Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/23783
BIG RIG BASICS JOHN BAXTER Synthetic Service Changing transmission and axle lubes at recommended intervals will guarantee long life and extend your warranty ransmission and axle lubricants don’t get dirty as fast as engine oil, but they are subject to heat and mechanical stress and have addi- tives that eventually need to be replenished. They also gradually ac- cumulate contaminants in the form of wear metals. “We service our rear differentials and transmissions at 250,000-mile intervals and always use synthet- ic fluid, usually the same brand and grade that came new in the truck,” says small fleet owner Tom Meunier. “We do not service them ourselves but usually have them serviced at our dealer.” We visited Ransome Internation- al in Swedesboro, N.J., to witness T 2 a transmission and axle lubricant change. We thank Brian Walsh, parts and service manager, and Paul Davis, technician first class, as well as Dan Arcy of Shell Lubricants for their assistance. 1 2 Park the vehicle on a hard, level surface and chock the wheels to make sure it will not roll. Place a container with a capacity of at least 30 quarts under the rearward rear axle. Put a wrench into the square hole in the drain plug and turn it counter-clockwise to loosen the plug. Once loose, the plug may be removed by hand. BIG RIG BASICS TIP PAUL DAVIS, TECHNICIAN FIRST CLASS FOR RANSOME INTERNATIONAL, HAD A TIP FOR BETTER CARE OF TRANSMISSIONS AND AXLES: HAVE OIL ANALYSIS DONE ON THE LUBES YOU DRAIN OUT. JUST AFTER REMOVING THE DRAIN PLUG FOR THE COMPONENT, PUT THE SAMPLE BOTTLE UNDER THE STREAM OF LIQUID AND CATCH ENOUGH TO FILL IT TO THE LINE ON THE SIDE. FILL OUT THE LABEL WITH ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION. OIL ANALYSIS WILL REVEAL DEVELOPING PROBLEMS AND REDUCE THE COST OF REPAIRS. 24 TRUCKERS NEWS JANUARY 2011 3 3 4 5 Carefully look at the drain plug, which is magnetic, to see what kinds of metal filings may have stuck to it. A thin, grainy film is okay, but large pieces of metal are a potential sign of trouble. Wipe the plug and the threads inside the drain hole with a clean rag. Carefully screw in the plug straight, being careful not to crossthread it. It may help to turn the plug backward first till the threads catch, then gently turn it clockwise until it seats. Install the wrench and turn until just snug. Wipe off the area around the filler plug, then remove it with a wrench. Feel around the hole with your fingers for any metal