Rear axle capacity

RetiredBob · 10-08-2011, 08:35 AM

Decided to start doing my own LOFs in order to save a bundle. After the oil change, I checked all the fluids--found the rear end to be low. I had to add almost a full quart of gear oil. I have no idea how long the oil has been low--I only have 8,700 miles on it and two previous LOFs. I'm curious what the total oil capacity is for the rear end and what percent one quart represents. If it's only 10% of total capacity I doubt there was any damage, but if it's 50% could there have been damage to the gears if I had driven for several thousand miles that way?

gaugeguy · 10-08-2011, 09:28 AM

It is hard to determine what the capacity may be without the manufacturer and model of the rear axle. Most rear end oil capacities are measured in pints, not quarts. There are some rear axles that have a separate oil "level" hole which is not to be confused with the "fill" hole. Some others have a separate oil level "sensor" plug, too.
The most common rear axle used by the Ford F53 chassis is Dana 17060s.
The tech manual can be found here: http://www2.dana.com/pdf/AXSM-0048.pdf.
Check your owner's chassis manual. It should tell you what the axle capacity is.

RetiredBob · 10-08-2011, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaugeguy

Check your owner's chassis manual. It should tell you what the axle capacity is.

It doesn't.

jackrobinryan · 10-08-2011, 11:32 AM

Interested to hear what you find. I recently did the same thing, oil, grease and checked the rear axle. Had to put 30 oz in to get level up to the fill plug.

Untill I learn otherwise, I'm guessing the capacity is significantly larger than a quart or two. Something that large, where the wheel bearings are also lube'd by the rear end oil would have, I'm guessing, at least 5 quart capacity.

Otherwise, if any damage was done, I'll know soon enough I guess.

DriVer · 10-08-2011, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetiredBob

If it's only 10% of total capacity I doubt there was any damage, but if it's 50% could there have been damage to the gears if I had driven for several thousand miles that way?

The fluid capacity on your rig is about 24.5 pints - 6 Quarts. 1 quart low should not be the straw that broke the camel's back.

Just make sure the rig is straight and level when you check the diff fluid.

az bound · 10-08-2011, 01:38 PM

Your not being fair DriVer, you type too fast.

RetiredBob · 10-08-2011, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriVer

Just make sure the rig is straight and level when you check the diff fluid.

Level I understand, but straight?

FreshAir · 10-08-2011, 05:14 PM

If your worried about damage, pull the plug and drain a little fluid. Look for shinny stuff, metal. If what you see worries you, let a mechanic look at it. Not a sure fire diagnosis but good for a routine inspection.

PatricksPC · 10-09-2011, 09:01 AM

Run a magnet thru the drained oil.

fun 33V · 10-09-2011, 10:58 AM

Purchased our 05 last year had 13k on it and it was 1 quart low now it has 20k have noticed no difference.Very pleased with the Mh.

DriVer · 10-09-2011, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetiredBob

Level I understand, but straight?

RetiredBob, OK! Point taken ... "Level"

Full.Monte · 11-02-2011, 09:04 AM

I recently helped a friend do maintenance on their newly acquired 2004 Southwind W20 with the 8.1 Workhorse engine. The differential was two full quarts low. We were amazed. I'm wondering where all that oil disappeared to. It seems like others have noticed the same thing.

Mekanic · 11-02-2011, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriVer

The fluid capacity on your rig is about 24.5 pints - 6 Quarts. 1 quart low should not be the straw that broke the camel's back.

Just make sure the rig is straight and level when you check the diff fluid.

24.5 pints should be equal to 12.25 quarts acording to my math. I going off memory 16oz in a pint, and 32oz on a quart.

mine took 3 or 4 gallons (i can't remember) or so when I changed the gears in it this last summer. when i change it again I'm buying the 5 gallon pail and a pump!!

DriVer · 11-02-2011, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mekanic

24.5 pints should be equal to 12.25 quarts acording to my math. I going off memory 16oz in a pint, and 32oz on a quart. Mine took 3 or 4 gallons (i can't remember) or so when I changed the gears in it this last summer. when i change it again I'm buying the 5 gallon pail and a pump!!

Your math is good.

24.5 pints = 12.25 Quarts = 3.0625 gallons.

What in the world was I thinking ...