Fresh oil showing up between the wheels on the drive axel.

[luvrbus]

Will, my Prevost manual for a 1996 with a Rockwell differential shows 100k with 75/90 gear lube or 250k with synthetic oil   

good luck

[PP]

Thanks for the input. I think I need to add a lube change to my list of things to do, Will

[buswarrior]

The longer my fatigue addled brain works on this, the more sense it makes...

The brakes would need relining somewhere close to that mileage, give or take, depending on usage, which covers the wheel bearing lube, as best practices would dictate a wheel end tear down for the brake job....

It's in the shop anyway, so combine brake job with diff and tranny oil change makes some sense. Heck, every second engine oil change cycle fits fairly well too.

These recommendations wouldn't have been made lightly.

Filling that diff by hand.... oh boy... ok if you have a method of powering the gear lube through a hose...

For the big truck, for a manual fill method, I use a piece of clear plastic tubing sized to fit the fill hole, and then a funnel to fit the other end. Best is three people, one to lie underneath to supervise the fill, one to hold the funnel, the other to pour the 5 gallon bucket of gear lube...warmer day sure helps the rate of flow! once a gallon down or so, lying the bucket on its side, spout up high and rolling it to control flow makes it way easier on the pourer's arms.

However, compared to the coach, this is easy standing on the frame around the fifth wheel with the tube snaking down to where you need it...on the coach... hmmmm, ideas?  Threading the tube down through the engine floor access hatch and pouring from inside has its risks, in spillage and gear oil stink.

Pouring from an elevated platform alongside the drives, tube snaked in from the side....?

For sure, over the years, there have been improvements in gear metal materials, methods of manufacture and lubrication, and continue to be right now! Somewhat unceremonious work, but makes a big difference to the fleet/person maintaining the equipment.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[bobofthenorth]

Its easy to add the gear lube if you have one of those pump affairs that fits on the top of the pail (and a wife to run the pump).  But make sure the hose is SECURELY attached to the pump because the thick oil develops a significant backpressure.  I have the streak down the front of my coveralls to prove that.

I'm sure you could jury rig something with a pail and a hose and a funnel and a couple of buddies but by the time you were all done I think a trip to Harbor Freight would look like a really good idea.

[buswarrior]

Yes, good note, Bob. Wear old clothes, gear oil will not come out!!

And it will be everywhere, a sack of rags and a bag or two of absorbant.

You will make a mess...

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[busshawg]

how many of you guys are running 80/90 gear oil in both your manual transmissions and rear end??

Grant

[bobofthenorth]

I put 85/140 non-synthetic in the diff but I'm going to drop that again and replace it with 85/140 synthetic.  I am worried enough about the filings that I want to flush it again fairly soon.  I haven't looked at a book for my transmission - as a matter of fact I don't have a book for it so I don't know what I will use there.  10 spd RR (RTO I believe) if anybody has the book I'm open to advice.

[busshawg]

thanks Bob