Community Forums

Don_SueB · 09-14-2013, 06:56 PM

Ok,

The total capacity of my Spicer 21060S Rear Diff is a total of 14 qt in the book. Today I drained my rear diff and only could only get 10.5 qt back in and it's level with the bottom of the fill plug.
Since I didn't measure the amount I drain (naturally, this time I tell myself I won't need it) I can't compare what came out. I know there is some still down at the hubs but it seems like it should take just a bit more.
Is this expected?

Thanks,
Don

Twomed · 09-14-2013, 08:22 PM

Drive up on about 4" on leveling blocks/boards on one side let it sit about ten minutes. back to level, wait ten minutes...check, top if necessary. Same for other side. Only way to be sure that wheel bearings are oiled and level is correct.

In theory if you were perfectly level all would be good with the first fill. Murphy says theory doesn't always work in real life. A little extra time is cheap insurance.

jesilvas · 09-14-2013, 08:28 PM

Drive with no fluid in the diff?

Barlow46 · 09-15-2013, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesilvas

Drive with no fluid in the diff?

Yes. All surfaces are coated from previous oil and there is no heat buildup moving the coach a few inches. And......he did get over 10 qts back in as she sits.

Found this info in an old thread from Mike Canter:

"It is very important that after you fill it that you drive it and get the oil warm and check the level again because the oil flows out into the outer wheel bearing hubs through small holes. To get the oil through these small holes correctly the level has to be maintained all the way to the bottom lip of the filler plug and not a 1/4" or a 1/2" down."

I think I would take Twomed's suggestion on driving up on boards and adding what is necessary. And, being somewhat "anal", would then drive it until the oil warmed up and re-check it just to be sure.

Don_SueB · 09-15-2013, 06:25 AM

Thanks,

Makes sense. Each wheel end holds about a pint and a half. That accounts for some and I can see how, especially gear oil, can coat everything. I'll tilt the coach either side and check/fill and then also run it some to warm things up and keep filling.
Coach was level when I did this maintenance. I drove it home from the auto hobby shop and took the plug out again and some came dribbling out.

Thanks,

Don

promine · 09-15-2013, 06:53 AM

At what milage intervil are you changing the rear gear lube?

Don_SueB · 09-15-2013, 07:02 AM

I did it at 60K. I knew the history of every fluid in my RV except that one. When I'd check the level it was pretty black so since I was getting ready to go on a longer trip I figured I'd do it.
The bottom magnetic plug just had very little black metal dust on it and the fluid actually looked better than I thought but now it's nice and clean, AND, I know the history. Valvoline SynPower 75W90.

Don_SueB · 09-16-2013, 07:01 PM

I went out and warmed up the diff and found a couple of places on the side of the road with a good "right wing down" angle and parked there for a just a bit. Went back and refilled the diff. Took just a bit more. Did the same with "left wing down" just to be sure. I think I'm good.
BTW, the book only says that the axle needs to be tilted (book says 8 inches actually) if the wheel ends were removed which I didn't do. Taking it out, warming it up and tilting to either side had the axle take just a bit more. I feel much better and ready for my next trip.

Don