Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Axle Lube (Read 501 times) previous topic - next topic

Axle Lube

Hi guys. I returned from a trip recently and saw a large pool of oil leaking onto my drive axle wheel. It turns out I had a leak in the axle lube system that has just been repaired. Just in case any of you might find this useful, I wanted to share. I don't know about you, but I never really thought about checking my axle oil levels before. Anyway, here is the e-mail I just got from Brian Morrison at Spartan:

 With respect to your question here are some things you can inspect for oil levels.
 First the axles do not share the same oil fill source. On the front steer axle and the tag axle (this is the trailing axle behind the duals) the oil source is contained in each individual wheel end. It's an oil bath system to lubricate the bearings in each wheel end. To inspect, you have a special gear nut wrench in your owner's manual binder that will remove the locking nut from the dress hub cap. Remove the dress hub caps and you will see the oil hubs. These have a plastic inspection window with lines on the plastic that show oil level low & oil level full for these wheel ends.

 The drive axle is a bit different. The oil fill port is under the motorhome in the top center of the rear drive axle and this oil reservoir holds 33 pints or more, it lubricates the complete axle (both Left & Right wheel ends). To inspect, you have to remove the fill plug and stick your pinky finger into the hole to feel the oil level. What you did was the correct thing in regards to the drive axle. Pay attention to the wheel ends leaking oil and if you see any oil leaks from under the motorhome look to see if there are any signs of oil leaking from the rear axle differential (the big round thing in the center of the axle).

 I hope this information helps. If you need any further assistance with the maintenance or questions you can call our Spartan Customer & Product Support call center at 800-543-4277.

Re: Axle Lube

Reply #1 –
We cut hub cap center holes (with a hole-saw) and quickly visually check hub oil level often (sometimes with a flashlight).  Interesting if ground is not level, one side will be low and the other side high.

Re: Axle Lube

Reply #2 –
We have had the 1997 U295 for six years. We have replaced all four wheel seals. The front seals were replaced soon after we got the coach during an alignment of the front end. I think there were telltale signs of leakage on the insides of the tires.

The wheel seals in the rear failed at different times. I identified each of those failures initially by the smell of gear oil near the rear of the coach. The gear oil has a very distinctive smell. The leaks were confirmed by the spray of oil around the wheel wells.

I seldom think of checking the oil level in the wheel bearings. However, I am always alert for the streaks, drips, or puddles of "unusual" substances. I'm also alert to unusual smells that can indicate leaks of diesel fuel, gear oil, hydraulic oil, or material from waste tanks. Abnormally hot materials are likely to emit unusual smells, as well.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Axle Lube

Reply #3 –
JD,
I think the differential oil change requirement on axles installed after '92 is 100,000 miles, and the '92 and older axles change requirement was annually due to a differant air vent.
If the oil has that strong smell and those miles I would worry that it may not lubricant the gears properly under high temperature and load.
Old gear oil does get that smell, maybe do to loss of additives and water absorption.
JD
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'