Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection 11.5 Inch Axle

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Make sure the vehicle is level.
3. Inspect the rear axle for leaks. Repair as necessary.
4. Clean the area around the rear axle fill plug.



5. Remove the rear axle fill plug and the seal.
6. Inspect the lubricant level.

Specification
The lubricant level should be between 17-21 mm (0.6-0.8 in) below the fill plug opening.

7. If the level is low, add lubricant until the level is between 17-21 mm (0.6-0.8 in) below the fill plug opening. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

8. Install the rear axle fill plug and gasket.

Tighten
Tighten the rear axle fill plug to 33 N·m (24 lb ft).

9. Lower the vehicle.

Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection 8.6, 9.5 LD Axle

Important: All axle assemblies are filled by volume of fluid during production. They are not filled to reach a certain level. When checking the fluid level on any axle, variations in the readings can be caused by factory fill differences between the minimum and the maximum fluid volume. Also, if a vehicle has just been driven before checking the fluid level, it may appear lower than normal because the fluid has traveled out along the axle tubes and has not drained back to the sump area. Therefore, a reading taken five minutes after the vehicle has been driven will appear to have a lower fluid level than a vehicle that has been stationary for an hour or two. Remember that the rear axle assembly must be supported to get a true reading.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Ensure the vehicle is level.
3. Inspect the rear axle for leaks. Repair as necessary.
4. Clean the area around the rear axle fill plug.



5. Remove the rear axle fill plug.
6. Inspect the lubricant level:

Specification
The lubricant level should be between 1-19 mm (0.04-0.75 in) below the fill plug opening for the 8.6 inch axle.

Specification
The lubricant level should be between 15-40 mm (0.59-1.57 in) below the fill plug opening for the 9.5 inch LD axle.

7. If the level is low, add lubricant until the level is even with the bottom edge of the fill plug opening. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

8. Install the rear axle fill plug.

Tighten
Tighten the rear axle fill plug to 33 N·m (24 lb ft).

9. Lower the vehicle.

Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection 10.5 Inch Axle

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Make sure the vehicle is level.
3. Inspect the rear axle for leaks. Repair as necessary.
4. Clean the area around the rear axle fill plug.



5. Remove the rear axle fill plug.
6. Inspect the lubricant level.

Specification
The lubricant level should be between 0-10 mm (0-0.4 in) below the fill plug opening.

7. If the level is low, add lubricant until the level is even with the bottom edge of the fill plug opening. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

8. Install the rear axle fill plug.

Tighten
Tighten the rear axle fill plug to 33 N·m (24 lb ft).

9. Lower the vehicle.