded temporarily to avoid excessively frequent
engine oil changes.
OIL VISCOSITY CHART
VALUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 3
FLUID TYPES (Continued)

Full synthetic oils, such as Mobilt1 0W-40, is
required if the ASSYST Oil Service Reminder is fol-
lowed. Use of a lower quality oil on this service
schedule may cause severe engine damage.
DESCRIPTION - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID - NAG1
NOTE: Refer to Service Procedures in this group for
fluid level checking procedures.
Shellt3403 Automatic Transmission Fluid is the
recommended fluid for the NAG1 DaimlerChrysler
automatic transmission.
Dexron II fluid IS NOT recommended. Clutch
chatter can result from the use of improper
fluid.
MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid, or
other fluids meeting MS-9602, may be used if Shellt
3403 Automatic Transmission Fluid is not available.
Shellt3403 Automatic Transmission Fluid when
new is red in color. The ATF is dyed red so it can be
identified from other fluids used in the vehicle such
as engine oil or antifreeze. The red color is not per-
manent and is not an indicator of fluid condition. As
the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin to look
darker in color and may eventually become brown.
This is normal.
FLUID ADDITIVES
DaimlerChrysler strongly recommends against the
addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than
those automatic transmission fluids listed above.
Exceptions to this policy are the use of special dyes
to aid in detecting fluid leaks.
Various ªspecialº additives and supplements exist
that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These
additives and others also claim to improve converter
clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation,
varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been sup-
ported to the satisfaction of DaimlerChrysler and
these additivesmust not be used.The use of trans-
mission ªsealersº should also be avoided, since they
may adversely affect the integrity of transmission
seals.
OPERATION - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
The automatic transmission fluid is selected based
upon several qualities. The fluid must provide a high
level of protection for the internal components by
providing a lubricating film between adjacent metal
components. The fluid must also be thermally stable
so that it can maintain a consistent viscosity through
a large temperature range. If the viscosity stays con-
stant through the temperature range of operation,transmission operation and shift feel will remain con-
sistent. Transmission fluid must also be a good con-
ductor of heat. The fluid must absorb heat from the
internal transmission components and transfer that
heat to the transmission case.
FLUID CAPACITIES
SPECIFICATIONS - FLUID CAPACITIES
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
ENGINE COOLANT
10 Liters 10.5 Quarts
ENGINE OIL
9.0L with Filter
Replacement9.5 Quarts with Filter
Replacement
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Service Fill - NAG1 5.0 L (10.6 pts.)
O-haul Fill - NAG1 7.7 L (16.3 pts.)
Dry fill capacity Depending on type and size of
internal cooler, length and inside diameter of cooler
lines, or use of an auxiliary cooler, these figures may
vary. (Refer to appropriate 21 - TRANSMISSION/
AUTOMATIC/FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
REAR AXLE   .03L (1 oz.)
8 1/2 1.8 L (4.0 pts.)
FUEL TANK
Primary 100 L (26.4 gal.)*
Reserve 10.5 L (2.8 gal.)*
*Nominal refill capacities are shown. A variation may
be observed from vehicle to vehicle due to
manufacturing tolerance and refill procedure
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
Power steering fluid capacities are dependent on
engine/chassis options as well as steering gear/cooler
options. Depending on type and size of internal
cooler, length and inside diameter of cooler lines, or
use of an auxiliary cooler, these capacities may vary.
Refer to 19, Steering for proper fill and bleed
procedures.
FLUID FILL/CHECK
LOCATIONS
INSPECTION - FLUID FILL/CHECK LOCATIONS
The fluid fill/check locations and lubrication points
are located in each applicable group.
0 - 4 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEVA
FLUID TYPES (Continued)

JUMP STARTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - JUMP STARTING
WARNING: REVIEW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
AND WARNINGS IN THE BATTERY SYSTEM SEC-
TION OF THE SERVICE MANUAL. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE)
²DO NOT JUMP START A FROZEN BATTERY,
PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
²IF EQUIPPED, DO NOT JUMP START WHEN
MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERY INDICATOR DOT IS
YELLOW OR BRIGHT COLOR.
²DO NOT JUMP START A VEHICLE WHEN THE
BATTERY FLUID IS BELOW THE TOP OF LEAD
PLATES.
²DO NOT ALLOW JUMPER CABLE CLAMPS TO
TOUCH EACH OTHER WHEN CONNECTED TO A
BOOSTER SOURCE.
²DO NOT USE OPEN FLAME NEAR BATTERY.
²REMOVE METALLIC JEWELRY WORN ON
HANDS OR WRISTS TO AVOID INJURY BY ACCI-
DENTAL ARCING OF BATTERY CURRENT.
²WHEN USING A HIGH OUTPUT BOOSTING
DEVICE, DO NOT ALLOW BATTERY VOLTAGE TO
EXCEED 16 VOLTS. REFER TO INSTRUCTIONS
PROVIDED WITH DEVICE BEING USED.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY
RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
CAUTION: When using another vehicle as a
booster, do not allow vehicles to touch. Electrical
systems can be damaged on either vehicle.
TO JUMP START A DISABLED VEHICLE:
(1) Raise hood on disabled vehicle and visually
inspect engine compartment for:
²Battery cable clamp condition, clean if necessary.
²Frozen battery.
²Yellow or bright color test indicator, if equipped.
²Low battery fluid level.
²Generator drive belt condition and tension.
²Fuel fumes or leakage, correct if necessary.
CAUTION: If the cause of starting problem on dis-
abled vehicle is severe, damage to booster vehicle
charging system can result.
(2) When using another vehicle as a booster
source, park the booster vehicle within cable reach.
Turn off all accessories, set the parking brake, place
the automatic transmission in PARK or the manual
transmission in NEUTRAL and turn the ignition
OFF.(3) On disabled vehicle, place gear selector in park
or neutral and set park brake. Turn off all accesso-
ries.
(4) Connect jumper cables to booster battery. RED
clamp to positive terminal (+). BLACK clamp to neg-
ative terminal (-). DO NOT allow clamps at opposite
end of cables to touch, electrical arc will result.
Review all warnings in this procedure.
(5) On disabled vehicle, connect RED jumper cable
clamp to positive (+) terminal. Connect BLACK
jumper cable clamp to engine ground as close to the
ground cable attaching point as possible.
(6) Start the engine in the vehicle which has the
booster battery, let the engine idle a few minutes,
then start the engine in the vehicle with the dis-
charged battery.
CAUTION: Do not crank starter motor on disabled
vehicle for more than 15 seconds, starter will over-
heat and could fail.
(7) Allow battery in disabled vehicle to charge to
at least 12.4 volts (75% charge) before attempting to
start engine. If engine does not start within 15 sec-
onds, stop cranking engine and allow starter to cool
(15 min.), before cranking again.
DISCONNECT CABLE CLAMPS AS FOLLOWS:
²Disconnect BLACK cable clamp from engine
ground on disabled vehicle.
²When using a Booster vehicle, disconnect
BLACK cable clamp from battery negative terminal.
Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery positive
terminal.
²Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery posi-
tive terminal on disabled vehicle.
TOWING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOWING
WARNING: Do not tow the vehicle if the key cannot
be turned in the ignition lock. If the key cannot be
turned, the ignition lock remains locked and the
vehicle cannot be steered. With the engine not run-
ning there is no power assistance for the braking
and steering systems. In this case, it is important to
keep in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
The vehicle must not be towed with the front axle
raised and the key in position 2 in the ignition lock
as the drive wheels could then lock due to the
acceleration skid control (ASR)
0 - 6 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEVA

MAINTENANCE - WITH ASSYST MAINTENANCE
COMPUTER
ASSYST provides information on the best possible
timing for maintenance work.
NOTE: The engine manufacturer strongly recom-
mends the use of synthetic engine oils, such as
TMobil 1 SAE 0W-40.
When the next maintenance service is due, this
will be indicated in the multi-function display with
the wrench icon symbol displayed in km/miles or
days.
²One wrench icon showing indicates Oil Service
is necessary.
²Two wrench icons showing indicates Mainte-
nance Service is necessary ± displayed in km/miles or
days.
If the display shows the number of days, a clock
symbol will also appear in the multi-function display.
You should have the maintenance performed
within the stated period/distance.
The service indicator should be reset after an oil
service and/or maintenance service has been per-
formed.
REGULAR CHECK-UPS
To maintain the safe operation of the vehicle, it is
recommended that the following tasks be performed
on a regular basis (i.e. weekly or whenever the vehi-
cle is refueled). Check:
²Engine oil level
²Brake system, clutch mechanism ± fluid level
²Battery ± acid level
²Windshield washer system and headlamp clean-
ing system ± fluid level
²Mechanical assemblies (e. g. engine, transmis-
sion, etc.) ± check for leaks
²Condition of tires and tires pressures
²All exterior lights
SPECIAL MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
If bodies built by manufacturers other than
DaimlerChrysler Corporation are fitted to the vehi-
cle, the maintenance requirements and lubrication
intervals specified by the body manufacturer must be
adhered to, in addition to all standard maintenance
requirements.
Brake Fluid
Only use brake fluids approved by the manufac-
turer (DOT 4 plus).
Coolant
Corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze concentration in the
coolant should be checked before the onset of winter
(once year in countries with high prevailing temper-
atures).Replace the coolant every five years or 100,000
miles.
Dust Filter for Heating/Ventilation Replace-
ment
The dust filter and the tailgate interior filter are to
be renewed during routine maintenance service. If
operating conditions are dusty, these filters should be
renewed more frequently.
ENGINE OIL CHANGE AND FILTER REPLACEMENT
At the minimum, change the engine oil and oil fil-
ter once a year ± even if the vehicle mileage per year
is extremely low. For standard oil service schedules
refer to the chapter oil service and maintenance ser-
vice.
Once a Year
Select the viscosity of the engine oil (SAE classes)
according to the outside air temperature.
Only use engine oil approved by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation if following the ASSYST system guide-
lines.
If the fuel used has a sulphur content exceeding
0.05% by weight, the service intervals should be split
in half.
SCOPE OF WORK FOR MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Oil Service
²Engine:
Oil change and filter replacement
Check fluid levels of the following system,
refill as necessary.
²If fluid is lost, trace and eliminate cause ± as a
separate order.
²Power-assisted steering
Lubrication work:
²Trailer tow hitch (original equipment)
Maintenance
²ASSYST maintenance computer reset
Function check
²Signalling system, warning and indicator lamps
²Headlamps, exterior lighting
²Windshield wipers, windshield washer system
Check for leaks and damage.
²Check for abrasion points and ensure that lines
are correctly routed!
²All lines and hoses, sensor cables
²Rubber boots on front axle drive shafts, rubber
boots on front axle suspension ball joints, shock
absorbers
Check fluid levels for the following systems,
correct as necessary.
NOTE: Should there be a loss of fluid which cannot
be explained by regular use, trace and eliminate the
cause.
0 - 8 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEVA
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

²Engine cooling system. Check corrosion inhibi-
tor/antifreeze, refill as necessary.
²Hydraulic brake system
²Battery
²Windshield washer system
Engine
²Fuel filter renewal
²Air cleaner with maintenance indicator:
²Check degree of contamination.
²Air cleaner filter element renewed as necessary.
Chassis and body
²Trailer coupling:
Check operation, play and retaining fixtures
²Secondary rubber springs:
Visual check
²Tire pressures:
Correct as necessary, including spare tire
²Check thickness of brake pads
²Brake test
²Check condition of steering mechanism
²Heating/ventilation dust filter renewal
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE WORK
Automatic transmission once only at 80,000
miles/128000 km
Oil and filter change
During every second maintenance service
Air cleaner without maintenance indicator:
Air cleaner filter element renewal
Check poly-V-belt for wear and signs of damage
During every 6th maintenance service
Rear axle
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE WORK AFTER YEARS
Every 3 years
Air cleaner filter element renewal (note installa-
tion date)
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles
Coolant renewal
Note coolant composition
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
DESCRIPTION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation uses international
symbols to identify engine compartment lubricant
and fluid inspection and fill locations (Fig. 3).
Fig. 3 INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
VALUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 9
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

REAR AXLE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR AXLE
DESCRIPTION.........................10
OPERATION...........................10
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................10
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRAIN AND FILL . . 11
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................12
SPECIFICATIONS.......................13
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................14
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15AXLE BEARINGS/SEALS
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................17
AXLE SHAFTS - DUAL REAR WHEELS
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................19
AXLE HUB BEARINGS/SEALS
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................20
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
REAR AXLE
DESCRIPTION
The axle housings consist of a cast iron center sec-
tion with axle tubes extending from either side. The
tubes are pressed into and welded to the differential
housing to form a one-piece axle housing. The SRW
axle has semi-floating axle shafts, DRW has full-
floating axle shafts.
NOTE: Axle seals, axle bearings, pinion seal and
differential cover are the only serviceble compo-
nents. If differential is damaged/noisy the axle must
be replaced.
OPERATION
The axle receives power from the transmission
through the rear propeller shaft. The rear propeller
shaft is connected to the pinion gear which rotates
the differential through the gear mesh with the ring
gear bolted to the differential case. The engine power
is transmitted to the axle shafts through the pinion
mate and side gears. The side gears are splined to
the axle shafts.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
NOTE: Axle seals, axle bearings, pinion seals and
differential cover are the only serviceble compo-
nents. If differential is damaged/noisy the axle must
be replaced.
GEAR NOISE
Axle gear noise can be caused by insufficient lubri-
cant, incorrect backlash, incorrect pinion depth, tooth
contact, worn/damaged gears, or the carrier housing
not having the proper offset and squareness.
Gear noise usually happens at a specific speed
range. The noise can also occur during a specific type
of driving condition. These conditions are accelera-
tion, deceleration, coast, or constant load.
When road testing, first warm-up the axle fluid by
driving the vehicle at least 5 miles and then acceler-
ate the vehicle to the speed range where the noise is
the greatest. Shift out-of-gear and coast through the
peak-noise range. If the noise stops or changes
greatly:
²Check for insufficient lubricant.
²Incorrect ring gear backlash.
²Gear damage.
Differential side gears and pinions can be checked
by turning the vehicle. They usually do not cause
noise during straight-ahead driving when the gears
are unloaded. The side gears are loaded during vehi-
cle turns. A worn pinion shaft can also cause a snap-
ping or a knocking noise.
BEARING NOISE
The axle shaft, differential and pinion bearings can
all produce noise when worn or damaged. Bearing
noise can be either a whining, or a growling sound.
Pinion bearingshave a constant-pitch noise. This
noise changes only with vehicle speed. Pinion bearing
noise will be higher pitched because it rotates at a
faster rate. Drive the vehicle and load the differen-
tial. If bearing noise occurs, the rear pinion bearing
is the source of the noise. If the bearing noise is
3 - 10 REAR AXLEVA