Drive Axle & Drive Shaft - Holiday Rambler Imperial 2008 Owner's Manual

NOTE:
Inspect for signs of leakage when
performing fluid level checks.
Changing the hydraulic fi lters in the engine
compartment at regular intervals will help
ensure trouble-free operation.
DRIVE AXLE & DRIVE SHAFT
Drive Axle:
The chassis drive axle
is a single reduction
axle. The differential
gears consist of a
hypoid pinion and
ring gear set and bevel
differential gears. The
differential carrier can
Ring and Pinion Gears
be removed from the
axle housing as a unit
in order to perform
repairs.
All power from the engine to the rear tires is
transferred through the rear axle. For this reason,
it is important that maintenance be performed on
the axle as required to avoid premature wear of
the gears and bearings in the axle.
Drive Axle Lubricant:
The rear axle is fi lled with 80w-90 gear oil
meeting SAE J 2360 specifi cations. Change
interval is every 250,000 miles or 36 months,
whichever occurs fi rst.
During lubricant change, fi ne metal
particles will be observed clinging to the
magnetic fi ll and drain plugs of the axle.
These particles are normal wear particles from
the axle components, but will cause faster
than normal wear of the axle components if
allowed to circulate through the lubricant. It is
recommended that the magnetic plugs be tested,
and if necessary, replaced at each lubricant
change. These plugs should have suffi cient
magnetic strength to pick up a 1.5 lbs. weight of
low carbon steel. Never replace a magnetic plug
with a non-magnetic "pipe plug" as they will
not keep the lubricant clear of metal particles or
properly seal.
The level of lubricant in the rear axle should
be checked every 30,000 miles or annually,
whichever occurs fi rst. This will ensure adequate
lubricant in the axle for proper operation. Regular
090416
inspection of the drive axle lube levels is an
essential maintenance procedure.
WARNING:
Never place yourself under motorhome
without first properly blocking frame
(jackstands) from coming down in case
of rapid deflation of air system.
Proper Drive Axle Lubricant Level:
With the motorhome parked on a level
surface and rear axle warm, place a large
container under axle.
Clean the area around the fi ll plug,
which is located approximately halfway
up the axle housing bowl.
Remove the fi ll plug and observe the
lubricant level.
20 0 8 I M P E R I AL
CHASSIS INFORMATION — 10
The lubricant should be level with
bottom of the hole.
Important: The lube level close enough
to the hole to be seen or touched is not
suffi cient. The lube must be level with
the hole.
Correct the level as necessary.
Re-install the fi ll plug and tighten to 35
to 50 ft. lbs.
Correct Oil Level
Incorrect Oil Level
To Drain and Replace Lubricant:
1. Place a large container under the axle.
2. Remove drain plug and allow axle to
completely drain.
3. Properly dispose of oil.
4. Clean the drain plug and
test (replace the drain plug
if needed).
5. Install and tighten drain
plug to 35 to 50 ft. lbs.
6. Clean the area around the fi ll plug from
the axle-housing bowl.
7. Fill the axle with approved lubricant
until the level is even with the bottom
of the fi ll plug hole.
WARNING:
When checking or changing the
lubricant, always ensure that the axle
is not hot. Oil temperature 90º F. or
hotter can easily cause severe burns.
090264
090467b
Fill Plug
227