Corona PDF

Revised 02-03
Single-Reduction
Differential Carriers
Single Rear Drive Axles, Rear-Rear Tandem
Drive Axles and Front Drive Steer Axles
Maintenance Manual 5A
RS and RT Series MX and RF Series

Single-Reduction Front Drive Axles
Axles (Single, Rear
of Tandem)
Service Notes
Before
Service Notes
You Begin Access Product and Service Information
on Our Website
This manual provides instructions for the Meritor
MX-, RS-, RT- and RF-Series axles. Before you Visit the DriveTrain PlusTM by ArvinMeritor Tech
begin procedures: Library at arvinmeritor.com to access and order
product and service information.
1. Read and understand all instructions and
procedures before you begin to service
components. To Order Information by Phone
2. Read and observe all Caution and Warning Call ArvinMeritor’s Customer Service Center at
safety alerts that precede instructions or 800-535-5560 to order the following publications.
procedures you will perform. These alerts help O Lubrication (Maintenance Manual 1)
to avoid damage to components, serious
personal injury, or both. O Single-Reduction Differential Carriers
(Maintenance Manual 5)
3. Follow your company’s maintenance and
service, installation, and diagnostics O Single-Reduction Forward Differential Carriers
guidelines. on Tandem and Tridem Axles (Maintenance
Manual 5L)
4. Use special tools when required to help avoid
serious personal injury and damage to O Drive Axle Housings (Maintenance Manual 8)
components. O Approved Rear Drive Axle Lubricants (TP-9539)
Safety Alerts, Torque Symbol and Notes O Driver Instruction Kit (TP-9579)
O Failure Analysis for Drive Axle Components
(TP-9955)
A Warning alerts you to an
WARNING instruction or procedure O Traction Controls package that contains two
that you must follow videos: Splitting the Difference (T-87127V) and
exactly to avoid serious Driver-Controlled, Full-Locking Main Differential
personal injury. (T-9007V). Order T-95125V for this package.
Each video is also available separately.
A Caution alerts you to an
CAUTION instruction or procedure O Drivetrain PlusTM by ArvinMeritor Technical
that you must follow Electronic Library on CD. Features product
exactly to avoid damage to and service information on most Meritor,
components. ZF Meritor and Meritor WABCO products.
$20. Order TP-9853.
A torque symbol alerts you
to tighten fasteners to a
specified torque value.
How to Order Tools and Supplies
Specified in This Manual
NOTE A Note provides
information or suggestions Call ArvinMeritor’s Commercial Vehicle
that help you correctly Aftermarket at 888-725-9355 to order Meritor tools
service a component. and supplies.
SPX Kent-Moore, 28635 Mound Road, Warren,
Michigan, 48092. Call the company’s customer
service center at 800-345-2233, or visit their
website at spxkentmoore.com.
Table of Contents
Exploded Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Section 1: Introduction
Standard Single-Reduction Carriers Without Differential Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Single-Reduction Carriers with DCDL (Driver-Controlled Main Differential Lock) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Axle Models Covered in this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Stall Testing with Automatic Transmissions
Section 2: Removal and Disassembly
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Differential Carrier from the Axle Housing
Carrier from the Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Differential and Ring Gear from the Carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Differential and Ring Gear Assembly
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Drive Pinion and Bearing Cage from the Carrier
Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Drive Pinion and Bearing Cage
Section 3: Prepare Parts for Assembly
Clean and Inspect Yokes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Clean Ground and Polished Parts
Clean Rough Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Clean Axle Assemblies
Dry Parts After Cleaning
Prevent Corrosion on Cleaned Parts
Inspect Parts
Repair or Replace Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Repair Welding on Axle Housings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
For Complete Welding Instructions on Meritor Drive Axle Housings
Prepare the Axle
Do Not Bend or Straighten a Damaged Drive Axle Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Fasteners
Removing Fasteners Secured with Adhesive
New Fasteners with Pre-Applied Adhesive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Original or Used Fasteners
Applying Adhesive and Silicone Gasket Material
Meritor Specification 2297-T-4180 Adhesive in Differential Bearing Bores
Three Bond 1216, or Equivalent, Silicone Gasket Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Carrier-to-Housing Joint Repair
Installing Tight Fit Yokes and POSE™ Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Installing Any Type Yoke with a Unitized Pinion Seal (UPS)
Clean, Inspect and Install the Yoke After Installing a Unitized Pinion Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
General Yoke and U-Joint Reassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Gear Sets
Examples
Table of Contents
Section 4: Assembly
Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Drive Pinion, Bearings and Bearing Cage
Installation
One-Piece Spigot Bearing on the Drive Pinion with Snap Ring
One-Piece Spigot Bearing on the Drive Pinion Without Snap Ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Two-Piece Spigot Bearing on the Drive Pinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Drive Pinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Adjustment
Pinion Bearing Preload
Shim Pack Thickness for a New Drive Pinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Drive Pinion, Bearing Cage and Shim Pack into the Carrier
Tight Fit Yokes and POSE™ Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Any Type Yoke with a Unitized Pinion Seal (UPS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Clean, Inspect and Install the Yoke After Installing a Unitized Pinion Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Main Differential and Ring Gear Assembly
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Differential and Ring Gear Assembly
Adjust Differential Bearing Preload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Method 1
Method 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Check Ring Gear Runout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Ring Gear Backlash Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Check Gear Set Tooth Contact Patterns (Backlash) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Adjust the Thrust Screw
Differential Carrier into Axle Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Section 5: Driver-Controlled Main Differential Lock
Driver-Controlled Main Differential Lock Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Differential Carrier from Axle Housing
Axle Setup for DCDL Disassembly
DCDL Assembly Manual Engaging Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Differential and Gear Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
DCDL Assembly into Carrier
Differential Lock Assembly Cover Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Install the Carrier into Axle Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Check the Differential Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Driver Caution Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Traction Control Videos
Section 6: Lubrication
Lubricant Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Section 7: Fastener Torque Information
Torque Values for Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
General Information
American Standard Fasteners
Metric Fasteners
Table of Contents
Section 8: Adjustments and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Section 9: Special Tools
Carrier Repair Stand Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
How to Make a Yoke Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Unitized Pinion Seals and Seal Drivers
Section 10: Vehicle Towing Instructions
Types of Axles
• Single Axle, with Driver-Controlled Main Differential Lock
(DCDL — Screw-In [threaded] shift assembly) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
• Tandem Axle, with Driver-Controlled Main Differential Lock
(DCDL — Screw-In [threaded] shift assembly) and with Inter-Axle Differential (IAD)
• Single Axle, with Driver-Controlled Main Differential Lock
(DCDL — Bolt-On shift assembly) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
• Tandem Axle, with Driver-Controlled Main Differential Lock
(DCDL — Bolt-On shift assembly) and with Inter-Axle Differential (IAD)
• Single Axle, without Driver-Controlled Main Differential Lock (DCDL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
• Tandem Axle, without Driver-Controlled Main Differential Lock (DCDL),
with Inter-Axle Differential (IAD)
Exploded Views
Single-Reduction Differential Carrier

Exploded Views
1
2 3
3A
73 4
8
5 9
6
7
72
71
74
70
69 29
68 33
67
66 30
64 31
65
34
62 32
63 59
58
60 57
61 56
1 Nut — Drive Pinion* 32 Capscrews — Differential 65 Spigot Bearing

2 Washer — Drive Pinion* Bearing Cap 66 Drive Pinion
3 Input Yoke* or Flange* 33 Washers 67 Bearing Cone — Pinion Inner
3A Deflector 34 Caps — Differential Bearing 68 Bearing Cup — Pinion Inner
4 POSE™ seal 56 Capscrews — Differential 69 Spacer — Pinion Bearing
5 Triple Lip (Main) Seal Bearing Cup 70 Shims
6 Bearing Cone — Outer 57 Washers 71 Bearing Cage — Drive Pinion
58 Caps — Differential Bearing 72 Capscrew — Bearing Cage
7 Bearing Cup — Inner
59 Carrier 73 Washer
8 Sensor Switch
60 Adjusting Ring 74 Clip and Cable Holder
9 Lock Nut — Sensor Switch
61 Cotter Pin — Adjusting Ring 75 Cover — Bolt-On
29 Capscrews* — Lock Plate* 76 Washer
30 Washers* — Lock Plate* 62 Jam Nut* — Thrust Screw*
77 Bolt
31 Lock Plate — Adjusting Ring 63 Thrust Screw*
78 Cover — Screw-In
64 Snap Ring
* Some Meritor carriers do not have these described parts.

Exploded Views
20 A
19
18 A
18 B
15 17
16
20
14
13 21
12 22
64
78 11 24 23 A
28 26 25
77 23 DL
76 DC 41
AL
ON
OPTI 42
75 40
10
27
28 36 39
38
36
37
43
35
39
45 44
46
54 36
55
36
53
47 37 NO-SPIN
ASSEMBLY
48
49
52
50
51
10 Plug 23A Gasket — Cover Plug 45 Case Assembly — Main

11 Adjusting Ring — R.H. 24 Copper Gasket — Cylinder Cover Differential
12 Shift Fork 25 O-Ring — Piston 46 Spider — Differential
13 Spring — Shift Shaft 26 Piston 47 Bolts* or Rivets* — Ring Gear
14 Shift Shaft 27 Shift Collar and Case Half
15 Pin — Spring Retaining 28 Pins — Shift Fork 48 Ring Gear (Pinion Drive Gear)
16 Washer* or Silastic* — Air 35 Side Gears — Differential 49 Case Half — Flange
Cylinder 36 Thrust Washers — Differential 50 Washers — Case Half
17 Tube — Air Cylinder Pinion 51 Nuts* — Case Half
18A Screw-In Differential Lock 37 Pinions — Differential 52 Bearing Cone — Differential L.H.
Cylinder 38 Differential — Side Gears 53 Bearing Cup — Differential L.H.
18B Cylinder Cover 39 Thrust Washers — Differential 54 Washer for “Thru” Bolt
19 Capscrew — Manual Actuation Side Gear 55 Nut for “Thru” Bolt
20 Plug — Cylinder Cover 40 Cone — Differential Bearing 64 Snap Ring
20A Gasket — Cover Plug 41 Cup — Differential Bearing 75 Cover — Bolt-On
21 Capscrews — Cylinder Cover 42 “Thru” Bolt 76 Washer
22 Washers — Cylinder Cover 43 Bolts* — Differential Case 77 Bolt
23 Plug — Cylinder Cover 44 Washers — Differential Case 78 Cover — Screw-In
* Some Meritor carriers do not have these described parts.
Maintenance Manual 5A Copyright 2003

Revised 02-03 ArvinMeritor, Inc. Page 1
Section 1
Introduction
Standard Single-Reduction Carriers

Section 1
Introduction
Without Differential Lock

Meritor single-reduction standard carriers are
used in most Meritor single axles, rear of tandem
axles and front drive steer axles. Figure 1.1.
The single-reduction carriers are front mounted
into the axle housing. These carriers have a
hypoid drive pinion and ring gear set and bevel
gears in the differential assembly.
A straight roller bearing or spigot is mounted on
the head of the drive pinion. All other bearings
in the carrier are tapered roller bearings.
When the carrier operates, there is normal
differential action between the wheels at all times.
Figure 1.1
8
2
7
3
6 5
1 TAPERED ROLLER BEARINGS 5 BEVEL DIFFERENTIAL GEARS
2 CARRIER 6 HOUSING
3 STRAIGHT ROLLER BEARING 7 TAPERED ROLLER BEARING
4 TAPERED ROLLER BEARING 8 HYPOID DRIVE PINION AND RING GEAR
Copyright 2003 Maintenance Manual 5A

Page 2 ArvinMeritor, Inc. Revised 02-03
Section 1
Introduction
Single-Reduction Carriers with

DCDL (Driver-Controlled Main
Differential Lock)
Meritor single-reduction carriers with
driver-controlled main differential lock (DCDL)
have the same type of gears and bearings as the
standard-type carriers. Figure 1.2. The differential
lock is operated by an air-actuated shift assembly
that is mounted on the carrier.
O When the differential lock is activated, the shift
collar moves along the splines of the axle shaft
toward the differential case.
O When the splines on the collar are engaged
with splines on the differential case, the axle
shafts and differential assembly are locked
together.
O When the carrier operates with the DCDL in the
locked position, there is no differential action
between the wheels.
O When the carrier is operated in the unlocked
position, there is normal differential action
between the wheels at all times.
Figure 1.2
1 BOLT-IN STYLE
2 SCREW-IN STYLE OR THREADED
STANDARD CARRIER WITH DIFFERENTIAL LOCK (DCDL)

Section 1
Introduction
Axle Models Covered in this Manual
Single Drive Axles

RS-13-120 RS-17-145 RS-21-160 RS-23-186
RS-15-120 RS-17-145A RS-21-160A RS-25-160
RS-16-140 RS-19-144 RS-23-160 RS-25-160A
RS-16-141 RS-19-144A RS-23-160A RS-26-160
RS-16-145 RS-19-145 RS-23-161 RS-26-180
RS-17-140 RS-19-145A RS-23-161A RS-26-185
RS-17-141 RS-21-145 RS-23-180 RS-30-180
RS-17-144 RS-21-145A RS-23-185 RS-30-185
RS-17-144A
Rear Axle of Tandem Axles

RT-34-140 RT-40-146 RT-44-145P RT-46-169A For other models (non-MX-,
RT-34-144 RT-40-149 RT-44-149 RT-46-169P RS-, RT- and RF-Series),
RT-34-144A RT-40-149A RT-46-16HEH RT-48-180 refer to Maintenance
RT-34-144P RT-40-149P RT-46-16HP RT-48-185 Manual 5, Single-Reduction
RT-34-145 RT-40-160 RT-46-160 RT-50-160
Differential Carriers.
RT-34-145P RT-40-160A RT-46-160A RT-50-160P To obtain this publication,
RT-34-146 RT-40-160P RT-46-160P RT-52-180 refer to the Service Notes
RT-40-140 RT-40-169 RT-46-164 RT-52-185 page on the front inside
RT-40-145 RT-40-169A RT-46-164EH RT-58-180 cover of this manual.
RT-40-145A RT-40-169P RT-46-164P RT-58-185
RT-40-145P RT-44-145 RT-46-169
Front Drive Steer Axles

MX-10-120 RF-7-120 RF-21-160
MX-12-120 RF-9-120 RF-21-185
MX-14-120 RF-12-120 RF-21-355
MX-16-120 RF-12-125 RF-22-166
MX-21-160 RF-16-145 RF-23-180
MX-21-160R RF-21-155 RF-23-185
MX-23-160 RF-21-156
MX-23-160R
Stall Testing with Automatic Transmissions

Stall testing is an experimental test procedure
sometimes used for automatic transmission
diagnostics, vehicle performance evaluation or to
test service and park brake hold. During stall
testing or a similar procedure, the drive axle input
receives multiplied torque that can greatly exceed
the axle torque rating. This can cause drive axle
damage and result in immediate axle failure or
shortened axle life.
Meritor regards stall testing to be outside the
scope of normal vehicle operation. Axle damage
or failure caused by stall testing or a similar
procedure voids Meritor’s warranty.
For questions related to stall testing, contact
ArvinMeritor’s Customer Service Center at
800-535-5560.

Section 2
Removal and Disassembly
Section 2 and Disassembly

Removal 4. Remove the plug from bottom of axle housing.
WARNING Drain lubricant from the assembly.
To prevent serious eye injury, always wear safe 5. Disconnect the driveline universal joint from
eye protection when you perform vehicle the pinion input yoke or flange on the carrier.
maintenance or service. Figure 2.2.
Park the vehicle on a level surface. Block the

wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving. Figure 2.2
Support the vehicle with safety stands. Do not
work under a vehicle supported only by jacks. EASY SERVICETM 1
Jacks can slip and fall over. Serious personal
injury can result. 2
9
Use a brass or leather mallet for assembly and 3
disassembly procedures. Do not hit steel parts
4
with a steel hammer. Pieces of a part can break 8 5
off and cause serious personal injury.
6
7
Removal
10
WING SERIES
Differential Carrier from the Axle Housing PERMALUBETM
11
12
NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with a 14
driver-controlled main differential lock, the 13
DCDL collar must be engaged before removing
axle shafts. Refer to complete instructions under
Driver-Controlled Main Differential Lock Assembly 15
and Figure 5.1. FULL-ROUND
16
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. Block the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.
Figure 2.1.
19 17
2. Use a jack or other lifting tool to raise the
vehicle so that the wheels to be serviced are 18
off the ground. Support the vehicle with safety
stands. Figure 2.1. 20
25
“RPL” SERIES, 21
3. Place a drain pan under the rear axle. PERMALUBETM
24 22
Figure 2.1 23
1 FULL ROUND BEARING 13 SLIP YOKE

CUPS 14 U-JOINT CROSS
2 END YOKE 15 CAPSCREWS
3 YOKE SADDLE 16 END YOKE
4 WELD YOKE 17 WELD YOKE
5 BEARING STRAP 18 SLIP YOKE
6 CAPSCREWS 19 U-JOINT CROSS
7 EASY-SERVICE 20 CAPSCREWS
BEARING CUPS 21 END YOKE
8 U-JOINT CROSS 22 SLIP YOKE
9 SLIP YOKE 23 TUBING
10 CAPSCREWS 24 U-JOINT CROSS
1 11 END YOKE 25 WELD YOKE
12 WELD YOKE
1 SAFETY STANDS

Section 2
6. Remove the capscrews and washers or stud Figure 2.4

nuts and washers, if equipped, from the
flanges of both axle shafts. 1
2 3 4 5
7. Loosen the tapered dowels, if equipped, in the
axle flanges of both axle shafts using one of
the following methods.
Brass Drift Method
WARNING
9 8 7
Do not strike the round driving lugs on the flange 6
of an axle shaft. Pieces can break off and cause
serious personal injury. 1 STUD NUT
2 WASHER
3 TAPERED DOWEL
1. Hold a 1-1/2-inch diameter brass drift or brass 4 GASKET
hammer against the center of the axle shaft, 5 STUD
inside the round driving lugs. Figure 2.3. 6 SHAFT HUB AXLE
7 AXLE SHAFT OR FLANGE
8 WASHER
Figure 2.3 9 CAPSCREW
1 Air Hammer Vibration Method
WARNING
2 Wear safe eye protection when using an air
hammer. When using power tools, axle
components can loosen and break off causing
serious personal injury.
CAUTION
1 BRASS HAMMER
2 DRIVING LUGS Do not use a chisel or wedge to loosen the axle
shaft and tapered dowels. Using a chisel or
wedge can result in damage to the axle shaft,
2. Strike the end of the drift with a large hammer, the gasket and seal, and the axle hub.
five to six pounds, and the axle shaft and
tapered dowels will loosen. 1. Use a round hammer bit and an air hammer to
3. Mark each axle shaft before it is removed from loosen tapered dowels and axle shaft.
the axle assembly. 2. Place the round hammer bit against the axle
4. Remove the tapered dowels and separate the shaft or flange between the hub studs.
axle shafts from the main axle hub assembly. Operate the air hammer at alternate locations
Figure 2.4. between the studs to loosen the tapered
dowels and axle shaft from the hub.
5. Install a cover over the open end of each axle Figure 2.5.
assembly hub where an axle shaft was
removed.

Section 2
Figure 2.5 5. After the carrier is loosened, remove the top

two fasteners.
ROUND HAMMER BIT
BETWEEN HUB STUDS
CAUTION
When using a pry bar, be careful not to damage
the carrier or housing flange. Damage to these
surfaces will cause oil leaks.
6. Use the hydraulic roller jack to remove the

carrier from the axle housing. Use a pry bar
that has a round end to help remove the
carrier from the housing.
1 ROUND HAMMER BIT BETWEEN HUB STUDS
NOTE: A carrier stand is available from SPX
Kent-Moore. Refer to the Service Notes page on
3. Mark each axle shaft before it is removed from the front inside cover of this manual to obtain
the axle assembly. the stand.
4. Remove the tapered dowels and separate the 7. Use a lifting tool to lift the differential carrier
axle shaft from the main axle hub assembly. by the input yoke or flange and place the
Figure 2.4. assembly in a repair stand. Figure 2.7. Do not
lift by hand. A carrier stand can be built by
Carrier from the Axle referring to Figure 2.8.
1. Place a hydraulic roller jack under the
differential carrier to support the assembly. Figure 2.7
Figure 2.6.
1
Figure 2.6
1 DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER 2 REPAIR STAND
2
1 WOOD BLOCK
2 ROLLER JACK
2. Remove all but the top two carrier to housing

capscrews or stud nuts and washers.
3. Loosen the top two carrier-to-housing
fasteners and leave attached to the assembly.
The fasteners will hold the carrier in the
housing.
4. Loosen the differential carrier in the axle
housing. Use a leather mallet to hit the
mounting flange of carrier at several points.

Section 2
Figure 2.8
1 2
12
11
3
10
4
9 5
SPX Kent-Moore
8
part number J-3409-D
1 PLATES 8’ LONG x 3/4” THICK x 1-1/4” WIDE WITH A TONGUE TO FIT SLOT IN
BAR WELD PLATES TO BAR
2 HANDLE 7” LONG WITH SLOT IN ONE END TO FIT CLAMP SCREW
3 BAR 2” DIAMETER X 9” LONG WITH ONE END SLOTTED TO FIT PLATE
4 WELD ALL AROUND AFTER PRESSING PLUG IN PIPE
5 WELD
6 SHAPE AND SIZE OF HOLES TO FIT CARRIER
7 23-1/2” CENTER TO CENTER OF PIPE
8 CHAMFER END OF PIPE FOR WELDING
9 4” DIAMETER PIPE
10 PLUG 4” DIAMETER x 7” LONG WITH ONE END TURNED 3” LONG TO FIT PIPE
DRILL 2” HOLE AND MILL 3/16” WIDE SLOT 2” FROM TOP
11 SCREW 3-1/2” LONG x 5/8” DIAMETER WITH FLATS ON END TO FIT HANDLE AND
2-1/2” LENGTH OF THREAD ON OTHER END
12 DRILL 3/8” HOLE THROUGH HANDLE AND SCREW
CARRIER STAND

Section 2
Differential and Ring Gear from the Figure 2.11

Carrier
NOTE: Before working on the differential carrier,
inspect the hypoid gear set for damage. If
inspection shows no damage, the same gear set 1
can be used again. Measure the backlash of the
gear set and make a record of the dimension.
Figure 2.9. Refer to Section 4.
1. Loosen the jam nut on the thrust screw, if
equipped.
2. Remove the thrust screw and jam nut, if
equipped, from the differential carrier. 1 THRUST SCREW AND JAM NUT
Figures 2.10 and 2.11.
3. Rotate the differential carrier in the repair
Figure 2.9 stand until the ring gear is at the top of
the assembly.
1
4. Mark one carrier leg and bearing cap to
correctly match the parts during carrier
assembly. Mark the parts using a center punch
and hammer. Figure 2.12.
Figure 2.12
1
2
1 DIAL INDICATOR
Figure 2.10
3
1 BEARING CAP
2 CARRIER LEG
3 MATCH MARKS

Section 2
5. Remove the cotter keys, pins or lock plates, if Figure 2.15

equipped, that hold the bearing adjusting
rings in position. Use a small drift and 1
hammer to remove pins. Each lock plate is 2
held in position by two capscrews. Figure 2.13.
6. Remove the capscrews and washers that hold
the two bearing caps on the carrier. Each cap
is held in position by two capscrews and
washers. Figure 2.14.
7. Remove the bearing caps and bearing
adjusting rings from the carrier. Figure 2.15.
8. Safely lift the main differential and ring gear
assembly from the carrier. Place the assembly 1 BEARING CAP
2 BEARING ADJUSTING RING
on a work bench. Figure 2.16.
Figure 2.13 Figure 2.16
1 2
1 REMOVING COTTER KEY

2 REMOVING LOCK PLATE
Disassembly
Figure 2.14 Differential and Ring Gear Assembly
WARNING
Observe all warnings and cautions provided by
the press manufacturer to avoid damage to
components and serious personal injury.
1
1. If the match marks on the case halves of the
differential assembly are not visible, mark
each case half with a center punch and
hammer. Figure 2.17.
1 BEARING CAP 2. Remove the capscrews and washers or bolts,
nuts and washers, if equipped, that hold the
case halves together.

Section 2
Figure 2.17
CAUTION
Do not remove the rivets or rivet heads with a
chisel and hammer. Using a flat edge tool can
cause damage to the flange case.
1
6. If rivets hold the ring gear to the flange case

1 1 half, remove the rivets as follows.
A. Carefully center punch each rivet head in
the center, on the ring gear side of the
assembly. Do not use a chisel and
hammer. Figure 2.19.
1 MATCH MARKS B. Drill each rivet head on the ring gear side
of the assembly to a depth equal to the
3. Separate the case halves. If necessary, use thickness of one rivet head. Use a drill bit
a brass, plastic or leather mallet to loosen that is 0.03125-inch (0.79375 mm) smaller
the parts. than the body diameter of the rivets.
Figure 2.19.
4. Remove the differential spider or cross, four
pinion gears, two side gears and six thrust C. Press the rivets through holes in the ring
washers from inside the case halves. gear and flange case half. Press from the
Figure 2.18. drilled rivet head.
5. If the ring gear needs to be replaced, remove

the bolts, nuts, and washers, if equipped, that Figure 2.19
hold the gear to the flange case half.
Figure 2.18
3
2
1 2
1003001a
1 CORRECT DRILLING RIVETS FROM HEAD

2 WRONG CHISELING RIVETS FROM HEAD
1003000a
1 THRUST WASHER
2 SIDE GEAR
3 SPIDER, PINIONS AND THRUST WASHERS

Section 2
7. Use a press to separate the case half and ring Removal

gear. Support the assembly under the ring
gear with metal or wood blocks. Press the case
half through the gear. Figure 2.20.
Drive Pinion and Bearing Cage from the
Carrier
1. Fasten a flange bar to the input yoke or flange.
Figure 2.20
When the nut is removed, the bar will hold the
2 drive pinion in position. Figure 2.22.
3 2. Remove the nut and washer, if equipped, from
1
the drive pinion. Figure 2.22.
3. Remove the yoke or flange bar.
Figure 2.22
1003002b 1
1 CASE HALF
2 PRESS
3 PLATE
4 SUPPORTS
8. If the differential bearings need to be replaced,

use a bearing puller or press to remove the
bearing cones from the case halves.
Figure 2.21.
2
Figure 2.21 1 FLANGE BAR

2 YOKE BAR
PULLER
CAUTION
Do not use a hammer or mallet to loosen and
PRESS
remove the yoke or flange. A hammer or mallet
can damage the parts and cause driveline runout,
or driveline imbalance problems after carrier to
driveline assembly.
4. Remove the yoke or flange from the drive

pinion. Do not use a hammer or mallet.
O If the yoke or flange is tight on the pinion:
Use a puller for removal. Figure 2.23.
5. Remove the capscrews and washers that hold
the bearing cage in the carrier. Figure 2.24.

Section 2

1
YOKE PULLER
1 DRIVE PINION AND BEARING CAGE

2 SHIMS
FLANGE PULLER
7. If the shims are in good condition, keep the

shims together to use when the carrier
is assembled.
8. If shims are to be discarded because of
Figure 2.24 damage, first measure the total thickness of
the pack. Make a note of the dimension.
The dimension will be needed to calculate the
1 depth of the drive pinion in the carrier when
the gear set is installed.
1003350a
1 BEARING CAGE
2 CARRIER
CAUTION
Do not use a pry bar to remove the bearing cage
from the carrier. A pry bar can damage the
bearing case, shims and carrier.
6. Remove the drive pinion, bearing cage and

shims from the carrier. Do not use a pry bar.
O If the bearing cage is tight in the carrier:
Hit the bearing cage at several points
around the flange area with a leather, plastic
or rubber mallet. Figure 2.25.

Section 2
Disassembly 2. Support the bearing cage under the flange

area with metal or wood blocks. Figure 2.27.
Drive Pinion and Bearing Cage 3. Press the drive pinion through the bearing
cage. The inner bearing cone and bearing
spacer will remain on the pinion shaft.
WARNING Figure 2.27.
O If a press is not available: Use a leather,
plastic or rubber mallet to drive the pinion
components and serious personal injury.
through the bearing cage.
Figure 2.26
CAUTION
1 2
Be careful when removing the seal. Do not
damage the wall of bore. Damage to the bore
3 wall can result in oil leaks.
4. Use a press and a sleeve to remove the

triple-lip or unitized oil seal from the bearing
7 cage.
O If a press is not available: Place a tool with a
4 flat blade under the flange to remove the oil
seal from the cage. Figure 2.28.
6 5
Figure 2.28
1 DRIVE PINION 5 SPIGOT BEARING
2 OIL SEAL 6 SNAP RING
3 OUTER BEARING, CUP 7 BEARING SPACER
AND CONE
4 INNER BEARING, CUP AND
CONE
1. Place the drive pinion and bearing cage in a

press. The pinion shaft must be toward the top
of the assembly. Figure 2.27.
Figure 2.27 1002437a
3
5. If the pinion bearings need to be replaced,
1
remove the inner and outer bearing cups from
4 the inside of cage. Use a press and sleeve,
bearing puller or a small drift hammer. The
type of tool used depends on the design of the
bearing cage. Figure 2.29.
5
7 6 When a press is used, support the bearing
cage under the flange area with metal or
wood blocks.
1 PRESS 5 SUPPORT
2 DRIVE PINION 6 SPIGOT BEARING
3 OIL SEAL 7 SUPPORT
4 BEARING CAGE

Section 2
BEARING
DRIVER
BEARING 2
PULLER
1 SPIGOT BEARING 2 SNAP RING
9. Remove the spigot bearing from the drive

pinion with a bearing puller. Figure 2.33. Some
spigot bearings are fastened to the drive
pinion with a special peening tool. Figure 2.32.
6. If the pinion bearings need to be replaced, Figure 2.32

remove the inner bearing cone from the drive
pinion with a press or bearing puller. The
1
puller MUST fit under the inner race of the
cone to remove the cone correctly without
damage. Figure 2.30.
Figure 2.30
1
2
5
3 1 PEENING POINTS
Figure 2.33
1
4
1 PRESS 4 SUPPORTS
2 DRIVE PINION 5 INNER BEARING CONE
3 BEARING PULLER
7. If the spigot bearing needs to be replaced,

place the drive pinion in a vise. Install a soft
metal cover over each vise jaw to protect the 2
drive pinion.
1 BEARING PULLER 2 SPIGOT BEARING
8. Remove the snap ring, if equipped, from the
end of drive pinion with snap ring pliers that
expand. Figure 2.31.

Section 2
10. If the spigot bearings are a two-piece

assembly, remove the inner race from the
pinion with a bearing puller. Remove the outer
race and roller assembly from the carrier with
a drift or a press. Figure 2.34.
Figure 2.34
1 Remove outer race and roller assembly from carrier.

2 Remove inner race from pinion.

Section 3
Prepare Parts for Assembly
Section 3Parts for Assembly

Prepare 2. Inspect the yoke seal surface for any grooves.
WARNING A. If grooves are present on yoke hubs used
To prevent serious eye injury, always wear safe with single or triple lip seals, the yokes
eye protection when you perform vehicle must be replaced.
maintenance or service.
B. If grooves are present, use calipers to
measure the groove diameters. If any of
Solvent cleaners can be flammable, poisonous
the yoke grooves measure less than the
and cause burns. Examples of solvent cleaners are
dimensions in Figure 3.1, replace the yoke.
carbon tetrachloride, and emulsion-type and
petroleum-base cleaners. Read the manufacturer’s
instructions before using a solvent cleaner, then Figure 3.1
carefully follow the instructions. Also follow the
procedures below.
O Wear safe eye protection.
O Wear clothing that protects your skin. A B
O Work in a well-ventilated area.

O Do not use gasoline, or solvents that contain
gasoline. Gasoline can explode. Yoke Seal Minimum Yoke Diameter
Diameter at Groove (Inches)
O You must use hot solution tanks or alkaline 3.000/3.005" 2.990"
solutions correctly. Read the manufacturer’s 3.250/3.255" 3.240"
instructions before using hot solution tanks
A MINIMUM GROOVE DEPTH — DIAMETER
and alkaline solutions. Then carefully follow the B YOKE SEAL DIAMETER
instructions.
UNITIZED PINION SEAL (UPS)
®
Take care when you use Loctite adhesive to
avoid serious personal injury. Read the
manufacturer’s instructions before using this
Clean Ground and Polished Parts
product. Follow the instructions carefully to 1. Use a cleaning solvent to clean ground or
prevent irritation to the eyes and skin. polished parts or surfaces. Kerosene or diesel
fuel oil can be used for this purpose. Do not
Clean and Inspect Yokes use gasoline.
2. Use a tool with a flat blade if required, to
remove sealant material from parts. Be
CAUTION careful not to damage the polished or
Do not install a press on shaft excluder or POSE™ smooth surfaces.
seal after installation of a unitized pinion seal. The
use of a POSE™ seal will prevent correct seating
of the unitized pinion seal on the yoke and will CAUTION
result in lubricant leakage at the seal. POSE™ seal Do not use hot solution tanks or water and
installation is recommended only for triple lip and alkaline solutions to clean ground or polished
other previous design seals. parts. Damage to parts can result.
Do not use thin metal wear sleeves to refresh the 3. Do not clean ground or polished parts with
yoke surface. Wear sleeves pressed onto the yoke water or steam. Do not immerse ground or
will prevent correct seating of the pinion seal and polished parts in a hot solution tank or use
damage the pinion seal assembly. Wear sleeve strong alkaline solutions for cleaning, or the
usage will cause the seal to leak. smooth sealing surface may be damaged.
1. Clean the ground and polished surface of the
yoke journal using a clean shop towel and a
safe cleaning solvent. Do not use abrasive
cleaners, towels, or scrubbers to clean yoke or
flange surface. Do not use gasoline.

Section 3
Clean Rough Parts Inspect Parts

1. Clean rough parts with the same method as It is very important to inspect all parts carefully and
cleaning ground and polished parts. completely before the axle or carrier is assembled.
Check all parts for wear and replace damaged parts.
2. Rough parts can be cleaned in hot solution
tanks with a weak or diluted alkaline solution. 1. Inspect the cup, cone, rollers and cage of all
tapered roller bearings in the assembly. If any
3. Parts must remain in hot solution tanks until of the following conditions exist, replace the
heated and completely cleaned. bearing.
4. Parts must be washed with water until all O The center of the large-diameter end of the
traces of the alkaline solution are removed. rollers is worn level with or below the outer
surface. Figure 3.2.
Clean Axle Assemblies O The radius at the large-diameter end of the
1. A complete axle assembly can be steam rollers is worn to a sharp edge. Figure 3.2.
cleaned on the outside to remove dirt.
O There is a visible roller groove in the cup or
2. Before the axle is steam cleaned, close or cone inner race surfaces. The groove can be
place a cover over all openings in the axle seen at the small- or large-diameter end of
assembly. Examples of openings are breathers both parts. Figure 3.3.
or vents in air chambers.
O There are deep cracks or breaks in the cup,
cone inner race or roller surfaces.
Dry Parts After Cleaning Figure 3.3.
1. Parts must be dried immediately after O There are bright wear marks on the outer
cleaning and washing. surface of the roller cage. Figure 3.4.
2. Dry the parts using soft, clean paper or O There is damage on the rollers and on the
cloth rags. surfaces of the cup and cone inner race that
touch the rollers. Figure 3.5.
CAUTION O There is damage on the cup and cone inner
Damage to bearings can result when they are race surfaces that touch the rollers.
rotated and dried with compressed air. Figure 3.6.
3. Except for bearings, parts can be dried with Figure 3.2

compressed air.
1
Prevent Corrosion on Cleaned Parts

1. Apply axle lubricant to cleaned and dried
parts that are not damaged and are to
be assembled.
2. To store parts, apply a special material that
prevents corrosion to all surfaces. Wrap
cleaned parts in a special paper that will
protect the parts from moisture and
prevent corrosion.
2 1003017a
1 WORN RADIUS
2 WORN SURFACE

Section 3
1 2
1 CRACK 1 SPALLING AND FLAKING

2 WEAR GROOVE
CAUTION
Figure 3.4
A drive pinion and ring gear are machined as a
matched set. When you replace either a drive
pinion or a ring gear, you must replace both parts
as a matched set. Do not mix old and new parts.
Damage to components can result.
2. Inspect hypoid pinions and gears for wear and

damage. Replace gears that are worn or
damaged.
WEAR MARKS
1 WEAR MARKS 4000907
Figure 3.5
ETCHING AND PITTING
1003020a
1 ETCHING AND PITTING

Section 3
4. Inspect axle shafts for wear and cracks at the

CAUTION flange, shaft and splines. Replace the axle
shafts, if required.
A thrust washer, differential side gear and
pinion gear are machined as a matched set. 5. Inspect the breather.
When you replace any of these parts, you must
install a new matched set. Do not mix old and A. Remove the breather from the axle
new parts. Damage to components can result. housing.
B. Clean the breather. If the breather remains
3. Inspect the following main differential dirty after cleaning, replace the breather.
assembly parts for wear or stress. Replace C. Apply compressed air to the breather. If
parts that are damaged. Figure 3.7. compressed air does not pass through the
O Inside surfaces of both case halves breather, replace the breather.
O Both surfaces of all thrust washers D. Install the breather in the axle housing.
O The four trunnion ends of the spider or
cross Repair or Replace Parts
O Teeth and splines of both differential
side gears NOTE: Threads must be without damage and
clean so that accurate adjustments and correct
O Teeth and bore of all differential pinions torque values can be applied to fasteners and parts.
1. Replace any fastener if corners of the head

Figure 3.7
are worn.
1
2. Replace washers if damaged.
3. Replace gaskets, oil seals or grease seals at
DIFFERENTIAL the time of axle or carrier repair.
CASE HALVES
4. Clean parts and apply new silicone gasket
material where required when axle or carrier is
assembled. Figure 3.8.
5. Remove nicks, mars and burrs from parts with
3 4
machined or ground surfaces. Use a fine file,
2
india stone, emery cloth or crocus cloth.
6. Clean and repair threads of fasteners and
DIFFERENTIAL holes. Use a die or tap of the correct size or
GEAR NEST a fine file.
ASSEMBLY
5
Figure 3.8
1
6
7
1 Inspect inside surfaces.
2 PINION AND THRUST WASHER
3 SIDE GEAR AND THRUST WASHER
4 Inspect.
5 Inspect.
6 SPIDER OR CROSS
7 Inspect.
1 Remove silicone gasket from parts.

Section 3
Repair Welding on Axle Housings

CAUTION
For Complete Welding Instructions on Remove the differential carrier from the axle
Meritor Drive Axle Housings housing before you weld onto an axle. Do not
weld onto an axle with the differential carrier
installed. Electrical arching and damage to
WARNING components can result.
Wear safe clothing and eye protection when you
use welding equipment. Welding equipment can 2. Remove the differential carrier from the axle
burn you and cause serious personal injury. housing. Refer to the correct Meritor carrier
Follow the operating instructions and safety maintenance manual or the vehicle
procedures recommended by the welding manufacturer’s instructions.
equipment manufacturers.
CAUTION
Axle weld locations and welding procedures must
adhere to Meritor‘s standards. Welding at Remove the brake air chambers before you weld
locations other than those authorized by Meritor onto an axle. Do not expose a brake air chamber
will void the warranty and can reduce axle beam to more than 250°F (121°C). Damage to the air
fatigue life. Serious personal injury and damage chamber can result.
to components can result.
3. Remove the wheel-end components and brake
Refer to Maintenance Manual 8, Drive Axle air chambers from the axle. Refer to the
Housings. To obtain this publication, refer to the correct Meritor brake maintenance manual or
Service Notes page on the front inside cover of the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
this manual. 4. For housing-to-cover welds, clean the outside
Meritor permits drive axle housing assembly housing-to-cover weld area 2.00-3.00-inches
repair welding in the following locations only. (50.8-76.2 mm) past each end or side of the
crack. Clean the inside area where the cover
O Housing-to-cover weld joints mates with the housing. Clean the area
O Snorkel welds completely around the cover. Use a wire brush
O Housing seam welds between the suspension and a cleaning solvent that will remove dirt
attaching brackets and grease from these areas. Figure 3.9.
O Bracket welding to the drive axle housing
Figure 3.9
Prepare the Axle
WARNING
The high temperature caused by the open flame
from the cutting torch can ignite the oil in the axle
housing and can cause serious personal injury.
1. Remove the oil drain plug from the bottom of

the axle housing and drain the lubricant from
the assembly. 1
1 Clean this area.

Section 3
5. For suspension bracket welds, clean both 7. Heat the damaged area to approximately
lower and upper suspension brackets and the 300°F (149°C) before you begin welding.
areas of the axle housing around each bracket.
8. Use suitable weld wire electrodes when you
Use a wire brush and a cleaning solvent that
weld. Suitable weld wire electrodes include
will remove dirt and grease from these areas.
Figures 3.10 and 3.11. either BS EN 499 – E 42 2 B 32 H5 or
BS EN 440 – G 42 2 M GSi (American Welding
Society equivalents E7018 and ER70S3,
Figure 3.10 respectively).
1 9. For complete welding instructions, refer to
Maintenance Manual 8. To obtain this
publication, refer to the Service Notes page on
the front inside cover of this manual.
2
Do Not Bend or Straighten a Damaged
Drive Axle Housing
WARNING
Replace damaged or out-of-specification axle
1 Clean these areas. components. Do not bend, repair or recondition
2 LOWER BRACKET
axle components by welding or heat-treating.
A bent axle beam reduces axle strength, affects
vehicle operation and voids Meritor’s warranty.
Figure 3.11 Serious personal injury and damage to
components can result.
2
Always replace a damaged drive axle housing. Do
not bend or straighten a damaged housing, which
can misalign or weaken it, and void Meritor’s
warranty.
3 Fasteners
1 Removing Fasteners Secured with
1 Clean these areas. Adhesive
2 Clean this area.
3 UPPER BRACKET
If it is difficult to remove fasteners secured with
Dri-Loc®, Meritor adhesive or Loctite® 277
adhesive, use the following procedure.
WARNING When you remove fasteners secured with
adhesive, slowly heat the fastener to 350°F
The axle housing must be 70°F (21°C) or warmer
(177°C). Do not exceed this temperature, or
before you weld onto the axle. Do not weld onto a
heat fasteners quickly. Damage to components
cold axle or weld cold parts onto an axle. Cracks
can result.
in the weld area, damage to components and
serious personal injury can result. 1. Heat the fastener for three to five seconds.
Try to loosen the fastener with a wrench.
6. Ensure that the axle housing temperature Do not use an impact wrench or hit the
measures 70°F (21°C) or warmer. fastener with a hammer.
O If the axle housing temperature measures 2. Repeat Step 1 until you can remove the
less than 70°F (21°C): Store the axle in a fastener.
heated room until the housing reaches the
correct temperature.

Section 3
New Fasteners with Pre-Applied Applying Adhesive and Silicone

Adhesive Gasket Material
NOTE: No drying time is required for fasteners
with pre-applied adhesive. Meritor Specification 2297-T-4180
Adhesive in Differential Bearing Bores
1. Use a wire brush to clean the oil and dirt from
threaded holes. NOTE: Use Meritor specification 2297-T-4180
adhesive for all axles.
2. Install new fasteners with pre-applied
adhesive to assemble parts. Do not apply
1. Clean the oil and dirt from outer diameters of
adhesives or sealants to fasteners with
bearing cups and bearing bores in the carrier
pre-applied adhesive, or to fastener holes.
and bearing caps. There is no special cleaning
3. Tighten the fasteners to the required torque required.
value for that size fastener.
2. Apply axle lubricant to the bearing cones and
the inner diameters of the bearing cups of the
Original or Used Fasteners main differential. Do not get oil on the outer
1. Use a wire brush to clean the oil, dirt and old diameter of the bearing cup and do not permit
adhesive from all threads and threaded holes. oil to drip onto the bearing bores.
NOTE: There is no drying time required for NOTE: Meritor specification 2297-T-4180 adhesive
Meritor liquid adhesive 2297-C-7049, Loctite® 638 will dry in approximately two hours. You must
or 680 liquid adhesive or equivalent. complete the procedure within two hours from the
time you apply the adhesive. If two hours have
2. Apply four or five drops of Meritor liquid passed since application, clean the adhesive from
adhesive, Loctite® 638 or 680 liquid adhesive the parts and apply new adhesive.
or equivalent inside each threaded hole or
bore. Do not apply adhesive directly to the 3. Apply a single continuous bead of the
fastener threads. Figure 3.12. adhesive to the bearing bores in the carrier
and bearing caps. Apply the adhesive
3. Tighten the fasteners to the required torque around the circumference of the smooth,
value for that size fastener. ground surfaces only. Do not place adhesive
on threaded areas. Figure 3.13.
Figure 3.12 4. Install the main differential assembly, bearing
cups and bearing caps into the carrier. Refer to
Section 4.
Figure 3.13
1 2
1 4 TO 5 DROPS ON BORE THREADS
1 ADHESIVE
2 BEARING CAP
3 CARRIER LEG

Section 3
5. Adjust preload of the differential bearings, 3. Dry surfaces.

backlash and tooth contact patterns of the
gear set as required. Refer to Section 4.
CAUTION
Three Bond 1216, or Equivalent, Silicone Apply silicone gasket material in a continuous
Gasket Material 0.125-inch (3 mm) bead. If you use more than this
amount, gasket material can break off and plug
lubrication passages. Damage to components
WARNING can result.
When you apply some silicone gasket materials, a
small amount of acid vapor is present. To prevent 4. Apply 0.125-inch (3 mm) diameter continuous
serious personal injury, ensure that the work area bead of the silicone gasket material around
is well-ventilated. Read the manufacturer’s one surface. Also apply the gasket material
instructions before using a silicone gasket around the edge of all fastener holes on that
material, then carefully follow the instructions. surface. Figure 3.15.
If a silicone gasket material gets into your eyes,
follow the manufacturer’s emergency procedures. Figure 3.15
Have your eyes checked by a physician as soon as
possible.
NOTE: The following silicone gasket products or

equivalent can be used for Meritor components:
O Three Bond Liquid Gasket TB 1216 (Grey)
O Loctite® Grey RTV 5699
O From Meritor: Ten-ounce tubes, part number
2297-F-7052
1
1. Use a tool with a flat blade, if required, to
1 0.125” (3 MM) DIAMETER SILICONE GASKET BEAD
remove all old gasket material from surfaces.
Figure 3.14.
5. Assemble the components immediately to
Figure 3.14 permit the silicone gasket material to
compress evenly between the parts. Tighten
1 fasteners to the required torque value for that
size fastener. Refer to Section 7.
6. Wait 20 minutes before filling the assembly
with lubricant. Refer to Section 6.
Carrier-to-Housing Joint Repair

1. Remove the carrier from the housing. Refer to
Section 2.
2. Remove all debris from inside the housing.
1 Remove old sealant material. 3. Use a rotary tool with a ScotchBriteTM pad to
HOUSING AND CARRIER SHOWN clean all silicone residue from the housing and
carrier faces. Figure 3.16. Surfaces must be
clean, dry and free of foreign matter. The
2. Use a cleaning solvent to clean the surfaces surfaces must not be oily to the touch.
where you will apply silicone gasket material.
Remove all oil, grease, dirt and moisture
without damaging the mating surfaces.
Figure 3.14.

Section 3
12. Immediately install the carrier into the housing

Figure 3.16 to permit the silicone gasket material to
compress evenly between the faces.
CAUTION
Apply silicone gasket material in a continuous
0.125-inch (3 mm) bead. If you use more than this
amount, gasket material can break off and plug
lubrication passages. Damage to components
can result.
13. Apply a 0.125-inch (3 mm) bead of Loctite® 242

CLEANING HOUSING FACE WITH ROTARY TOOL AND threadlocker around the capscrew threads
SCOTCHBRITE™ PAD approximately 0.25-inch (6 mm) from the end.
Apply a 0.125-inch (3 mm) bead of Loctite® 242
threadlocker across the length of the threads.
4. Remove metal filings from the magnets inside Figure 3.17.
the housing.
5. Use solvent to clean the inside of the
housing. Figure 3.17
1
6. Use Loctite® ODC Free cleaner or brake cleaner
to clean the housing and carrier faces.
7. Dry the housing and carrier faces.
8. Use a rotary wire brush to remove any nylon
patch material and clean the carrier-to-housing
capscrew threads. Use a clean cloth to wipe
the threads.
9. Use a tap to clean the internal threads in the
2
housing.
1 360° LOCTITE® BEAD
2 0.25" (6 MM)
WARNING LOCTITE® 242 THREADLOCKER APPLICATION
small amount of acid vapor is present. To prevent
serious personal injury, ensure that the work area 14. Install the capscrews. Use a crossing pattern
is well-ventilated. Read the manufacturer’s to tighten the capscrews evenly. The
instructions before using a silicone gasket capscrews must be tightened within
material, then carefully follow the instructions. If 10 minutes of initial application of Loctite® 242
a silicone gasket material gets into your eyes, threadlocker.
follow the manufacturer’s emergency procedures.
O Tighten 1/2-inch capscrews to 140 lb-ft
Have your eyes checked by a physician as soon as
(190 N•m). T
possible.
O Tighten 5/8-inch capscrews to 225 lb-ft
10. Apply a 0.25-inch (6 mm) bead of Loctite® (306 N•m). T
5699 silicone gasket material to the housing
15. Wait a minimum of 60 minutes before filling
face. Do not use Three Bond 1216E silicone
the assembly with lubricant. Refer to
products.
Section 6.
11. Install two long studs in the carrier to guide
the carrier into the housing.

Section 3
Installing Tight Fit Yokes and Figure 3.19

POSETM Seal 1
Refer to Figure 3.18
Figure 3.18
2 3
1 0.25-0.50” (6.4-12.7 MM)
2 YOKE HUB
3 FACE SEAL ASSEMBLY, POSE™ SEAL ELEMENT
4 3
Installing Any Type Yoke with a
1 Lubricate triple-lip or main seal.
2 INPUT SHAFT OR PINION Unitized Pinion Seal (UPS)
3 POSE™ SEAL, 0.25-0.50” (6.4-12.7 MM) ONTO HUB
4 Inspect yoke hub.
CAUTION
1. Apply the same lubricant used in the axle Once the yoke is partially or fully installed and
housing to the hub of the yoke or flange. then removed for any reason, the unitized pinion
seal will be damaged and unusable. If the yoke
2. Inspect and verify that the lips of the POSE™ and unitized pinion seal are removed after partial
seal and the outer retainer of the triple-lip seal or full installation, remove and discard the
or main seal are clean and free from dirt and original unitized pinion seal and replace it with
particles that may cause lubricant leakage another new unitized pinion seal.
between the seals.
3. Install the POSETM seal on the hub of the yoke If the inner sleeve of the seal is removed, the seal
or flange by hand. The lips of the seal must is not usable. A new seal is required. This will
face toward the end of the hub or the opposite occur if a yoke is installed into the seal and
shoulder. Slide the POSETM seal on the hub until then removed.
the lips are from 0.25-0.50-inch (6.4-12.7 mm)
from the end of the hub. Do not install the 1. Remove the replacement unitized seal from
POSETM seal against the shoulder. Figure 3.19. the package. Figure 3.20.
NOTE: The POSETM seal will position itself Figure 3.20

correctly as the yoke or flange is pressed on
the shaft.
4. Before you install the yoke or flange on the

shaft, apply the same lubricant used in the
axle housing to the hub.
5. Install the yoke or flange using the correct
procedure. The yoke must be completely
seated before tightening the pinion nut to the
input shaft.
UNITIZED SEAL

Section 3
2. Select the correct seal driver from Table A. Figure 3.21

Each seal driver is designed to correctly install
a specific diameter seal. To determine the yoke 1 2
seal diameter, measure the yoke journal. Refer
to Table A on the following page.
3. Position the seal on the driver.
CAUTION
Use a rubber mallet to install the seal. Do not use
a steel, brass or plastic hammer. Damage to the
seal and driver tool can result. 3
4. Use a rubber mallet to drive the seal into or The seal must fully seat
against the bearing cage. The seal must fully into or against the bearing cage.
seat into or against the bearing cage.
Figure 3.21. 1 RUBBER MALLET
2 REFERENCE MARK
5. Use a 0.010-inch shim to check for clearance 3 SEAL DRIVER R4422401
between the entire seal flange circumference
and the bearing cage.
O If the 0.010-inch shim slides between the
seal flange and bearing cage: Correctly
position the seal driver and drive the seal
into the bore until the 0.010-inch shim
cannot slide between the seal flange and
bearing cage at any point around the seal
flange. Figure 3.22.
Table A: Unitized Pinion Seals and Seal Drivers
Yoke Seal
Meritor Unitized Meritor Diameter
Single Models Tandem Models Pinion Seal Seal Installation Location Seal Driver Inches
MX-21-160 RT-34-144 /P A-1205-R-2592 Tandem Forward Input — R4422402 3.250
MX-23-160R RT-34-145 /P 145 models from 11/93 to 3.255
RF-16-145 present
RT-40-145 /A /P
RF-21-160 RT-40-149 /A /P
A-1205-P-2590 Tandem Forward Output — R4422401 3.000
RF-22-166 RT-44-145 /P
Tandem Forward Input 3.005
RF-23-185 RT-40-160 /A /P 145 models before 11/93 with
RS-17-145 RT-40-169 /A /P seal A-1205-F-2424
RS-19-145 RT-46-160 /A /P A-1205-N-2588 Tandem and Single Rear R4422401 3.000
RS-21-145 RT-46-169 /A /P Input — 145 models 3.005
RS-21-160 RT-46-164EH /P
RS-23-160 /A RT-46-16HEH /P
RS-23-161 /A RT-50-160 /P A-1205-Q-2591 Tandem and Single Rear R4422402 3.250
Input — 160/164/185 models 3.255
RS-25-160 /A RT-52-185*
RS-23-186 RT-58-185*
RS-26-185
RS-30-185
To obtain Meritor seal driver KIT 4454, refer to the Service Notes page on the front inside cover of this manual.
* Forward and rear input only.

Section 3
Figure 3.22 NOTE: The unitized seal features a rubber inner

sleeve that is designed to seal and rotate with the
yoke. This feature allows you to reuse a yoke with
1
minor grooves.
2. Inspect the yoke seal surface for grooves.

O If you find grooves on the yoke: Use calipers
to measure the groove diameters.
If any groove diameter measures less than
the dimensions shown in Figure 3.23,
replace the yoke.
MEASURING SEAL GAP Figure 3.23

1 0.010" (0.254 MM)
Clean, Inspect and Install the Yoke A B

After Installing a Unitized Pinion
Seal
Yoke Seal Minimum Yoke Diameter
WARNING Diameter at Groove (Inches)
3.000/3.005" 2.990"
Solvent cleaners can be flammable, poisonous and 3.250/3.255" 3.240"
cause burns. Examples of solvent cleaners are A MINIMUM GROOVE DEPTH — DIAMETER
carbon tetrachloride, and emulsion-type and B YOKE SEAL DIAMETER
instructions before using a solvent cleaner, then
carefully follow the instructions. Also follow the
procedures below. CAUTION
Do not install a POSE™ seal after you install a
unitized pinion seal. The use of a POSE™ seal will
O Wear clothing that protects your skin. prevent correct seating of the unitized pinion seal
on the yoke and can result in lubricant leakage at
O Work in a well-ventilated area. the seal. POSE™ seal installation is recommended
O Do not use gasoline, or solvents that contain only for triple lip and other previous design seals.
gasoline. Gasoline can explode.
Do not use thin metal wear sleeves to refresh the
O You must use hot solution tanks or alkaline yoke surface. Wear sleeves pressed onto the yoke
solutions correctly. Read the manufacturer’s can prevent correct seating of the pinion seal,
instructions before using hot solution tanks and damage the pinion seal assembly and can cause
alkaline solutions. Then carefully follow the the seal to leak.
instructions.
3. Before you install the yoke, lightly lubricate or
1. Use a clean shop towel and a safe cleaning coat the yoke seal journal with axle oil.
solvent to clean the ground and polished
surface of the yoke journal. Do not use 4. Align the yoke splines with the shaft splines.
gasoline, abrasive cleaners, towels, or Slide the yoke over the shaft spline.
scrubbers to clean the yoke. Do not attempt
to polish the yoke.

Section 3
General Yoke and U-Joint Gear Set Tooth Combination Number

Reassembly Drive Pinion Ring Gear
Gear Set Teeth Location Location
Install the end yoke hub capscrews by hand after 5-37 = gear set At the end at On the front face
seating the U-joint. Tighten the capscrews has a five-tooth threads or outer diameter
according to manufacturer’s torque specifications. drive pinion and a
37-tooth ring gear
Gear Sets
Gear Set Match Number
Refer to the following examples for information on
identifying gear sets with matched parts. Always NOTE: Meritor’s drive pinions and ring gears are
check match numbers to verify that the gear set only available as matched sets. Each gear in a set
you will install has matched parts. Figure 3.24. has an alpha-numeric match number.
Figure 3.24 Drive Pinion Ring Gear

Match Number Location Location
1 M29 At the end of the On the front face
gear head or outer diameter
2 3
Pinion Cone Variation Number
4
NOTE: Don’t use the pinion cone variation
5 number when you check for a matched gear set.
Use this number when you adjust the pinion depth
in the carrier. Refer to Section 4.
ALTERNATE LOCATIONS:
1 PART NUMBER, TOOTH COMBINATION NUMBER, Pinion Cone
GEAR SET MATCH NUMBER, PINION CONE (PC) Variation Drive Pinion Ring Gear
VARIATION NUMBER Number Location Location
2 PART NUMBER, TOOTH COMBINATION NUMBER PC+3 At the end of the On the outer
3 GEAR SET MATCH NUMBER, PINION CONE +2 pinon gear head diameter
VARIATION NUMBER +0.01 mm
4 PART NUMBER, TOOTH COMBINATION NUMBER, PC-5
GEAR SET MATCH NUMBER –1
5 PART NUMBER, TOOTH COMBINATION NUMBER –0.02 mm
GEAR SET MATCH NUMBER
Examples
Gear Set
Part Number Location
Conventional ring 36786 On the front face or
gear outer diameter
Conventional 36787 At the end at threads
drive pinion
Generoid ring 36786 K or On the front face or
gear 36786 K2 outer diameter
Generoid drive 36787 K or At the end at threads
pinion 36787 K2

Section 4
Assembly
Section 4
Assembly
Figure 4.2
WARNING
To prevent serious eye injury, always wear safe
eye protection when you perform vehicle 1
Use a brass or leather mallet for assembly and

disassembly procedures. Do not hit steel parts 2
with a steel hammer. Pieces of a part can break
off and cause serious personal injury.

components and serious personal injury. 1 SLEEVE 2 INNER BEARING CONE
Assembly 5. Press the inner bearing cone on the shaft of

the drive pinion until the cone is flat against
Drive Pinion, Bearings and Bearing the gear head. Use a sleeve of the correct size
against the bearing inner race.
Cage
1. Place the bearing cage in a press. Figure 4.1. NOTE: Spigot bearings are usually fastened to the
drive pinion with a snap ring. Some are fastened
with a peening tool, and some are a two-piece
Figure 4.1 bearing assembly with the inner race pressed on
the nose of the pinion and the outer race pressed
1 2 into its bore in the carrier.
3 6. Install the spigot bearing using one of the

4 following three procedures.
Installation
One-Piece Spigot Bearing on the Drive
Pinion with Snap Ring
5
1 PRESS 4 CAGE NOTE: The following procedure applies to all
2 SLEEVE 5 SUPPORTS axles except:
3 BEARING CUP
O Some 160 Series single axles may use
snap rings.
2. Support the bearing cage with metal or wood O Some 160 and 180 Series rear-rear tandem
blocks. axles may use snap rings.
3. Press the bearing cup into the bore of bearing
cage until cup is flat against bottom of bore. 1. Place the drive pinion in a press with the gear
Use a sleeve of the correct size to install head or the teeth toward the top. Figure 4.3.
bearing cup. Figure 4.1.
2. Press the spigot bearing on the end of drive
pinion. The bearing must be flat against the
NOTE: Use the same procedure for both gear head. Use a sleeve of the correct size
bearing cups. against the bearing inner race. Figure 4.3.
4. Place the drive pinion in a press with the gear 3. Use snap ring pliers to install the snap ring, if
head or teeth toward the bottom. Figure 4.2. equipped, into the groove in the end of the
drive pinion. Figure 4.4.

Section 4
Assembly

1
2
1
3
1 PUNCH
2 TUBE
1 PRESS
2 SLEEVE 2. When using a staking tool and press, apply
3 SPIGOT BEARING 6,614 lb (3 000 kg) force on a 0.375-inch
(10 mm) ball. Calculate the force required on
the tool as follows.
Figure 4.4 6,614 lb (3 000 kg) x amount of balls in
tool = pounds or kilograms
Example
6,614 lb (3 000 kg) x 3 balls = 19,842 pounds
(9 000 kg)
3. Place the punch of the staking tool over the
2 end of the pinion and spigot bearing. Apply
1 the required amount of force on the punch.
Figure 4.6.
Figure 4.6
1 SNAP RING
2 SPIGOT BEARING
1
One-Piece Spigot Bearing on the Drive 2

Pinion Without Snap Ring
3
NOTE: The following procedure applies to some
180 Series rear-rear tandem axles with existing
snap ring components.
4
For ordering information about the staking tool,
refer to the Service Notes page on the front inside
cover of this manual. Figure 4.5. 1 PRESS
2 Install and center the punch on the end of pinion.
1. Place the drive pinion and the tube of the 3 SPIGOT BEARING
4 Place the shaft of pinion into tube.
staking tool in a press with the spigot bearing
toward the top. Figure 4.6.

Section 4
Assembly
1. Apply two stripes of temperature indicating

CAUTION liquid on the pinion stem from the top to the
bottom. Figure 4.8. Apply a green stripe to
Do not align new points with the grooves in the
indicate 400°F (205°C) and a blue stripe to
end of the drive pinion or in old points. If the
indicate 500°F (260°C).
new staked points are placed in the wrong
areas, the spigot bearing will not be held
correctly on the pinion shaft. Figure 4.8
NOTE: If a three-ball stake tool is used, rotate the

tool 180 degrees.
1
4. Stake the end of the drive pinion at a
minimum of five points. Figure 4.7. Rotate the
punch as many times as required for a
minimum of five points. Repeat Step 3 for
each point.
Figure 4.7
1 1 TEMPERATURE INDICATING LIQUID APPLICATION
CAUTION
You must use the heat shield when you heat the
pinion stem. Do not heat the pinion stem
without the heat shield in place. Damage to
components can result.
2. Place the heat shield over the pinion stem so

1 STAKING POINTS that you can see the temperature indicating
liquid through the hole in the shield.
Figure 4.9.
Two-Piece Spigot Bearing on the Drive
Pinion Figure 4.9
NOTE: This procedure applies to some 160 Series

single rear axles and rear-rear tandem axles.
These axles may also use a one-piece spigot
bearing with a snap ring retainer.
NOTE: The inner race of two-piece spigot

bearings must be staked in place on RS and
RR-160 series rear axles. Before you stake the
pinion, you must heat the pinion stem to soften it.
NOTE: SPX Kent-Moore kit number J-39039 1003040a

includes the staking tool, temperature indicating
liquid, heat shield and plastigage needed for this
procedure. To obtain this kit, refer to the Service
Notes page on the front inside cover of this
manual.

Section 4
Assembly
WARNING CAUTION
Read the manufacturer’s instructions before Do not press or directly strike the new inner
using a torch. Always wear safe clothing, race. Damage to the bearing will result.
gloves and eye protection when working with a
torch for heating parts to prevent serious 6. Use a press, if available, or a brass hammer to
personal injury during assembly. install the new inner race. Use the old inner
race as a sleeve. The face is completely seated
3. Put on safe clothing, gloves and eye when you cannot fit a 0.002-inch (0.0508 mm)
protection. feeler gauge between the race and the pinion
shoulder.
CAUTION
NOTE: To hold the races in place, use a staking
Do not overheat the pinion stem or you will tool, not the old race, to start the new race
weaken the metal. Damage to components can on the stem. The old race can be used to
result. completely seat the new race.
NOTE: Correct heating will take approximately 7. Place the staking tool over the bearing race.
25-35 seconds, depending on how hot the torch is. Cut a 1-inch (25 mm) piece from the
green plastigage strip and place in between
4. Light and adjust the torch until the white the punch and the staking tool. You do not
part of the flame is approximately 0.25-inch need to use the plastigage for every stake. Use
(6 mm) long. Keep the white part of the flame the plastigage until you are sure you are
approximately 0.125-inch (3 mm) from the top hitting the punch with the correct amount of
of the stem. Figure 4.10. Move the flame force. Figure 4.11.
around the outer diameter of the top of the
pinion stem. The green temperature indicating 8. Strike the punch with a 2-3 pound
liquid will turn black before the blue liquid (0.9-1.4 kg) brass hammer to upset the end of
does. Heat the stem until the blue liquid turns the pinion stem. Remove the strip and
black at a point in the middle of the window. measure its thickness against the gauge on the
strip’s wrapper. The strip must not be less
5. Remove the flame and the heat shield than 0.003-inch (0.0762 mm) thick. This
from the pinion. Let the pinion air cool for thickness indicates that you are using enough
10 minutes. Use a razor blade to remove the force when you hit the punch. If the strip is too
temperature indicating liquid. thin, then you must hit the punch harder so
the stake will hold the race in place. Rotate the
Figure 4.10 tool and repeat this procedure until there are
six evenly spaced stake marks around the
1
stem. Figure 4.11.
9. With a press or a soft mallet and sleeve, install
the outer race and roller assembly into its bore
in the carrier. Use a sleeve that is the same
size as the outer race. Press the bearing until it
is squarely against the shoulder in the bottom
2 3 of its bore.
4
6
5
1 TORCH 4 0.125-INCH (3 MM)
2 WHITE PART OF FLAME 5 PINION
3 0.25-INCH (6 MM) 6 HEAT SHIELD

Section 4
Assembly

1
2
5 1
3
2
4
4
5
1 PUNCH 4 BEARING INNER RACE
2 PLASTIGAGE 5 STAKES
3 STAKING TOOL
1 OUTER BEARING CONE

Drive Pinion 2 BEARING SPACER
3 BEARING CAGE
1. Apply axle lubricant to the bearing cups and 4 INNER BEARING CONE
to the bearing cones in the cage. 5 DRIVE PINION
2. Install the drive pinion into the bearing cage.

3. Install the bearing spacer or spacers onto the Adjustment
pinion shaft against the inner bearing cone.
Figure 4.12. The spacer or spacers control the Pinion Bearing Preload
preload adjustment of the drive pinion
bearings. Press Method
4. Install the outer bearing cone onto the pinion If a press is not available, or the press does not
shaft against the spacer. Do not install the have a pressure gauge, use the yoke or flange
pinion seal in the bearing cage. Figure 4.12. method to adjust pinion bearing preload. Refer
to Yoke or Flange Method.
NOTE: Do not read starting torque. Read only

the torque value after the cage starts to rotate.
Starting torque will give an incorrect reading.
1. Place the drive pinion and cage assembly in a

press, gear head or teeth toward the bottom.
2. Install a sleeve of the correct size against the
inner race of the outer bearing. Figure 4.13.

Section 4
Assembly
Figure 4.13 Table B
Torque Value
1 Press Pressure Needed on Pinion
Thread Needed on Bearings Nut for Correct
2 for Correct Preload Bearing Preload
Size of
Pinion pounds/ (kg/metric
Shaft tons tons) lb-ft (N•m)
7/8"-20 22,000/1 (9979/10) 200-275 (271-373)
1"-20 30,000/15 (13 608/13.6) 300-400 (407-542)
1-1/4"-12 54,000/27 (24 494/24.5) 700-900 (949-1220)
1-1/4"-18 54,000/27 (24 494/24.5) 700-900 (949-1220)
1-1/2"-12 54,000/27 (24 494/24.5) 800-1100 (1085-1491)
1 PRESS 1-1/2"-18 54,000/27 (24 494/24.5) 800-1100 (1085-1491)
2 SLEEVE
1-3/4"-12 50,000/25 (22 680/22.7) 900-1200 (1220-1627)
2"-12 50,000/25 (22 680/22.7) 1200-1500 (1627-2034)
3. Apply and hold the correct amount of pressure
to the pinion bearings. Refer to Table B. As 9. Use the following procedure to calculate the
pressure is applied, rotate the bearing cage bearing preload or torque.
several times so that the bearings make
normal contact. O Pounds Pulled x Radius (inches) =
lb-in Preload
4. While pressure is held against the assembly,
wind a cord around the bearing cage several — Preload x 0.113 = N•m Preload
times. O Kilograms Pulled x Radius (cm) =
5. Attach a spring scale to the end of the cord. kg-cm lb-in Preload
6. Pull the cord on a horizontal line. As the — Preload x 0.098 = N•m Preload
bearing cage rotates, read the value indicated or
on the scale. Record the reading. Figure 4.13.
Examples
7. Measure the diameter of the bearing cage
where the cord was wound. Measure in inches O Reading from spring scale = 7.5 pounds
or centimeters. Figure 4.14. (3.4 kg)
O Diameter of bearing cage = 6.62-inches
(16.8 cm)
Figure 4.14
O Radius of bearing cage = 3.31-inches
(8.4 cm)
7.5 lb x 3.31 in = 24.8 in-lb Preload
Preload x 0.113 = 2.8 N•m Preload
or
3.4 kg x 8.4 cm = 28.6 kg-cm Preload
Preload x 0.098 = 2.8 N•m Preload
1003045b
1
1 Measure diameter of cage.
8. Divide the dimension in half to get the radius.

Record the radius dimension.

Section 4
Assembly
10. If the preload or torque of pinion bearings Figure 4.16

is not within 5-45 lb-in (0.56-5.08 N•m) for
new pinion bearings or 10-30 lb-in
(1.13-3.39 N•m) for used pinion bearings in
good condition, adjust the spacer and repeat
Steps 1 through 9. T
O To increase preload: Install a thinner
bearing spacer.
O To decrease preload: Install a thicker
bearing spacer.
1003355b
11. Check the bearing preload with the drive
pinion and cage assembly installed in the
carrier. Follow the procedures to adjust pinion
bearing preload, yoke or flange method. 4. Fasten a yoke or flange bar to the input yoke
or flange. The bar will hold the drive pinion
Yoke or Flange Method in position when the nut is tightened.
Figure 4.17.
CAUTION
Do not install tight-fitting yokes or flanges on Figure 4.17
shafts using a hammer or mallet. A hammer or
mallet will damage the yoke or flange.
1. Use a press to install the input yoke or flange,

nut and washer, if equipped, onto the drive
pinion. The yoke or flange must be seated
against the outer bearing. Figure 4.15.
1
Figure 4.15
1
1 FLANGE BAR SHOWN
2 5. Tighten the drive pinion nut to the correct

torque value. Figure 4.17. Refer to Table B.
6. Remove the yoke or flange bar.
7. Attach a torque wrench on the drive pinion
nut. Rotate the drive pinion and read the value
indicated on torque wrench. Figure 4.18.
1 PRESS
2 INPUT FLANGE SHOWN
2. Install the drive pinion and cage assembly into

the carrier. Do not install shims under the
bearing cage. Figure 4.16.
3. Install the bearing cage-to-carrier capscrews.
Washers are not required at this time.
Hand-tighten the capscrews.

Section 4
Assembly

3
1
4 2
5
1 Read torque value.
8. If the pinion bearing preload or torque is not 1 Apply grease. 4 BEARING CAGE
within 5-45 lb-in (0.56-5.08 N•m) for new 5 DRIVE PINION
2 TRIPLE-LIP, MAIN SEAL
pinion bearings or 10-30 lb-in (1.13-3.39 N•m) 3 Apply lubricant to seal bore.
for used pinion bearings in good condition,
remove the pinion and cage assembly from
C. Press the seal into the bearing cage. The
the carrier. Adjust the spacer and repeat
seal flange must be flat against the top of
Steps 1 through 7. T
the bearing cage. Use a sleeve or seal
O To increase preload: Install a thinner driver of the correct size that fits against
bearing spacer. the metal seal flange. The diameter of the
sleeve or driver must be larger than the
O To decrease preload: Install a thicker flange diameter. Figure 4.20.
bearing spacer.
O If a press is not available: Use a mallet
9. After adjusting pinion bearing preload, and the sleeve or driver to install the
remove the drive pinion and bearing cage seal. Figure 4.21.
from the carrier. Refer to Section 2.
D. After the triple-lip seal is installed, a gap
10. Install a new triple-lip seal. of approximately 0.015-0.030-inch
(0.38-0.76 mm) between the flange and
CAUTION bearing cage is normal. Figure 4.22.
The seal lips must be clean. Dirt and particles E. Check the gap with a feeler gauge at several
may cause a leak between the yoke and the points around the seal. The gap must be
seal. within 0.015-0.030-inch (0.38-0.76 mm).
The difference between the largest and
A. Apply the same lubricant used in the axle smallest gap measurement must not
housing to the outer surface of the seal exceed 0.010-inch (0.0254 mm).
and the seal bore in the bearing cage.
Figure 4.19.
B. Place the drive pinion and cage assembly
in a press with the seal bore toward the
top.

Section 4
Assembly
Figure 4.20 Shim Pack Thickness for a New Drive

Pinion
1 4
NOTE: Use this procedure if you’ll install a new
2 drive pinion and ring gear set, or if you have to
5 adjust the depth of the drive pinion. Figure 4.23.
3
1. Use a micrometer to measure the thickness of
6 the shim pack that was removed from under
7 the pinion cage. Record the measurement.
Figure 4.24.
1 PRESS 5 SEAL Figure 4.23

2 SLEEVE 6 BEARING CAGE
3 SUPPORTS 7 DRIVE PINION
4 SLEEVE
2
1
Figure 4.21
1 SHIM PACK 2 BEARING CAGE

CONTROLS DEPTH OF 3 CARRIER
PINION
1 SEAL DRIVER
Figure 4.24
Figure 4.22
2. Find the pinion cone (PC) variation number on

1 0.015-0.030” (0.38-0.76 MM) the drive pinion you’ll replace. Figure 4.25.
SHOWN WITHOUT BEARINGS AND PINION Record the number. The pinion cone number
can be one of the following values.
O PC +3, PC –3, +3 or –3 = 0.003-inch
O PC +.03, PC 0.03 mm, +0.03 mm or
–0.03 = 0.03 mm

Section 4
Assembly
Figure 4.25 Table C
Examples Inches mm
1. Old Shim Pack Thickness. 0.030 – 0.002 0.760 – 0.050
1 Old PC Number, PC = 0.028 + 0.005 = 0.710 + 0.130
+2 inches (+0.05 mm) = 0.033 = 0.840
Standard Shim Pack
Thickness. New PC
Number, PC +5 inches
(+0.13 mm)
New Shim Pack
Thickness
2. Old Shim Pack Thickness 0.030 + 0.002 0.760 + 0.050
Old PC Number, PC = 0.032 + 0.005 = 0.810 + 0.130
1 PINION CONE VARIATION NUMBER –2 inches (–0.05 mm) = 0.037 = 0.940
Standard Shim Pack
Thickness. New PC
3. If you can’t find the PC number or it’s Number, PC +5 inches
unreadable, install a new shim pack of the (+0.13 mm)
same thickness that you measured in Step 1. New Shim Pack
Thickness
4. If the old pinion cone number is a plus (+)
number, subtract the number from the old 3. Old Shim Pack Thickness 0.030 – 0.002 0.760 – 0.050
shim pack thickness that was measured in Old PC Number, PC = 0.028 – 0.005 = 0.710 – 0.130
+2 inches (+0.05 mm) = 0.023 = 0.580
Step 2.
Standard Shim Pack
5. If the old pinion cone number is a minus (–) Thickness. New PC
number, add the number to the old shim pack Number, PC –5 inches
(–0.13 mm)
thickness that was measured in Step 2.
New Shim Pack
6. Find the pinion cone (PC) variation number on Thickness
the new drive pinion that will be installed. 4. Old Shim Pack Thickness 0.030 + 0.002 0.760 + 0.050
Record the number. Old PC Number, PC = 0.032– 0.005 = 0.810 – 0.130
–2 inches (–0.05 mm) = 0.027 = 0.680
7. If the new pinion cone number is a plus (+)
Standard Shim Pack
number, add the number to the standard shim Thickness. New PC
pack thickness that was calculated in Step 4 or Number, PC –5 inches
Step 5. Use new shims to make a shim pack to (–0.13 mm)
the correct thickness. Refer to Table C. New Shim Pack
Thickness
8. If the new pinion cone number is a minus (–)
number, subtract the number from the
standard shim pack thickness that was Installation
calculated in Step 4 or Step 5. Use new shims
to make a shim pack to the correct thickness.
Refer to Table C. Drive Pinion, Bearing Cage and Shim
Pack into the Carrier
NOTE: If a new drive pinion and ring gear set is
installed, or if the depth of the drive pinion has to
be adjusted, calculate the thickness of the shim
pack. Refer to the procedure Shim Pack Thickness
for a New Drive Pinion.
1. Select the correct shim pack and install it

between the bearing cage and carrier.
Figure 4.26.

Section 4
Assembly

1
1001059a
2
1 GUIDE STUDS
2 CARRIER
Tight Fit Yokes and POSE™ Seal
®
2. Apply Loctite 518 Gasket Eliminator to the
carrier face. CAUTION
3. Align the oil slots in the shims with oil slots in Do not install tight fit yokes on shafts using a
the bearing cage and carrier. Use guide studs hammer or mallet. Using a hammer or mallet
to help align the shims. Figure 4.26. can damage the yoke.
4. Apply Loctite® 518 Gasket Eliminator to the The seal lips must be clean. Dirt and particles
top of the shim pack. may cause a leak between the yoke and the
5. Install the drive pinion and bearing cage into POSE™ seal.
the carrier. If necessary, use a rubber, plastic
or leather mallet to hit the assembly into NOTE: Do not install POSE™ seal all the way
position. Figure 4.27. against the yoke shoulder. This seal is designed
to position itself as yoke is installed.
Figure 4.27 1. Apply axle lubricant on the yoke seal.
1
2. Check all surfaces of the yoke hub for damage.
3. If the carrier uses a POSE™ seal element, install
a new POSE™ seal.
A. Lightly lubricate the yoke journal with the
2 same lubricant used in the axle housing.
3 B. Partially install the POSE™ seal onto
the yoke 0.25-0.5-inch (6-13 mm).
Figure 4.29.
C. Before installing the yoke onto the drive
1 DRIVE PINION AND BEARING CAGE pinion, lubricate the yoke with the same
2 SHIMS lubricant used in the axle housing.
3 CARRIER
6. Install the bearing cage-to-carrier capscrews

and washers. Tighten the capscrews to the
correct torque value. Figure 4.28. Refer to
Section 7.

Section 4
Assembly
Figure 4.29 Any Type Yoke with a Unitized Pinion

Seal (UPS)
1
NOTE: Once the yoke is partially or fully installed
and then removed for any reason, the unitized
pinion seal will be damaged and unusable. If the
2 yoke and unitized pinion seal are removed after
partial or full installation, remove and discard the
original unitized pinion seal and replace it with
another new unitized pinion seal.
If the inner sleeve of the seal is removed, the seal
4 3 is not usable. A new seal is required. This will
occur if a yoke is installed into the seal and then
1 Lubricate triple-lip or main seal. removed.
2 INPUT SHAFT, PINION
3 POSE™ SEAL, 0.25-0.50” (6-13 MM) ONTO HUB
4 Check yoke hub. 1. Remove the replacement unitized seal from
the package. Figure 4.31.
4. Slide the yoke over the input shaft pinion. 2. Select the correct seal driver from Table D.
Align the yoke splines with the shaft splines. Each seal driver is designed to correctly install
a specific diameter seal. To determine the yoke
seal diameter, measure the yoke journal. Refer
CAUTION to Table D.
Do not use a hammer or mallet to install the 3. Position the seal on the driver.
yoke to the input pinion shaft. Using a hammer
or mallet can damage the yoke or flange.
Figure 4.31
5. Install the input yoke flange onto the drive
pinion shaft. The yoke or flange must be fully
seated against the outer differential bearing
before the nut is tightened to specifications.
6. Install the drive pinion nut and washer on the
input pinion shaft and against the yoke collar.
Tighten the nut against yoke collar to torque
specifications. Figure 4.30. Refer to Section 7.
Figure 4.30
UNITIZED SEAL
1 Use flange or yoke bar.

Section 4
Assembly
Table D: Unitized Pinion Seals and Seal Drivers
Yoke Seal
Meritor Unitized Meritor Diameter
Single Models Tandem Models Pinion Seal Seal Installation Location Seal Driver Inches
MX-21-160 RT-34-144 /P A-1205-R-2592 Tandem Forward Input — 145 R4422402 3.250
models from 11/93 to present
MX-23-160R RT-34-145 /P 3.255
RF-16-145 RT-40-145 /A /P
RF-21-160 RT-40-149 /A /P
A-1205-P-2590 Tandem Forward Output — R4422401 3.000
RF-22-166 RT-44-145 /P Tandem Forward Input 3.005
RF-23-185 RT-40-160 /A /P 145 models before 11/93 with
seal A-1205-F-2424
RS-17-145 RT-40-169 /A /P
A-1205-N-2588 Tandem and Single Rear R4422401 3.000
RS-19-145 RT-46-160 /A /P
Input — 145 models 3.005
RS-21-145 RT-46-169 /A /P
RS-21-160 RT-46-164EH /P
RS-23-160 /A RT-46-16HEH /P A-1205-Q-2591 Tandem and Single Rear R4422402 3.250
Input — 160/164/185 models
RS-23-161 /A RT-50-160 /P 3.255
RS-25-160 /A RT-52-185*
RS-23-186 RT-58-185*
RS-26-185
RS-30-185
5. Use a 0.010-inch (0.25 mm) shim to check for

CAUTION clearance between the entire seal flange
circumference and the bearing cage.
Use a rubber mallet to install the seal. Do not
use a steel, brass or plastic hammer. Damage to O If the 0.010-inch (0.25 mm) shim slides
the seal and driver tool can result. between the seal flange and bearing
cage: Correctly position the seal driver and
4. Use a rubber mallet to drive the seal into or drive the seal into the bore until the 0.010-
against the bearing cage. The seal must fully inch (0.25 mm) shim cannot slide between
seat into or against the bearing cage. the seal flange and bearing cage at any
Figure 4.32. point around the seal flange. Figure 4.33.

1 2
1
The seal must

be fully seated
3 in or against
the bearing cage.
1 RUBBER MALLET MEASURING SEAL GAP

2 REFERENCE MARK 1 0.010" (0.25 MM)
3 SEAL DRIVER R4422401

Section 4
Assembly
Clean, Inspect and Install the Yoke Figure 4.34

After Installing a Unitized Pinion
Seal
A B
WARNING
and cause burns. Examples of solvent cleaners are
carbon tetrachloride, and emulsion-type and Yoke Seal Minimum Yoke Diameter
petroleum-base cleaners. Read the manufacturer’s Diameter at Groove (Inches)
instructions before using a solvent cleaner, then 3.000/3.005" 2.990"
carefully follow the instructions. Also follow the 3.250/3.255" 3.240"
procedures below. 1 MINIMUM GROOVE DEPTH — DIAMETER
2 YOKE SEAL DIAMETER
O Wear clothing that protects your skin.
O Work in a well-ventilated area. CAUTION
O Do not use gasoline, or solvents that contain Do not install a POSE™ seal after you install a
gasoline. Gasoline can explode. unitized pinion seal. The use of a POSE™ seal will
prevent correct seating of the unitized pinion seal
O You must use hot solution tanks or alkaline
on the yoke and can result in lubricant leakage at
solutions correctly. Read the manufacturer’s
the seal. POSE™ seal installation is recommended
only for triple lip and other previous design seals.
and alkaline solutions. Then carefully follow the
Damage to components can result.
instructions.
1. Use a clean shop towel and a safe cleaning Do not use thin metal wear sleeves to refresh the
solvent to clean the ground and polished yoke surface. Wear sleeves pressed onto the yoke
surface of the yoke journal. Do not use can prevent correct seating of the pinion seal,
gasoline, abrasive cleaners, towels, or damage the pinion seal assembly and can cause
scrubbers to clean the yoke. Do not attempt the seal to leak. Damage to components can
to polish the yoke. result.
NOTE: The unitized seal features a rubber inner 3. Before you install the yoke, lightly lubricate or
sleeve that is designed to seal and rotate with the coat the yoke seal journal with axle oil.
yoke. This feature allows you to reuse a yoke with 4. Align the yoke splines with the shaft splines.
minor grooves. Slide the yoke over the shaft spline.
2. Inspect the yoke seal surface for grooves.

CAUTION
O If you find grooves on the yoke: Use
calipers to measure the groove diameters. Do not use a hammer or mallet to install the yoke
If any groove diameter measures less than to the input pinion shaft. Using a hammer or
the dimensions shown in Figure 4.34, mallet can damage the yoke or flange.
replace the yoke.
5. Install the input yoke flange onto the drive
pinion shaft. The yoke or flange must be fully
seated against the outer differential bearing
before the nut is torqued to specifications.
6. Install the drive pinion nut, and washer if
required, on the input pinion shaft and against
the yoke collar. Tighten the nut against yoke
collar to torque specifications. Figure 4.35.
Refer to Section 7.

Section 4
Assembly
Figure 4.35 NOTE: If rivets were used to hold the ring gear to
the flange case half, replace them with bolts, nuts
and washers.
5. Install the bolts, nuts and washers that hold

the ring gear to the flange case half. Install the
bolts from the gear side of the assembly. The
bolt heads must be against the ring gear.
Figure 4.36.
1 Figure 4.36
2
1 Use flange or yoke bar. 1
Assembly
Main Differential and Ring Gear Assembly
CAUTION 3
Heat the ring gear before seating it onto the
differential case. Do not press a cold ring gear on 1 FLANGE CASE HALF
the flange case half. A cold ring gear will damage 2 RING GEAR
3 BOLT HEAD AGAINST GEAR
the case half because of the tight fit.
1. Heat the ring gear in a tank of water to a 6. Tighten the bolts and nuts to the correct
temperature of 160°F-180°F (71°C-82°C) for torque value. Refer to Section 7.
10 to 15 minutes.
7. Use a 0.003-inch (0.08 mm) feeler gauge to
check for gaps between the back surface of
WARNING the ring gear and the case flange. Check for
Wear safe clothing and gloves when working with gaps at four points around the assembly.
the hot ring gear to prevent serious personal Figure 4.37.
injury. O If the gaps exceed specifications: Check
the flange case half and ring gear for the
2. Use a lifting tool to safely lift the ring gear problem that causes the gap. Repair or
from the tank of water. replace parts. Assemble the ring gear on the
3. Install the ring gear on the flange case half flange case half. Repeat the procedure in
immediately after the gear is heated. Tight Fit Yokes and POSE™ Seal.
O If the ring gear does not fit easily on the
case half: Heat the gear again.
4. Align the ring gear and the flange case half
fastener holes. Rotate the ring gear as
necessary.

Section 4
Assembly
1 Check for 0.003” (0.08 mm) gap at four locations. 1 SIDE GEAR
2 THRUST WASHER
3 FLANGE CASE HALF
8. Use a press and the correct size sleeve to
install the bearing cones on both of the case
halves. Figure 4.38.
CAUTION
Figure 4.38 The side gears in some carrier models have
hubs of different lengths. Install the correct
length side gear into the flange case half.
1 Damage to components can result.
2
12. Install the spider or cross, differential pinions
3 and thrust washers into the flange case half.
6 Figure 4.40.
Figure 4.40
5 4 1
1 PRESS 4 SUPPORT
2 SLEEVE 5 SUPPORT
3 BEARING CONE 6 CASE HALF
9. Apply axle lubricant on the inside surfaces of

both case halves, spider or cross, thrust
washers, side gears and differential pinions. 1 SPIDER, PINION AND THRUST WASHERS
10. Place the flange case half on a bench with the
ring gear teeth toward the top.
11. Install one thrust washer and side gear into
the flange case half. Figure 4.39.

Section 4
Assembly
13. Install the second side gear and thrust washer B. Install the other fasteners into the case
over the spider and differential pinions. halves. Tighten the fasteners to the correct
Figure 4.41. torque value. Refer to Section 7.
16. Check the differential gears rotating
Figure 4.41 resistance.
Figure 4.43
1
10 6
2 4 2
13 15
3 8 12
11 7
1 14
1 THRUST WASHER 16 3
2 SIDE GEAR 5 9
3 PLAIN CASE HALF
14. Place the plain half of the differential case over Differential Gears Rotating Resistance Check
the flange half and gears. Rotate the plain
half to align the match marks. Figures 4.41 1. Make an inspection tool using an axle shaft
and 4.42. that matches the spline size of the differential
side gear. Cut the shaft to approximately
12-inches (304.8 mm). Weld a nut onto the end
Figure 4.42 of the shaft. Figure 4.44.
1
Figure 4.44
2
1
2
3
1 PLAIN CASE HALF 4
2 MATCH MARKS
1 APPROXIMATELY 12" (304.8 MM)

15. Install Dri-Loc fasteners into the case halves. 2 SIDE VIEW
Refer to Section 3. 3 Weld nut to end of shaft.
4 END VIEW
A. Install four capscrews and washers or
bolts, nuts and washers, if equipped, into
the case halves. The distance between the 2. Place the differential and ring gear assembly
fasteners must be equal. Tighten the in a vise. Install soft metal covers over vise
fasteners to the correct torque value in a jaws to protect the ring gear. Figure 4.45.
progressive criss-cross pattern opposite
each other. Refer to Section 7. Figure 4.43 3. Install the tool into the differential until the
splines of the tool are engaged with one side
gear. Figure 4.45.

Section 4
Assembly
4. Place a torque wrench onto the nut of the tool 3. Apply adhesive into the bearing bores of the
and rotate the differential gears. As the carrier legs and bearing caps. Adhesive must
differential gears rotate, read the value not contact the adjusting ring threads. Refer to
indicated on the torque wrench. Figure 4.46. Section 3. Figure 4.47.
O If the torque value exceeds 50 lb-ft
(67.8 N•m): Disassemble the differential Figure 4.47
gears from the case halves. Inspect the case
halves, spider, gears and thrust washers. 1 2
Repair or replace parts. Assemble the parts
and repeat Steps 2-4.
3
Figure 4.45
1 ADHESIVE
2 BEARING CAP
3 CARRIER LEG
2 4. Install the bearing cups over the bearing

cones that are assembled on the case halves.
1 TOOL FOR CHECKING RESISTANCE Figure 4.48.
2 SOFT METAL COVER
Figure 4.48
Figure 4.46
1
1 BEARING CUP
2 BEARING CUP
1 Read torque value. 3 LEG BORE
Installation 5. Safely lift the differential and ring gear

assembly and install it into the carrier. The
Differential and Ring Gear Assembly bearing cups must be flat against the bores
between the carrier legs. Figure 4.48.
1. Clean and dry the bearing cups and bores of 6. Install both of the bearing adjusting rings into
the carrier legs and bearing caps. position between the carrier legs. Turn each
2. Apply axle lubricant on the inner diameter of adjusting ring hand-tight against the bearing
the bearing cups and on both bearing cones cup. Figure 4.49.
that are assembled on the case halves.

Section 4
Assembly
Figure 4.49 9. Install the capscrews and washers that hold

bearing caps to the carrier. Hand-tighten the
capscrews four to six turns. Tighten the
1 capscrews to the correct torque value. Refer
to Section 7.
NOTE: Do not install the cotter keys, pins or lock

plates, if equipped, that hold the bearing adjusting
rings in position.
10. Adjust differential bearing preload and hypoid

gear backlash. Check the tooth contact
2 patterns.
1 ADJUSTING RING
2 LEG
Adjust Differential Bearing Preload
7. Install the bearing caps over the bearings and
Differential
adjusting rings. Align the match marks you Bearing All Carrier 15-35 lb-in
made when you removed the caps. Preload Models (1.7-3.9 N•m)
Figure 4.50.
Expansion RS-140, RS-145 0.002-0.009-inch
between bearing and RS-160 (0.05-0.229 mm)
Figure 4.50 caps carrier models
RS-120 and all 0.006-0.013-inch

other carrier (0.15-0.33 mm)
models
1
Method 1
2
1. Attach a dial indicator onto the carrier
mounting flange so that the plunger or
pointer is against the ring gear back surface.
Figure 4.51.
1 BEARING CAP
2 MATCH MARKS Figure 4.51
1
CAUTION
If bearing caps are not installed in correct locations,
the bores and threads in caps will not match the
carrier. You will have problems assembling the
caps on the carrier and damage to parts can occur.
Do not force the bearing caps into position.
8. Seat each bearing cap with a light leather,

plastic or rubber mallet. The caps must fit
easily against the bearings, adjusting rings 1 DIAL INDICATOR
and carrier. Do not force the bearing caps
into position.
O If bearing caps do not correctly fit into
position: Check the alignment of match
marks between caps and carrier. Remove
the caps and repeat Steps 6-8.

Section 4
Assembly
Figure 4.53
CAUTION
When you turn the adjusting rings, always use
a tool that engages two or more opposite
notches in the ring. A T-bar wrench can be used
for this purpose. If the tool does not correctly fit
into
the notches, damage to the lugs will occur.
1
2. Use a T-bar wrench to loosen the bearing
adjusting ring that is opposite the ring gear.
A small amount of end play will show on the
dial indicator. Figure 4.52.
1 Bars must not touch bearings.
Figure 4.52
Figure 4.54
1
1 T-BAR WRENCH
2 ADJUSTING RING OPPOSITE RING GEAR 1 Bars must not touch bearings.
3. Use one of the following methods to move the 4. Tighten the bearing adjusting ring until the
differential and ring gear to the left and right dial indicator reads ZERO end play. Move the
while you read the dial indicator. differential and ring gear to the left and right
A. Insert two pry bars between the bearing as needed. If necessary, repeat Step A or B.
adjusting rings and ends of the differential 5. Tighten each bearing adjusting ring one notch
case. The pry bars must not touch the from ZERO.
differential bearings. Figure 4.53.
6. Proceed to check ring gear runout.
B. Insert two pry bars between the
differential case or ring gear and the
carrier at locations other than described in Method 2
Step A. The pry bars must not touch the 1. Hand-tighten both adjusting rings against the
differential bearings. Figure 4.54. differential bearings.
2. Use a micrometer to measure distance X or Y
between the opposite surfaces of the bearing
caps. Figures 4.55 and 4.56. Record the
measurement.

Section 4
Assembly
Figure 4.55 Check Ring Gear Runout

1. Attach a dial indicator onto the carrier
mounting flange. Figure 4.57.
Figure 4.57
1
Figure 4.56
1
1 Rotate ring gear.

2 DIAL INDICATOR
2. Adjust the dial indicator so that the plunger

or pointer is against the back surface of the
ring gear. Set the dial indicator to ZERO.
3. Rotate the differential and ring gear. Read
1 MICROMETER the dial indicator. Runout must not exceed
0.008-inch (0.20 mm). Figure 4.57.
3. Tighten each bearing adjusting ring one notch. O If runout exceeds specifications: Remove
the differential and ring gear assembly from
4. Measure distance X or Y again. Compare the the carrier. Refer to Differential and Ring
measurement with the one you obtained in Gear from the Carrier in Section 2 and
Step 2. The difference between the two Steps 4 and 5 below.
dimensions is the amount the bearing caps
have expanded. O If runout is within specifications: Proceed
to Ring Gear Backlash Adjustment.
Example
4. Check the differential parts including the
O Measurements of RS-145 carrier carrier for wear and damage. Repair or replace
O Distance X or Y parts.
— before tightening adjusting rings = 5. Install the differential and ring gear into the
13.927-inch (353.74 mm). carrier. Refer to Differential and Ring Gear
O Distance X or Y Assembly in this section. Repeat preload
— after tightening adjusting rings = adjustment of differential bearings.
13.936-inch (353.97 mm)
O 13.936-inch – 13.927-inch = 0.009-inch
(0.23 mm) difference.
O If the dimension is within specifications:
Continue by checking ring gear runout.
O If the dimension is less than specifications:
Repeat Steps 3 and 4 as needed.

Section 4
Assembly
Ring Gear Backlash Adjustment Figure 4.59
Range of Backlash
Ring Gear Backlash Setting for
Pitch Diameter Setting New Gear Sets
Less than 17-inches 0.008-0.018-inch 0.012-inch
(431.8 mm) (0.20-0.46 mm) (0.30 mm)
Greater than 0.010-0.020-inch 0.015-inch

17-inches (0.25-0.51 mm) (0.38 mm)
(431.8 mm)
Measure the outer diameter of ring gear for

approximate pitch diameter. Figure 4.58.
O If the old gear set is installed: Adjust the 2. Adjust the dial indicator so that the plunger
backlash to the setting that was measured or pointer is against the tooth surface.
before the carrier was disassembled. Figure 4.59.
O If a new gear set is installed: Adjust the 3. Adjust the indicator dial to ZERO. Hold the
backlash to the correct specification for new drive pinion in position.
gear sets. 4. After reading the dial indicator, rotate the
differential and ring gear a small amount in
both directions against the drive pinion teeth.
Figure 4.58
O If the backlash reading is within
specifications: Check the tooth contact
patterns.
O If the backlash reading is not within
specifications: Adjust backlash as needed.
5. Loosen one bearing adjusting ring one notch
then tighten the opposite ring the same
1
amount.
O To increase backlash: Move the ring gear
away from the drive pinion. Figure 4.60.
1 Measure outer diameter for approximate pitch O To decrease backlash: Move the ring gear
diameter.
toward the drive pinion. Figure 4.61.
After checking the tooth contact patterns, the Figure 4.60

backlash can be adjusted within specification
limits, if needed. To change the location of the
pattern use the following procedures. 1
1. Attach a dial indicator onto the mounting

flange of the carrier. Figure 4.59.
2 3
1 Tighten adjusting ring this side.

2 Increase backlash.
3 Loosen adjusting ring this side.

Section 4
Assembly
Figure 4.61 Examples

Part numbers for generoid gear sets
1 O 36786-K or 36786-K2 for the ring gear

O 36787-K or 36787-K2 for the drive pinion
2 In the following procedures, movement of the
contact pattern in the length of the tooth is
indicated as toward the heel or toe of the ring
gear. Figure 4.63.
3
Always check tooth contact patterns on the drive
side of the gear teeth. Figure 4.64.
1 Loosen adjusting ring this side.
2 Decrease backlash. Figure 4.63
3 Tighten adjusting ring this side.
NOTE: When you adjust backlash, move the ring

gear only. Do not move the drive pinion.
6. Repeat Steps 2-5 until the backlash is within 2

specifications.
Check Gear Set Tooth Contact 1
Patterns (Backlash)
Some Meritor carriers have a generoid hypoid 1 HEEL
gear set. The tooth contact patterns for each type 2 TOE
of gear set are different. Check the part numbers
to determine what type of gear set is in the carrier.
Refer to Figure 4.62 for the location of part Figure 4.64
numbers.
Figure 4.62
1
2
1
3 1003091b
1 DRIVE SIDE, CONVEX
1. Adjust the backlash of a new gear set to

1 PART NUMBER
2 PART NUMBER
either 0.012-inch (0.305 mm) or 0.015-inch
3 PART NUMBER OPTION (0.380 mm) depending on the size of the ring
gear. Adjust the backlash of an old gear set to
the setting that you measured before the
carrier was disassembled. Refer to Ring Gear
Backlash Adjustment.

Section 4
Assembly
2. Apply a marking compound onto A high contact pattern indicates that the drive
approximately 12 gear teeth of the ring gear. pinion was not installed deep enough into the
Rotate the ring gear so that the 12 gear teeth carrier. A low contact pattern indicates that the
are next to the drive pinion. Figure 4.65. drive pinion was installed too deep in the
carrier.
Figure 4.65 O If the contact patterns require
adjustment: Continue by following Step 5 to
move the contact patterns between the top
and bottom of the gear teeth.
O If the contact patterns are in the center of
the gear teeth: Continue by following
Step 6.
Figure 4.66
3. Rotate the ring gear forward and backward so

that the 12 gear teeth go past the drive pinion
six times to get the contact patterns. Repeat if
needed to get a clearer pattern.
4. Look at the contact patterns on the ring gear
teeth. Compare the patterns to Figures 4.66,
4.67 and 4.68.
GOOD HAND-ROLLED PATTERN, HYPOID GENEROID
The location of good hand-rolled contact GEARS
patterns for new conventional and generoid
gear sets is toward the toe of the gear tooth
and in the center between the top and bottom Figure 4.67
of the tooth. Figure 4.66.
When the carrier is operated, a good pattern
will extend approximately the full length of the
gear tooth. The top of the pattern will be near
the top of the gear tooth. Figure 4.69.
The location of a good hand-rolled contact
pattern for an old gear set must match the
wear pattern in the ring gear. The new contact
pattern will be smaller in area than the old
wear pattern.
HIGH PATTERN
HIGH PATTERN, HYPOID GENEROID GEARS

Section 4
Assembly
Figure 4.68 B. Install the drive pinion, bearing cage and

shims into the carrier. Refer to Shim Pack
Thickness for a New Drive Pinion in this
section.
C. Repeat Steps 2-5 until the contact patterns
are in the center between the top and
bottom of the gear teeth.
Figure 4.70
1001094a
LOW PATTERN, HYPOID GENEROID GEARS
Figure 4.69
1
1003102b
1 Decrease shim pack.
Figure 4.71
1001095
GOOD PATTERN IN OPERATION, GENEROID GEARS
5. Change the thickness of the shim pack under

the bearing cage to move the contact patterns
between the top and bottom of the gear teeth.
Use the following procedure.
1
A. Remove the drive pinion and bearing cage
from the carrier. Refer to Drive Pinion and 1003101b
Bearing Cage from the Carrier in Section 2. 1 Increase shim pack.
O To correct a high contact pattern:
Decrease the thickness of the shim pack
under the bearing cage. When
decreasing the thickness of the shim
pack, the drive pinion will move toward
the ring gear. Figure 4.70.
O To correct a low contact pattern:
Increase the thickness of shim pack
under the bearing cage. When
increasing the thickness of the shim
pack, the drive pinion will move away
from the ring gear. Figure 4.71.

Section 4
Assembly
6. Adjust backlash of the ring gear within the

specification range to move the contact CAUTION
patterns to the correct location in the length
If the carrier has cotter keys, lock the adjusting
of the gear teeth. Refer to Ring Gear Backlash
rings only with cotter keys. If the carrier has roll
Adjustment.
pins, reuse the roll pins or lock the adjusting
A. Decrease backlash to move the contact rings with cotter keys. Do not force a roll pin
patterns toward the toe of the ring gear into a cotter key hole. Damage to components
teeth. Figure 4.72. can result.
B. Increase backlash to move the contact
7. Install the cotter keys, pins, or lock plates, if
patterns toward the heel of the ring gear
equipped, that hold the two bearing adjusting
teeth. Figure 4.73.
rings in position. Use the following
C. Repeat Steps 2-4 and Step 6 until the procedures.
contact patterns are at the correct location
A. Install cotter keys between the lugs of the
in the length of the gear teeth.
adjusting ring and through the boss of the
bearing cap. Bend the two ends of the
Figure 4.72 cotter key around the boss. Figure 4.74.
B. Use a drift and hammer to install the pin
through the boss of the bearing cap until
1 the pin is between the lugs of the
adjusting ring. Figure 4.74.
2
C. Install the lock plate on the bearing cap so
that the tab is between the lugs of the
adjusting ring. Install the two capscrews
that hold the lock plate to the bearing cap.
3 Tighten the capscrews to correct torque
value. Refer to Section 7. Figure 4.74.
1003103b
1 Move pattern toward toe, loosen adjusting ring this Figure 4.74
side.
2 Decrease backlash. 2
3 Tighten adjusting ring.
1 3
Figure 4.73
1
4
2 3 1 COTTER KEY
2 PIN
3 LOCK PLATE
1003104b 4 THREADED HOLES IN CAP WHEN LOCK PLATE IS
1 Move pattern toward toe, loosen adjusting ring this USED
side.
2 Decrease backlash.
3 Loosen adjusting ring.

Section 4
Assembly
Installation Figure 4.77
Adjust the Thrust Screw

2
1. Rotate the carrier in the repair stand until the
back surface of ring gear is toward the top. 1
2. Install the jam nut on the thrust screw, if
equipped, one half the distance between both
ends. Figure 4.75.
Figure 4.75
1 Hold thrust screw in position.
2 Tighten jam nut to correct torque value.
1
1 THRUST SCREW AND JAM NUT
3. Install the thrust screw. Clearance between

the thrust screw and the ring gear must be
0.025-0.045-inch (0.65-1.14 mm).
4. Loosen the thrust screw 1/2 turn, 180 degrees.
Figure 4.76.
Figure 4.76
1 Loosen thrust screw 1/2 turn.
5. Tighten the jam nut, if equipped, to the correct

torque value against the carrier. Refer to
Section 7. Figure 4.77.

Section 4
Assembly
Differential Carrier into Axle Housing 5. Apply silicone gasket material to the mounting
surface of the housing where the carrier
fastens. Refer to Section 3. Figure 4.78.
WARNING
Figure 4.78
small amount of acid vapor is present. To prevent
serious personal injury, ensure that the work area 1
is well-ventilated. Read the manufacturer’s
instructions before using a silicone gasket
material, then carefully follow the instructions.
follow the manufacturer’s emergency procedures.
Have your eyes checked by a physician as soon
as possible.

and cause burns. Examples of solvent cleaners are 1 0.125" (3 MM) DIA. SILICONE GASKET BEAD
carbon tetrachloride, and emulsion-type and
instructions before using a solvent cleaner, then
carefully follow the instructions. Also follow the CAUTION
procedures below.
Do not install the carriers using a hammer or
O Wear safe eye protection. mallet. A hammer or mallet will damage the
O Wear clothing that protects your skin. mounting flange of carrier and cause oil leaks.
O Work in a well-ventilated area. 6. Use a hydraulic roller jack or a lifting tool to

O Do not use gasoline, or solvents that contain install the carrier into the axle housing.
gasoline. Gasoline can explode. 7. Install nuts and washers or capscrews and
O You must use hot solution tanks or alkaline washers, if equipped, in the four corner
solutions correctly. Read the manufacturer’s locations around the carrier and axle housing.
instructions before using hot solution tanks Hand-tighten the fasteners. Figure 4.79.
and alkaline solutions. Then carefully follow the 8. Carefully push the carrier into position. Tighten
instructions. the four fasteners two or three turns each in a
pattern opposite each other. Figure 4.79.
NOTE: To complete the assembly of axles
equipped with driver-controlled main differential
locks, refer to DCDL Assembly into Carrier in Figure 4.79
Section 5.
1. Use a cleaning solvent and rags to clean the

inside of the axle housing and the carrier
mounting surface. Refer to Section 3.
2. Inspect the axle housing for damage. Repair or
replace the axle housing. Refer to Section 3.
3. Check for loose studs, if equipped, in the
mounting surface of the housing where the
carrier fastens. Remove and clean the studs
that are loose.
4. Apply liquid adhesive to the threaded holes. 9. Repeat Step 8 until the four fasteners are
Install the studs into axle housing. Refer to tightened to the correct torque value. Refer
Section 3. Tighten the studs to correct torque to Section 7.
value. Refer to Section 7. T

Section 4
Assembly
10. Install the other fasteners and washers that Table E: Shaft-to-Hub Torque Fastener Chart —
hold the carrier in the axle housing. Tighten Non-Tapered Dowel Applications
fasteners to the correct torque value. Refer
to Section 7. Torque Value — Grade 8 Nuts
Thread lb-ft (N•m)
11. Connect the driveline universal joint to the Fastener Size Plain Nut Lock Nut
pinion input yoke or flange on the carrier. Stud Nut, 0.62-18 150-230 130-190
12. Install the gaskets and axle shafts into the axle Axle Shaft (244-312) (203-258)
housing and carrier. The gasket and flange of 0.75-16 310-400 270-350
(420-542) (366-475)
the axle shafts must fit flat against the wheel
hub. Figure 4.80. Studs All Install the course thread end of stud
into hub and tighten to last thread.
Figure 4.80 Tapered Dowel, Hardened Washer and

Hardened Nut
1
1. Clean the mating surfaces of the axle shaft and
2 3 4 5 6 the wheel hub.
2. If silicone gasket material is used, apply a
0.125-inch (3 mm) diameter bead of the gasket
material around the mating surface of the hub
and around the edge of each fastener hole.
3. Install the gasket and the axle shaft into the
housing. The gasket and the flange of the axle
10 9
8 7 shaft must fit flat against the wheel hub.
Figure 4.80.
11
4. Install solid tapered dowels over each stud
1 TAPERED DOWEL 8 AXLE SHAFT OR
RETENTION FLANGE
and into the flange of the axle shaft. Use a
2 STUD NUT 9 WASHER punch or a drift and hammer, if necessary.
3 WASHER 10 CAPSCREW
4 TAPERED DOWEL 11 NON-TAPERED 5. Install the Grade 8 nuts and hardened washers
5 GASKET DOWEL on the stud. Lock washers are an acceptable
6 STUD RETENTION alternative. Tighten the stud nuts to the torque
7 SHAFT HUB AXLE specified in Table F.
Straight Holes, Nuts and Hardened Washers Table F: Shaft-to-Hub Torque Fastener Chart —
Tapered Dowel Applications
1. Clean the mating surfaces of the axle shaft
Torque Value — Grade 8 Nuts
and the wheel hub.
Thread lb-ft (N•m)
2. If silicone gasket material is used, apply a Fastener Size Plain Nut Lock Nut
0.125-inch (3 mm) diameter bead of the gasket Stud Nut, 0.44-20 50-75 (81-102) 40-65 (67-88)
material around the mating surface of the hub Axle Shaft 0.50-20 75-115 (115-156) 65-100 (102-136)
and around the edge of each fastener hole.
0.56-18 110-165 (176-224) 100-145 (149-197)
3. Install the gasket and the axle shaft into the 0.62-18 150-230 (244-312) 130-190 (203-258)
housing. The gasket and the flange of the axle Studs All Install the course thread end of stud
shaft must fit flat against the wheel hub. into hub and tighten to last thread.
Figure 4.80.
4. Install the Grade 8 nuts and hardened washers
on the stud. Lock washers are an acceptable
alternative. Tighten the stud nuts to the torque
specified in Table E.

Section 5
Driver-Controlled Main Differential Lock
Driver-Controlled Main Differential Lock Assembly

Section 5
Figure 5.1
11
9 10
6 8
7 12
5
4 13
1 2 3
16 15 14
22 20 18 17
19
21
22
1001107a
1 LOCK NUT — SENSOR SWITCH 12 WASHER, OPERATING POSITION

2 SENSOR SWITCH 13 PLUG GASKET, OPERATING POSITION
3 SHIFT FORK 14 COVER CAPSCREWS
4 SHIFT SHAFT SPRING 15 WASHERS
5 SHIFT SHAFT 16 PLUG GASKET, STORAGE POSITION
6 SPRING RETAINING PIN 17 COVER PLUG, STORAGE POSITION
7 FLAT WASHER, OR SILASTIC AS REQUIRED 18 COVER COPPER GASKET
8 AIR CYLINDER TUBE 19 PISTON O-RING
9 SCREW-IN DIFFERENTIAL LOCK 20 PISTON
10 CYLINDER COVER 21 SHIFT COLLAR
11 CAPSCREW — MANUAL ACTUATION, STORAGE POSITION 22 SHIFT FORK ROLL PINS

Section 5
Removal
WARNING
To prevent serious eye injury, always wear safe Differential Carrier from Axle Housing
eye protection when you perform vehicle
WARNING
Some Meritor drive axle models have a DCDL or Park the vehicle on a level surface. Block the
a driver-controlled main differential lock. This wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.
differential lock is operated by a carrier-mounted, Support the vehicle with safety stands. Do not
air-actuated shift unit. When activated, the shift work under a vehicle supported only by jacks.
unit moves a sliding collar which is installed on Jacks can slip and fall over. Serious personal
the splines of the axle shaft. When engaged, the injury and damage to components can result.
collar locks the axle shafts together with a second
set of splines on the differential case. When the Before the differential carrier can be removed or
DCDL is engaged, there is no differential action. installed, the differential lock must be shifted into
Figure 5.1. and held in the locked or engaged position. The
locked position gives enough clearance between
NOTE: The Meritor carrier models with the shift collar and the axle housing to permit the
driver-controlled differential lock equipment are removal or installation of the carrier.
manufactured in metric dimensions and sizes.
When these carriers are serviced, it is important NOTE: If the axle shafts were removed for towing
to use the correct metric size tools on the with the differential in the unlocked or disengaged
fasteners. Refer to Section 7. position, install the right-hand axle shaft into the
housing before removing the differential carrier.
Refer to Section 10.
CAUTION
If the vehicle must be towed to a service facility To shift into the locked position, refer to Manual
with the drive axle wheels on the ground, Engaging Method in this section.
remove the axle shafts before the vehicle is
towed. Damage to components can result. Axle Setup for DCDL Disassembly
1. Remove the axle shafts before the vehicle is wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.
towed. Refer to Section 10.
2. Remove the drain plug from the bottom of the
2. Install the axle shafts after the vehicle is housing and drain the lubricant.
towed. Refer to Section 10.
3. If the differential carrier must be removed WARNING
from the axle housing, use the following
procedures. During DCDL disassembly, when the DCDL is in
the locked or engaged position and the
vehicle’s wheels are raised from the floor, do
not start the engine and engage the
transmission. The vehicle can move and cause
serious personal injury. Damage to components
can result.
3. Use a jack to raise the vehicle so that the

wheels to be serviced are off the ground. Place
a safety stand under the spring seats to hold
the vehicle in the raised position.
4. Disconnect the driveline from the pinion
input yoke.
5. Disconnect the vehicle air line from the
differential lock actuator assembly.

Section 5
DCDL Assembly Manual Engaging

Methods CAUTION
There will be a small amount of spring
Bolt-On Style Differential Lock Cylinder resistance felt when you turn in the manual
Use the following manual engaging method to engaging capscrew. If a high resistance is felt
lock out the bolt-on DCDL assembly. Figure 5.2. before reaching the locked or engaged position,
stop turning the capscrew, or the cover and
1. Follow Steps 2-5 of Axle Setup for DCDL capscrew threads will be damaged.
Disassembly in this section.
2. Remove the plug and gasket from the hole in 6. Turn the manual adjusting capscrew to the
the center of the cylinder cover. right until the head is approximately
0.25-0.5-inch (6-13 mm) from the cylinder
cover. Do not turn the capscrew beyond its
Figure 5.2 normal stop. If the 0.25-10.5-inch (6-13 mm)
service position of the capscrew is achieved,
1 the main differential lock is completely
2 engaged.
A high resistance on the capscrew indicates
that the splines of the shift collar and the
3 differential case half are not aligned or
engaged. To align the splines, use the
8
following procedure.
4
A. Rotate the drive pinion or right-hand
wheel to align the splines of the shift collar
and case half while you turn in the manual
7 engaging capscrew.
6 5
B. When a normal amount of spring
resistance is felt on the capscrew, the
1 TOP SIDE STORAGE HOLE FOR MANUAL ENGAGING
CAPSCREW splines are engaged. Continue to turn in
2 AIR LINE the manual engaging capscrew until the
3 CYLINDER COVER head is approximately 0.25-inch (6 mm)
4 WIRE from the cylinder cover.
5 SERVICE POSITION CAPSCREW HOLE
6 BOTTOM SIDE STORAGE HOLE FOR PLUG AND 7. Remove the carrier from the axle housing.
GASKET Refer to Section 2.
7 PLUG AND GASKET
8 MANUAL ENGAGING CAPSCREW
Screw-In Style Differential Lock Cylinder
BOLT-ON DCDL ASSEMBLY
Use the following manual engaging method to
lockout the screw-in DCDL assembly.
NOTE: The storage hole for the plug and gasket is
located on the opposite side of the cylinder cover 1. Follow Steps 2-5 of Axle Setup for DCDL
where the storage hole for the manual engaging Disassembly in this section.
capscrew is located. 2. Remove the manual engaging capscrew from
the storage hole in the carrier casting, next to
3. Remove the manual engaging cap screw from the cylinder. Figure 5.3.
the top storage hole in the cylinder cover.
4. Install the plug and gasket into the bottom
storage hole in the cylinder cover.
5. Install the manual engaging capscrew into
the threaded hole in the center of the
cylinder cover.

Section 5
1
4
2
1 STORAGE HOLE 3
MANUAL ENGAGING
2 CYLINDER CAPSCREW 1 SHIFT COLLAR
4 AIR HOSE 2 SHIFT FORK
THREADED SHIFT ASSEMBLY
Bolt-On Style Differential Lock Cylinder

3. Remove air line and fitting. Install the manual
engaging capscrew into the threaded hole in NOTE: On some bolt-on assemblies, a roll pin is
the center of the cylinder cover. installed in the shift shaft and is used as a stop for
4. Turn the manual adjusting capscrew to the the shift shaft spring. It is not necessary to remove
right until the head is approximately 0.25-inch this roll pin during a normal disassembly.
(6 mm) from the cylinder cover. Do not turn the
capscrew beyond its normal stop. The A. Remove the sensor switch and lock nut.
capscrew is now in the service position and the B. Remove the four capscrews and washers
main differential lock is completely engaged. that hold the cylinder cover to carrier.
5. Remove the carrier from the axle housing. Remove the cylinder cover and copper
Refer to Section 2. gasket. Figure 5.5.
C. Remove the shift unit-cylinder and piston.
Differential and Gear Assembly Remove the O-ring from the piston.
Differential Lock Sliding Collar D. Remove the shift shaft from the shift fork.
The shaft may be secured with liquid
1. For carriers with roll pins, tap out the two adhesive or pre-applied adhesive material.
retainer roll pins, if equipped, until they are Refer to Section 3.
level with the inner face of the shift fork.
Release the differential lock if it is manually E. Remove the shift shaft spring and flat
engaged. Figure 5.4. washer. Some models use silastic seal
instead of the flat washer.
2. For carriers without roll pins, snap out collar
from fork. F. Remove the shift fork.
3. If required, remove the DCDL assembly at this
time.

Section 5

1 2
1 CAPSCREW AND WASHER

2 COVER, COPPER GASKET UNDER COVER
BOLT-ON SHIFT ASSEMBLY Installation
Screw-In Style Differential Lock Cylinder DCDL Assembly into Carrier
A. Remove the sensor switch. Bolt-On Style Differential Lock Assembly
B. Remove the cylinder by turning hex nut at Install the differential shift assembly after the
the top of the cylinder with a wrench. The differential carrier is assembled and the gear
cylinder may be secured to the carrier and bearing adjustments are completed.
casting with Loctite® adhesive or Figure 5.7.
equivalent pre-applied liquid adhesive.
Refer to Section 3.
Figure 5.7
C. Remove the shift shaft, spring and shift
2 3
fork. 1
4. Remove the cotter keys, pins or lock plates, if 5 4
equipped, that hold the two bearing adjusting
rings in position. Use a small drift and 6
13
hammer to remove pins. Each lock plate is
held in position by two capscrews. 7
5. Mark one bearing cap and one carrier leg so 8

that these parts will be assembled in the
correct positions. Remove the bearing cap 9
capscrews and washers, the bearing caps and 10
the adjusting rings.
11
6. Lift the differential and gear assembly from 12
the carrier. Tilt the assembly as required to
permit the ring gear to clear the support for 1 FLAT WASHER OR 7 DISENGAGED
SILASTIC AS REQUIRED 8 ENGAGED
the pinion spigot bearing. Figure 5.6. 2 CYLINDER 9 COPPER GASKET
3 ELECTRIC CONNECTION 10 PIN
Further disassembly of these carriers is the 11 SHIFT FORK
FOR SENSOR
same as axles without the driver-controlled 4 AIR LINE 12 COLLAR
main differential lock. To continue 5 O-RING 13 SHIFT SHAFT AND
disassembly, follow the procedures in 6 PISTON SPRING
Section 2. BOLT-ON STYLE

Section 5
1. On carrier models with shift fork roll pins, Figure 5.9

install the two roll pins into the ends of the
shift fork. Tap the pins into position until they
are level with the inner yoke face. Figure 5.8.
Do not install the pins completely at this time.
Figure 5.8
1
2
3
Figure 5.10
1 SHIFT FORK 2
2 ROLL PIN
3 INNER YOKE FACES
2. On models without roll pins, snap the fork into

position. 3
WARNING 2 SPRING
1 Apply Loctite® 222
Take care when you use Loctite® adhesive to threadlocker. 3 SHIFT SHAFT
avoid serious personal injury. Read the
manufacturer’s instructions before using this
product. Follow the instructions carefully to 7. Install the flat washer, when used, or apply
prevent irritation to the eyes and skin. silastic sealant, Meritor part number
1199-Q-2981, to the bottom of the cylinder
3. Apply Loctite® 222 threadlocker, Meritor part bore. Figure 5.11.
number 2297-B-6112, to the threads of the 8. Install the O-ring into its groove on the piston.
shift shaft. Lubricate the O-ring with axle lubricant. Install
4. Install the shift fork into its correct position in the piston into the air cylinder. Figure 5.11.
the carrier case. Figure 5.9.
5. Hold the shift fork in position. Install the shift
shaft spring into the shift shaft opening in the
carrier, through the shift fork bore and into the
bore for the shift shaft spring. Figure 5.10.
6. Slide the shift shaft over the spring. Install the
shaft into the shift fork. Tighten to 20-25 lb-ft
(27-34 N•m). T

Section 5

1 1
2
3
1 CYLINDER AND PISTON
1 AIR CYLINDER 2 PILOT JOURNAL
2 PISTON AND O-RING 3 SHIFT SHAFT
3 Install flat washer or apply silastic sealant. BOLT-ON STYLE
4 SHIFT SHAFT
BOLT-ON STYLE
Figure 5.13
9. Install the cylinder into the housing bore. 1
Verify that the pilot journal on the piston is
against its bore on the shift shaft. Figure 5.12.
10. Install the copper gasket into its bore on the
2
inside of the cylinder cover. Place the cover in
position over the cylinder so that the air intake
port will point up when the carrier is installed
into the housing. Install the cover with the four
attaching capscrews and washers. Tighten the
capscrews to 7.4-8.9 lb-ft (10-12 N•m).
Figures 5.7 and 5.13. T
1 CYLINDER COVER
11. Slide the shift collar into the fork. Engage the 2 CAPSCREW 7.4-8.9 LB-FT (10-12 N•m)
shift collar splines with the splines of the BOLT-ON STYLE
differential case. Use the manual actuation
capscrew to move the shift collar splines into
the differential case splines. Refer to Manual Figure 5.14
Engaging Method in this section.
3
12. Hold the shift collar in the locked or engaged 2
position. If employed, tap the two roll pins into 1
the shift fork ends until they are level with the
outer yoke faces. Figure 5.14.
13. While the shift collar is still in the locked
position, place the sensor switch, with the jam
nut loosely attached into its hole.
14. Connect a battery or bulb tester to the sensor
switch. Rotate the switch into its hole until
contact with the shift fork causes the testing
1 SHIFT FORK
light to go on. Turn the switch one additional 2 SHIFT COLLAR
revolution. Tighten the jam nut to 3 MANUAL ACTUATION CAPSCREW
26-33 lb-ft (34-45 N•m). T BOLT-ON STYLE

Section 5
Screw-In Style Differential Lock Assembly 6. Coat the DCDL cylinder threads with Loctite®
518 Gasket Eliminator.
Install the differential shift assembly after the
differential carrier is assembled and the gear and 7. Screw the DCDL cylinder in place. Tighten
bearing adjustments are completed. Figure 5.15. the cylinder to 80-100 lb-ft (109-136 N•m).
Figure 5.16. T
Figure 5.15
Figure 5.16
2 1
1
3
4
2
7 6
8 1 MANUAL ACTUATION CAPSCREW
2 SCREW-IN CYLINDER 80-100 LB-FT (109-136 N•m)
1 SHIFT SHAFT AND SPRING SCREW-IN STYLE
2 ELECTRIC CONNECTION FOR SENSOR
3 PISTON
4 DISENGAGED 8. Snap the shift collar into the fork. Engage the
5 ENGAGED
6 CYLINDER
shift collar splines with the splines of the
7 O-RING differential case. Use the manual actuation
8 SHIFT FORK capscrew to move the shift collar splines into
9 COLLAR the differential case splines. Refer to Manual
SCREW-IN STYLE Engaging Method in this section.
9. Install the sensor switch into its hole. Tighten
1. Install the shift spring and fork into the correct the switch to 25-35 lb-ft (35-45 N•m). T
position in the carrier case. Compress the
10. Connect a battery or bulb tester to the sensor
spring slightly while installing the fork.
switch. With the DCDL engaged, the tester
2. Install the shift shaft into the shaft bore of the light should go on.
carrier. Slide the shaft through the shift fork
O If the light does not go on: Check the
bore and shift spring inside diameter.
following.
3. Inspect the piston O-ring. Replace the O-ring if
A. Verify that the fork is aligned with the
there is any evidence of cuts, cracks, abrasion
sensor switch when it is in the
or wear.
engaged position.
4. Lightly lubricate the O-ring and DCDL cylinder
B. Check for a loose wiring connection.
bore with the same lubricant used in the axle
The connector must be tightly seated.
housing.
C. Verify that the sensor switch is fully
5. Install the piston and O-ring assembly into the
seated against the carrier spotface.
DCDL cylinder. Slide the piston to the port end
of the cylinder. O If light fails to go on after these checks:
The sensor switch should be replaced.

Section 5
Differential Lock Assembly Cover Plates Figure 5.17

1
WARNING
8
When you apply some silicone gasket 2
materials, a small amount of acid vapor is
present. To prevent serious personal injury, 3
ensure that the work area is well-ventilated. 7
Read the manufacturer’s instructions before
using a silicone gasket material, then carefully
4
follow the instructions.
follow the manufacturer’s emergency 6 5
procedures. Have your eyes checked by a
physician as soon 1 TOP STORAGE HOLE FOR MANUAL ENGAGING
as possible. CAPSCREW
2 AIR LINE
3 CYLINDER COVER
Take care when you use Loctite® adhesive to 4 WIRE
avoid serious personal injury. Read the 5 SERVICE POSITION CAPSCREW HOLE
manufacturer’s instructions before using this 6 BOTTOM STORAGE HOLE FOR PLUG AND GASKET
7 PLUG AND GASKET
product. Follow the instructions carefully to 8 MANUAL ENGAGING CAPSCREW
prevent irritation to the eyes and skin. BOLT-ON DCDL SHIFT ASSEMBLY
NOTE: For carriers without the differential lock or

air shift, assemble the sensor switch plug and
cover plate as follows. Figure 5.18
3
Bolt-On Cover Plate Assemblies
2 4
1. Install the washer and plug into the hole for
the sensor switch. Tighten the plug to
45-55 lb-ft (60-74 N•m). Figure 5.17. T
2. Apply silicone gasket material to the cover 1 6
plate mounting surface on the carrier. Refer
to Section 3. 5
3. Install the four washers and capscrews.

Tighten the capscrews to 7.4-8.9 lb-ft
(10-12 N•m). Figure 5.18. T 1 SENSOR SWITCH PLUG
2 WASHER
Screw-In Cover Plate Assemblies 3 SCREW-IN COVER PLATE (APPLY LOCTITE® 518
LIQUID ADHESIVE TO COVER PLATE THREADS)
1. Apply Loctite® 518 liquid adhesive to the plate 4 WASHER
threads. 5 BOLT-ON COVER PLATE (APPLY SILICONE GASKET
MATERIAL)
2. Install the bolts and washers. Tighten the plate 6 CAPSCREW
into the carrier opening to 7.5-9.0 lb-ft
(10-12 N•m). T

Section 5
Install the Carrier into Axle Housing

CAUTION
WARNING There will be a small amount of spring resistance
when you turn in the manual engaging capscrew.
Solvent cleaners can be flammable, poisonous If a high resistance is felt before reaching the
and cause burns. Examples of solvent cleaners are locked or engaged position, stop turning the
carbon tetrachloride, and emulsion-type and capscrew. Damage to components can result.
instructions before using a solvent cleaner, then 3. Turn the manual adjusting capscrew to the
carefully follow the instructions. Also follow the right until the distance from the head of the
procedures below. capscrew is approximately 0.25-0.50-inch
O Wear safe eye protection. (6-13 mm) from the cylinder cover. Do not turn
the capscrew beyond its normal stop. When
O Wear clothing that protects your skin. the capscrew head is in the service position
O Work in a well-ventilated area. 0.25-0.50-inch (6-13 mm) from top of DCDL,
the main differential lock is manually engaged.
O Do not use gasoline, or solvents that contain
gasoline. Gasoline can explode. A high resistance on the capscrew indicates
that the splines of the shift collar and the
O You must use hot solution tanks or alkaline differential case half are not aligned or
solutions correctly. Read the manufacturer’s engaged.
and alkaline solutions. Then carefully follow the Lift the shift collar as required and rotate to
instructions. align the splines of collar and case half while
turning the manual engaging capscrew
1. Use a cleaning solvent and rags to clean the inward. When the normal amount of spring
inside of the axle housing and the mounting resistance is again felt on the capscrew, the
surface. Blow dry the cleaned areas with splines are engaged. Continue to turn in
compressed air. Refer to Section 3. the manual engaging capscrew until the
0.25-0.50-inch (6-13 mm) service position is
2. Inspect the axle housing for damage. achieved.
If necessary, repair or replace the housing.
Refer to Section 3. 4. Clean both the DCDL actuator and the housing
mounting surfaces.
3. Check for loose studs in the mounting surface
of the housing where the carrier fastens.
Remove and replace any studs where WARNING
required. When you apply some silicone gasket materials, a
4. Install the differential carrier into the housing, small amount of acid vapor is present. To prevent
using the Manual Engaging Method. serious personal injury, ensure that the work area
is well-ventilated. Read the manufacturer’s
Manual Engaging Method instructions before using a silicone gasket
material, then carefully follow the instructions.
1. Align the splines of the shift collar and the If a silicone gasket material gets into your eyes,
differential case half by hand or by installing follow the manufacturer’s emergency procedures.
the right-hand axle shaft through the shift Have your eyes checked by a physician as soon
collar and into the side gear. as possible.
the threaded hole in the center of the 5. Apply silicone gasket material to the cleaned
cylinder cover. housing surface for the DCDL actuator. Refer to
Section 3.
6. Remove the short plug and gasket from the
storage hole of the DCDL.

Section 5
7. Remove the long manual engaging capscrew 11. Connect the vehicle air line to the differential
from the center of the DCDL. lock actuator assembly.
NOTE: When the manual engaging capscrew is 12. Install the electrical connection on the sensor
removed from the service position in the center of switch located in the carrier, below the
the DCDL actuator, the main differential lock is actuator assembly.
disengaged. 13. Install the right and left-hand axle shafts.
Follow the procedures from Before Towing or
8. Clean the plug, gasket, cylinder cover, and Drive-Away in Section 10.
threaded service position hole in the center
of the DCDL cylinder cover. 14. Remove the safety stand from under the drive
axle. Lower the vehicle to the floor.
the DCDL storage hole in the bolt-on or 15. Proceed to Check the Differential Lock.
the screw-in DCDL assembly. Figures 5.17
and 5.19. The sealing gasket must be under Check the Differential Lock
the head of the capscrew.
1. Shift the vehicle transmission to neutral. Start
A. On a bolt-on DCDL shift assembly, remove the engine to get the system air pressure to
the short plug and gasket from the storage the normal level.
hole of the DCDL.
Install the short plug and gasket into the
service position hole in the center of the WARNING
DCDL. Figure 5.17. During DCDL disassembly, when the DCDL is in
the locked or engaged position and one of the
B. On a screw-in DCDL shift assembly, install
vehicle’s wheels is raised from the floor, do not
the short screw or plug into the storage
start the engine and engage the transmission.
hole located in the top of the screw-in
The vehicle can move and cause serious personal
DCDL shift assembly. Figure 5.19.
injury.
Figure 5.19 2. Place the differential lock switch, in the cab of

the vehicle, in the unlocked or disengaged
position.
1
3. Drive the vehicle at 5-10 mph (8-16 km/h) and
2 check the differential lock indicator light. The
light must be off when the switch is in the
unlocked or disengaged position.
4. Continue to drive the vehicle and place the
differential lock switch in the locked or
engaged position. Let up on the accelerator to
3 remove the driveline torque and permit the
4 shift. The light must be on when the switch is
1002870a
1 STORAGE HOLE in the locked position.
2 CYLINDER
O If the indicator light remains ON with the
4 AIR HOSE switch in the unlocked position: The
SCREW-IN DCDL SHIFT ASSEMBLY differential is still in the locked position.
Verify that the manual engaging capscrew
was removed from the cylinder cover of the
10. Tighten the plug, if equipped, to 44-55 lb-ft actuator assembly. Refer to Steps 6-12 of
(60-75 N•m). Tighten the manual engaging Manual Engaging Method.
capscrew to 22-28 lb-ft (30-38 N•m) for bolt-on
style cylinders and to 7-11 lb-ft (10-15 N•m) for
screw-in type reverse shifters. T

Section 5
Driver Caution Label

Verify that the driver caution label is installed in
the vehicle cab. The caution label must be placed
in a location that is easily visible to the driver. The
recommended location is on the instrument panel,
next to the differential lock switch and lock
indicator light. Figure 5.20.
Driver caution labels, TP-86101, are available from
ArvinMeritor’s Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket.
To obtain labels, refer to the Service Notes page
on the front inside cover of this manual.
Figure 5.20
CAUTION
This vehicle is equipped with the
MERITOR DRIVER CONTROLLED FULL LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL.
ENGAGE FULL LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL ONLY

UNDER POOR TRACTION CONDITIONS.
DO NOT USE DURING DOWNHILL OPERATION.
DO NOT USE AT SPEEDS ABOVE 25 M.P.H.
WHEN ENGAGED, YOUR VEHICLE’S STEERING CHARACTERISTICS
WILL BE AFFECTED. THIS “UNDERSTEER” CONDITION REQUIRES
CAREFUL DRIVING PROCEDURES.
WHEN DISENGAGED, NORMAL VEHICLE HANDLING WILL RESUME.
For further information on this system, see your vehicle
operator’s manual or Meritor Driver Instruction Kit TP-9646.
TP-86101
Traction Control Videos

Traction Controls contains two videos —
the all-new Splitting the Difference and
Driver-Controlled, Full-Locking Main Differential.
The videos are also available in CD format.
Driver-Controlled, Full-Locking Main Differential is
one of the industry’s best videos on the operation
of the main differential. The video explains in
full detail how this system works and further
discusses the advantages of Meritor’s unique
traction control device — DCDL. Testimonials from
a large North American fleet support the ease of
use of the DCDL.
Also included are several technical pieces to
supplement the videos by providing detailed
instructions on operating the DCDL and IAD,
driver instructions and the difference between the
two systems.
To obtain these videos, refer to the Service Notes
page on the front inside cover of this manual.

Section 6
Lubrication
NOTE: For complete information on lubricating

Section 6
Lubrication
drive axles and carriers, refer to Maintenance

Manual 1, Lubrication. To obtain this publication,
refer to the Service Notes page on the front inside
cover of this manual.
Refer to Table G, Table H and Table I for standard

information on lubricants, schedules and
capacities.
Table G: Lubricant Cross Reference (Viscosity) and Temperature Chart
Meritor Lubricant Minimum Outside Maximum Outside

Specification Description Cross Reference Temperature Temperature
O-76-A Hypoid Gear Oil GL-5, S.A.E. 85W/140 +10°F (–12.2°C) - - -*
O-76-B Hypoid Gear Oil GL-5, S.A.E. 80W/140 –15°F (–26.1°C) - - -*
O-76-D Hypoid Gear Oil GL-5, S.A.E. 80W/90 –15°F (–26.1°C) - - -*
O-76-E Hypoid Gear Oil GL-5, S.A.E. 75W/90 –40°F (–40°C) - - -*
O-76-J Hypoid Gear Oil GL-5, S.A.E. 75W –40°F (–40°C) +35°F (+1.6°C)
O-76-L Hypoid Gear Oil GL-5, S.A.E. 75W/140 –40°F (–40°C) - - -*
*There is no upper limit on these outside temperatures, but the axle sump temperature must never exceed 250°F (+121°C).
Table H: Oil Change Intervals and Specifications for All Front Drive and Rear Drive Axles a
Vocation or Vehicle Linehaul City Delivery Construction

Operation Motorhome School Bus Transit Bus
Intercity Coach Fire Truck Refuse
Yard Tractor
Logging
Heavy Haul
Mining
Oil Field
Rescue
Initial Oil Change No longer required as of January 1, 1993
Check Oil Level and Breather Every 25,000 miles Every 10,000 miles Every 5,000 miles
(40 000 km) or the fleet (16 000 km), once a month or (8000 km), once a month or
maintenance interval, the fleet maintenance interval, the fleet maintenance interval,
whichever comes first whichever comes first whichever comes first b
Petroleum based oil change Every 100,000 miles Every 50,000 miles Every 25,000 miles
on axle WITH or WITHOUT (160 000 km) or annually, (80 000 km) or annually, (40 000 km) or annually,
pump and filter system whichever comes first whichever comes first whichever comes first
Synthetic oil change on axle Every 250,000 miles Every 100,000 miles Every 50,000 miles
WITHOUT pump and filter (400 000 km) or 3 years, (160 000 km) or annually, (80 000 km) or annually,
system c whichever comes first whichever comes first whichever comes first
Synthetic oil change on Every 500,000 miles Every 250,000 miles Every 100,000 miles
axle WITH pump and filter (800 000 km) (400 000 km) (160 000 km)
system c
Filter change on axle with Every 100,000 miles Every 100,000 miles Every 100,000 miles
pump and filter system (160 000 km) (160 000 km) (160 000 km)
a If a No-Spin differential is installed, change the oil, petroleum or synthetic, at a minimum interval of 40,000 miles (64 000 km)
or a maximum interval of 50,000 miles (80 000 km).
b For continuous heavy-duty operation, check the oil level every 1,000 miles (1600 km). Add the correct type and amount of oil
as required.
c This interval applies to approved semi-synthetic and full synthetic oils only. For a list of approved extended-drain axle oils,
refer to TP-9539, Approved Rear Drive Axle Lubricants. To obtain this publication, refer to the Service Notes page on the front
inside cover of this manual.

Section 6
Lubrication
Lubricant Capacities
Use the following lubricant capacities as a guide only. The capacities are measured with the drive pinion
in the horizontal position. When the angle of the drive pinion changes, the lubricant capacity of the axle
will change.
Table I
Capacity Capacity
Axle Model U.S. Pints Liters* Axle Model U.S. Pints Liters*
Single Drive Axles Single Drive Axles
MX-10-120 16.0 7.6 RS-25-160A 37.2 17.6
MX-12-120 16.0 7.6 RS-26-160 51.0 24.2
MX-14-120 16.0 7.6 RS-26-180 38.0 18.3
MX-16-120 16.0 7.6 RS-26-185 38.0 18.3
MX-21-160/160R 43.0 20.0 RS-30-180 38.0 18.3
MX-23-160/160R 43.0 20.0 RS-30-185 38.0 18.3
RF-7-120 15.3 7.2 * Includes 1 pint (0.97 liter) for each wheel end and with
RF-9-120 15.3 7.2 drive pinion angle at 3°.
RF-12-120 15.3 7.2
RF-12-125 15.3 7.2
Capacity
RF-16-145 36.4 17.2
Axle Model U.S. Pints Liters
RF-21-155 27.9 13.2
Rear Axle of Tandems
RF-21-156 27.9 13.2
RT-34-140 (RR-17-140) 35.0 16.9
RF-21-160 43.7 20.7
RT-34-144 25.8 12.2
RF-21-185 39.3 18.6
RT-34-145 (RR-17-145 rear) 36.0 17.1
RF-21-355 28.0 13.2
RT-34-145P 25.4 12.0
RF-22-166 43.7 20.7
RT-34-146 25.4 12.0
RF-23-180 39.3 18.6
RT-40-140 (RR-20-140) 35.0 16.9
RF-23-185 39.3 18.6
RT-40-145/149 (RR-20-145 rear) 36.0 17.3
RS-13-120 15.0 7.2
RT-40-145P 25.8 12.2
RS-15-120 15.0 7.2
RT-40-146 25.8 12.2
RS-16-140 33.6 15.9
RT-40-160 34.4 16.3
RS-16-141 33.6 15.9
RT-40-169 34.4 16.3
RS-16-145 33.6 15.9
RT-44-145 (RR-22-145 rear) 35.0 16.9
RS-17-140 32.0 15.4
RT-44-145P 25.1 11.9
RS-17-141 33.6 15.9
RT-46-160/169 (RR-23-160 rear) 43/41 20.7/19.5
RS-17-144 32.3 15.3
RT-46-160A/160P 34.4 16.3
RS-17-145 33.6 15.9
RT-46-164 33.2 15.7
RS-19-144 32.3 15.3
RT-46-164EH/16HEH 33.2 15.7
RS-19-145 36.0 17.3
RT-48-180 (RR-24-180 rear) 39.0 18.6
RS-21-145 35.0 16.9
RT-50-160/160P 33.2 15.7
RS-21-160 39.5 18.7
RT-52-160 (RR-26-160 rear) 51.0 24.2
RS-23-160 43/41 20.7/19.5
RT-52-180/185 (RR-26-180 rear) 39.0 18.3
RS-23-160A 39.5 18.7
RT-58-180/185 (RR-29-180 rear) 39.0 18.3
RS-23-161/161A 37.2 17.6
RS-23-180 39.0 18.6
RS-23-185 39.0 18.6
RS-23-186 39.0 18.6
RS-25-160 39.0 18.6

Section 7
Fastener Torque Information
Torque Values for Fasteners

Section 7Torque Information
Fastener
Metric Fasteners
A. Measure the diameter of the threads in
General Information millimeters (mm), dimension X. Figure 7.2.
1. The torque values in Table J are for fasteners B. Measure the distance of 10 threads, point
that have a light application of oil on the to point in millimeters (mm), dimension Y.
threads. Make a note of dimension Y. Figure 7.2.
O If the fasteners are dry: Increase the torque C. Divide dimension Y by 10. The result
values by 10%. will be the distance between two threads
O If the fasteners have a heavy application or pitch.
of
oil on the threads: Decrease the torque Figure 7.2
values by 10%.
2. If you do not know the size of the fastener that
1
is being installed, measure the fastener. Use
the following procedure.
American Standard Fasteners

A. Measure the diameter of the threads in
inches, dimension X. Figure 7.1. 2
B. Count the amount of threads in 1-inch.
Figure 7.1. 3
1 PITCH
Figure 7.1 2 X
3 Y
X DIMENSION = EXAMPLE M8 OR 8 MM
1 Y DIMENSION = DISTANCE OF 10 THREADS
2
Example
O Metric size fastener is M8 x 1.25.
3
— M8 is the diameter of the fastener in
millimeters (mm) or dimension X.
— 1.25 is the distance between two threads
or pitch.
1 AMOUNT OF THREADS IN 1"
2 1" 3. Compare the size of fastener measured in
3 X Step 2 to the list of fasteners in Table J
X DIMENSION = EXAMPLE 1/2" to find the correct torque value.
Example
O American Standard size fastener is 0.50-13.
— 0.50 is the diameter of the fastener in inches
or dimension X.
— 13 is the amount of threads in 1-inch.

Section 7
Figure 7.3
5
4
25
1
14 18
6 24
26 19 21
12 22
23
20
7
16
21
17
15
10
11
13
10
8
4000262a

Section 7
Table J: Torque Chart

Fastener Thread Size Torque Value lb-ft (N•m)
1. Capscrew, Axle Shaft .31-24 18-24 (24-33)
.50-13 85-115 (115-156)
2. Nut, Axle Shaft Stud Plain Nut 50-75 (68-102)
.44-20 75-115 (102-156)
.50-20 110-165 (149-224)
.56-18 150-230 (203-312)
.62-18
Lock Nut 40-65 (54-88)
.44-20 65-100 (88-136)
.50-20 100-145 (136-197)
.56-18 130-190 (176-258)
.62-18
3. Breather .38-18 20 minimum (27 minimum)
4. Plug, Oil Fill, Housing .75-14 35 minimum (47.5 minimum)
5. Plug, Heat Indicator .50-14 25 minimum (34 minimum)
6. Plug, Oil Drain .50-14 25 minimum (34 minimum)
7. Capscrew, Differential Case .38-16 35-50 (48-68)
.44-14 60-75 (81-102)
.50-13 85-115 (115-156)
.56-12 130-165 (176-224)
.62-11 180-230 (244-312)
Grade 10.9 Flange Head M12 x 1.75 85-103 (115-140)
Grade 10.9 Standard Hex Head M12 x 1.75 74-96 (100-130)
Grade 12.9 Standard Hex Head M12 x 1.75 105-125 (143-169)
Grade 12.9 Flange Head M16 x 2 203-251 (275-340)
Grade 12.9 Standard Head M16 x 2 220-310 (300-420)
8. Nut, Differential Case Bolt .50-13 75-100 (102-136)
.50-20 85-115 (115-156)
.62-11 150-190 (203-258)
.62-18 180-230 (244-312)
M12 x 1.75 74-96 (100-130)
M16 x 2 220-310 (300-420)
9. Nut, Ring Gear Bolt .50-13 75-100 (102-136)
.50-20 85-115 (115-156)
.62-11 150-190 (203-258)
.62-18 180-230 (244-312)
M12 x 1.25 66-81 (90-110)
M12 x 1.75 77-85 (104-115)
Flange Head M16 x 1.5 192-214 (260-190)
Standard Hex Head M16 x 1.5 196-262 (265-355)
10. Capscrew, Bearing Cap .56-12 110-145 (149-197)
.62-11 150-190 (203-258)
.75-10 270-350 (366-475)
.88-14 360-470 (488-637)
.88-9 425-550 (576-746)
M16 x 2 181-221 (245-300)
M20 x 2.5 347-431 (470-585)
M22 x 2.5 479-597 (650-810)
11. Nut, Housing to Carrier Stud .44-20 50-75 (68-102)
.50-20 75-115 (102-156)
.56-18 110-165 (149-224)
.62-18 150-230 (203-312)
12. Capscrew, Carrier to Housing .44-14 50-75 (68-102)
.50-13 75-115 (102-156)
.56-12 110-165 (149-224)
.62-11 150-230 (203-312)
.75-10 270-400 (366-542)
M12 x 1.75 74-89 (100-120)
M16 x 2 181-221 (245-300)

Section 7
Table J: Torque Chart, Continued

13. Jam Nut, Thrust Screw .75-16 150-190 (203-258)
.88-14 150-300 (203-407)
1.12-16 150-190 (203-258)
M22 x 1.5 148-210 (200-285)
M30 x 1.5 236-295 (320-400)
14. Input Yoke-to-Input Shaft Nut Refer to Table K.
15. Capscrew, Bearing Cage .38-16 30-50 (41-68)
.44-14 50-75 (68-102)
.50-13 75-115 (102-156)
.56-12 110-165 (149-224)
.62-11 150-230 (203-312)
M12 x 1.75 70-110 (90-150)
16. Plug, Oil Fill, Carrier .75-14 25 minimum (34 minimum)
1.5-11.5 120 minimum (163 minimum)
M24 x 1.5 35 minimum (47 minimum)
17. Capscrew, Lock Plate .31-18 20-30 (27-41)
M8 x 1.25 21-26 (28-35)
Torque Values are for Carriers with Bolt-On Style Differential Lock Cylinders
18. Capscrew, Manual Actuation, Storage Position M10 x 1.5 15-25 (20-35)
19. Adapter, Air Cylinder M12 x 1.5 22-30 (30-40)
20. Capscrew, Air Cylinder Cover M6 x 1 7-12 (10-16)
21. Capscrew/Plug, Air Cylinder Cover M10 x 1.5
Operating Position 15-25 (20-35)
Storage Position 15-25 (20-35)
22. Lock Nut, Sensor Switch M16 x 1 25-35 (35-45)
Torque Values are for Carriers with Screw-In Style Differential Lock Cylinders
23. Capscrew, Manual Actuation, Storage Position M10 x 1.25 7-11 (10-15)
24. Air Cylinder M60 x 2.0 80-100 (109-136)
25. Sensor Switch M16 x 1.0 25-35 (35-45)
26. Screw-In DCDL Cylinder Plug or Cap M60 x 2.0 80-100 (109-136)
Table K: Input and Output Yoke Pinion Nut Fastener Torque Specifications
Single and Rear of Tandem Axles
Axle
Model
RF-166, RS-160,
Pinion RS-120, RS-125, RS-161, RS-185, RS-210, RS-220,
Nut Location RS-140 RS-144/145 RS-186 RS-230 RS-240 RS-380
Carrier 740-920 lb-ft 920-1130 lb-ft 1000-1230 lb-ft 740-920 lb-ft 740-920 lb-ft 800-1100 lb-ft
Input Yoke (1000-1245 N•m) (1250-1535 N•m) (1350-1670 N•m) (1000-1245 N•m) (1000-1245 N•m) (1085-1496 N•m)
Fastener Size M32 x 1.5 M39 x 1.5 M45 x 1.5 M32 x 1.5 M39 x 1.5 1-1/2 - 12 UNF

Section 8
Adjustments and Specifications
Drive Pinion Bearings — Preload (Refer to Section 4)

Section 8
Specification New bearings

15-25 lb-in (1.7-2.8 N•m)
Used bearings
5-25 lb-in (1.7-2.8 N•m)
Adjustment Preload is controlled by the thickness of the spacer between bearings.

To increase preload, install a thinner spacer
To decrease preload, install a thicker spacer
Drive Pinion — Depth in Carrier (Refer to Section 4)
Specification Install the correct amount of shims between the bearing cage and carrier. To calculate, use old
shim pack thickness and new and old pinion cone numbers.
Adjustment Change the thickness of the shim pack to get a good gear tooth contact pattern.
Hypoid Gear Set — Tooth Contact Patterns (Hand Rolled) (Refer to Section 4)
Specification Conventional gear set

Toward the toe of the gear tooth and in the center between the top and bottom of the tooth
Generoid gear set
Between the center and toe of the tooth and in the center between the top and bottom
of the tooth
Adjustment Tooth contact patterns are controlled by the thickness of the shim pack between the pinion
bearing cage and carrier and by ring gear backlash
To move the contact pattern lower, decrease the thickness of the shim pack under the pinion
bearing cage
To move the contact pattern higher, increase the thickness of the shim pack under the pinion
bearing cage
To move the contact pattern toward the toe of the tooth, decrease backlash of the ring gear
To move the contact pattern toward the heel of the tooth, increase backlash of the ring gear
Main Differential Bearings — Preload (Refer to Section 4)
Specification 15-35 lb-in (1.7-3.9 N•m)

or
Expansion between bearing caps
RS-140, RS-145 and RS-160 carrier models — 0.002-0.009-inch (0.05-0.229 mm)
All other carrier models — 0.006-0.013-inch (0.15-0.33 mm)
Adjustment Preload is controlled by tightening both adjusting rings after zero end play is reached
Main Differential Gears — Rotating Resistance (Refer to Section 4)
Specification 50 lb-ft (68 N•m) torque applied to one side gear

Section 8
Ring Gear — Backlash (Refer to Section 4)
Specification Ring gears that have a pitch diameter of less than 17-inches (431.8 mm)
Range: 0.008-0.018-inch (0.20-0.46 mm)
0.012-inch (0.30 mm) for a new gear set
Ring gears that have a pitch diameter of 17-inches (431.8 mm) or greater
Range: 0.010-0.020-inch (0.25-0.51 mm)
0.015-inch (0.38 mm) for a new gear set
Adjustment Backlash is controlled by the position of the ring gear. Change backlash within specifications to
get a good tooth contact pattern.
To increase backlash, move the ring gear away from the drive pinion
To decrease backlash, move the ring gear toward the drive pinion
Ring Gear — Runout (Refer to Section 4)
Specification 0.008-inch (0.20 mm) maximum
DCDL Sensor Switch — Installation (Refer to Section 4)
Specification Shift the differential to the locked position. Tighten the sensor switch into the carrier until the
test light comes on. Tighten the sensor switch one additional turn and tighten lock nut to
correct torque value.
Spigot Bearing — Peening on the Drive Pinion (Refer to Section 5)
Specification Apply 6,614 lb (3000 kg) load on a 0.375-inch (10 mm) ball. Peen the end of the drive pinion at a
minimum of five points. Softening of the pinion stem end by heating may be required.

Section 9
Special Tools
Carrier Repair Stand Specifications

Section Tools
Special 9
Figure 9.1
2
1
12
11
3
6
10
4
9
5
8 SPX Kent-Moore
part number J-3409-D
1 PLATES 8’ LONG X 3/4” THICK X 1-1/4” WIDE WITH A TONGUE TO FIT SLOT IN BAR WELD PLATES
TO BAR
2 HANDLE 7” LONG WITH SLOT IN ONE END TO FIT CLAMP SCREW
3 BAR 2” DIAMETER X 9” LONG WITH ONE END SLOTTED TO FIT PLATE
4 WELD ALL AROUND AFTER PRESSING PLUG IN PIPE
5 WELD
6 SHAPE AND SIZE OF HOLES TO FIT CARRIER
7 23-1/2” CENTER TO CENTER OF PIPE
8 CHAMFER END OF PIPE FOR WELDING
9 4” DIAMETER PIPE
10 PLUG 4” DIAMETER X 7” LONG WITH ONE END TURNED 3” LONG TO FIT PIPE. DRILL 2” HOLE
AND MILL 3/16” WIDE SLOT 2” FROM TOP
11 SCREW 3-1/2” LONG X 5/8” DIAMETER WITH FLATS ON END TO FIT HANDLE AND 2-1/2” LENGTH
OF THREAD ON OTHER END
12 DRILL 3/8” HOLE THROUGH HANDLE AND SCREW
To obtain a repair stand, refer to the Service Notes

page on the front inside cover of this manual.

Section 9
Special Tools
How to Make a Yoke Bar Figure 9.3

1. Measure dimensions A and B of the yoke you 1
are servicing. Figure 9.2.
D
Figure 9.2
B
1 YOKE BAR
Unitized Pinion Seals and Seal

1
Drivers
1 YOKE
Refer to Table L and Figure 9.4 for information on
unitized pinion seals and seal drivers.
2. Calculate dimensions C and D of the yoke bar
by adding 0.125-0.250-inch to dimensions A
and B of the yoke. Figure 9.3. Figure 9.4
WARNING
Wear safe clothing and eye protection when
you use welding equipment. Welding
equipment can burn you and cause serious
personal injury. Follow the operating 1
instructions and safety procedures
recommended by the welding equipment Position the seal driver to prevent the
manufacturer. driver spokes from hitting the fastener heads
on the forward tandem output seals.
3. To make the box section, cut and weld
1.0-inch x 2.0-inch mild steel square stock
according to dimensions C and D. Figure 9.3.
2
4. Cut a 4.0-foot x 1.25-inch piece of mild steel 3
round stock to make the yoke bar handle.
Center weld this piece to the box section.
Figure 9.3. 1 SEAL DRIVER
2 FASTENER HEADS
O To increase yoke bar rigidity: Weld two 3 SEAL DRIVER R4422401
angle pieces onto the handle. Figure 9.3.

Section 9
Special Tools
Table L: Unitized Pinion Seals and Seal Drivers
Meritor Yoke Seal

Single Unitized Meritor Diameter
Models Tandem Models Pinion Seal Seal Installation Location Seal Driver Inches
MX-21-160 RT-34-144 /P A-1205-R-2592 Tandem Forward Input — 145 models R4422402 3.250
from 11-93 to present
MX-23-160R RT-34-145 /P 3.255
RF-16-145 RT-40-145 /A /P A-1205-P-2590 Tandem Forward Output — Tandem R4422401 3.000
RF-21-160 RT-40-149 /A /P Forward Input 145 models before 3.005
11/93 with seal A-1205-F-2424
RF-22-166 RT-44-145 /P
A-1205-N-2588 Tandem and Single Rear Input — R4422401 3.000
RF-23-185 RT-40-160 /A /P 145 models 3.005
RS-17-145 RT-40-169 /A /P
A-1205-Q-2591 Tandem and Single Rear Input — R4422402 3.250
RS-19-145 RT-46-160 /A /P 160/164/185 models 3.255
RS-21-145 RT-46-169 /A /P
RS-21-160 RT-46-164EH /P
RS-23-160 /A RT-46-16HEH /P
RS-23-161 /A RT-50-160 /P
RS-25-160 /A RT-52-185*
RS-23-186 RT-58-185*
RS-26-185
RS-30-185

Section 10
Vehicle Towing Instructions
Section 10
Vehicle Towing Instructions When transporting a vehicle with the wheels of one
WARNING or both drive axles on the road, it is possible to
To prevent serious eye injury, always wear safe damage the axles if the wrong procedure is used
eye protection when you perform vehicle before transporting begins. Meritor recommends
maintenance or service. that you use the following procedure.
Park the vehicle on a level surface. Block the Type of Axle

wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.
Support the vehicle with safety stands. Do not These instructions are for vehicles equipped with
work under a vehicle supported only by jacks. the following Meritor single or tandem rear drive
Jacks can slip and fall over. Serious personal axles.
injury and damage to components can result.
O Single Axle, with Driver-Controlled Main
Differential Lock (DCDL — Screw-In [threaded]
Before you service a spring chamber, carefully shift assembly)
follow the manufacturer’s instructions to
compress and lock the spring to completely O Tandem Axle, with Driver-Controlled Main
release the brake. Verify that no air pressure Differential Lock (DCDL — Screw-In [threaded]
remains in the service chamber before you shift assembly) and with Inter-Axle
proceed. Sudden release of compressed air can Differential (IAD)
cause serious personal injury and damage to
components. Before Towing or Drive-Away
Engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. Block the
from moving before you begin maintenance or wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.
service procedures that require you to be under 2. Apply the vehicle parking brakes using the
the vehicle. Serious personal injury can result. switch inside the cab of the vehicle.
3. Shift the transmission into neutral and start
the vehicle’s engine.
CAUTION
If the vehicle is equipped with a front drive 4. Shift the DCDL and the IAD to the unlocked or
axle, tow the vehicle from the front, with the disengaged positions using the switches
front wheels off the ground. If this is not inside the cab of the vehicle. The indicator
possible, you must remove the front drive shaft lights in the cab will go off.
before towing. Damage to components can 5. Stop the engine.
result.
NOTE: Remove only the axle shaft(s), shown in
Do not use a chisel or wedge to loosen the axle Table M at this time, from the axle(s) that will
shaft and tapered dowels. Using a chisel or remain on the road when the vehicle is
wedge can result in damage to the axle shaft, transported.
the gasket and seal, and the axle hub.
Table M
NOTE: For complete towing information, refer to
Technical Bulletin TP-9579, Driver Instruction Kit. Single Axles
To obtain this publication, refer to the Service Remove the left-hand (road side) axle shaft
Notes page on the front inside cover of this
manual. Tandem Axles
Forward Axle:
Remove the right-hand (curb side) axle shaft
These instructions supersede all other instructions
Rear Axle:
for the purpose of transporting vehicles for service Remove the left-hand (road side) axle shaft
or new vehicle drive-away dated before April
1995, including those contained in Meritor
Maintenance Manuals. 6. Remove the stud nuts or capscrews and the
washers from the flange of the axle shaft.
Figure 10.1.

Section 10

1
2 3 4 5
1
6
3
2
5 4
10 9
8 1 STORAGE HOLE
11 7 2 CYLINDER
3 SHIFT TOWER
7 SHAFT HUB AXLE 4 MANUAL ENGAGING CAPSCREW
1 TAPERED DOWEL 5 AIR HOSE
RETENTION 8 AXLE SHAFT OR FLANGE
2 STUD NUT 9 WASHER THREADED SHIFT ASSEMBLY
3 WASHER 10 CAPSCREW
4 TAPERED DOWEL 11 NON-TAPERED DOWEL
5 GASKET RETENTION
NOTE: If an air supply will be used for the brake
6 STUD
system of the transported vehicle, continue with
Steps 15 and 16, otherwise continue with Step 17.
7. Loosen the tapered dowels, if used, in the
flange of the axle shaft. Figure 10.1. Refer to 15. Connect an auxiliary air supply to the brake
Section 2. system of the vehicle that is being transported.
Before moving the vehicle, charge the brake
8. Identify each axle shaft that is removed from system with the correct amount of air pressure
the axle assembly so they can be installed in to operate the brakes. Refer to the instructions,
the same location after transporting or repair supplied by the manufacturer of the vehicle for
is completed. procedures and specifications. If an auxiliary
9. Remove the tapered dowels, gasket, if used, air supply is not used, continue with Step 17.
and the axle shaft from the axle assembly. 16. When the correct amount of air pressure is in
Figure 10.1. the brake system, release the parking brakes
10. Disconnect the air hose from the shift cylinder. of the vehicle that is being transported.
Figure 10.2. Step 17 is not required.
11. Remove the manual engaging capscrew from 17. If there are spring or parking brakes on the
the storage hole. The storage hole of threaded axle(s) that will remain on the road when the
shift assemblies is located in the shift tower of vehicle is transported, and they cannot be
the carrier, next to the cylinder. Figure 10.2. released by air pressure, manually compress
and lock each spring so that the brakes are
12. Lock or engage the main differential using the released. Refer to the manufacturer’s
Manual Engaging Method. Refer to Section 5. instructions.
13. Remove the remaining axle shaft(s) from the
axle(s) that will remain on the road when the
vehicle is transported.
14. Install a cover over the open end of each hub
where an axle shaft was removed. This will
prevent dirt from entering the bearing cavity
and loss of lubricant.

Section 10
After Towing or Drive-Away Figure 10.3

1. If an auxiliary air supply was used, apply the
vehicle parking brakes using the switch inside
the cab of the vehicle. If an auxiliary air supply
was not used, begin with Step 2.
2. Apply the vehicle spring or parking brakes by
manually releasing each spring that was
compressed before transporting started. Refer 2
to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Disconnect the auxiliary air supply, if used, 1
from the brake system of the vehicle that was
3
transported. Connect the vehicle’s air supply
to the brake system. 4
4. Remove the covers from the hubs.
NOTE: Install only the axle s haft(s) shown in

Table N at this time. These axle shafts have a 5
double row of splines that engage with splines
of the side gear and shift collar in the main
differential. Figure 10.3. 6
Table N 7
8
Single Axles
1 LEFT-HAND, ROAD SIDE, AXLE SHAFT
Install the right-hand (curb side) axle shaft
2 SHIFT ASSEMBLY
3 SHIFT COLLAR
Tandem Axles
4 RIGHT-HAND, CURB SIDE, AXLE SHAFT
Forward Axle:
5 DOUBLE ROW OF SPLINES
Install the left-hand (road side) axle shaft
6 SHIFT COLLAR AND DIFFERENTIAL CASE SPLINES
Rear Axle: ENGAGED OR LOCKED
Install the right-hand (curb side) axle shaft 7 SIDE GEAR
8 DIFFERENTIAL CASE
SINGLE AXLE OR REAR AXLE OF TANDEM SHOWN WITH
SCREW-IN SHIFT ASSEMBLY AND IN THE LOCKED OR
ENGAGED POSITION
5. Install the gasket, if used, and axle shaft into

the axle housing and carrier in the same
location. The gasket and flange of the axle
shaft must be flat against the hub. Rotate the
axle shaft or the driveline as necessary to align
the splines and the holes in the flange with the
studs in the hub. Figure 10.1.
6. Install the dowels, if used, over each stud and
into the tapered holes of the flange.
7. Install the washers and capscrews or stud
nuts. Determine the size of the fasteners
and tighten the capscrews or nuts to the
torque value shown in the following table.

Section 10
Torque Value Before Towing or Drive-Away

Fastener Thread Size lb-ft (N•m)
Capscrews 0.31”-24 18-24 (24-33) wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.
0.50”-13 85-115 (115-156)
2. Apply the vehicle parking brakes using the
Stud Nuts switch inside the cab of the vehicle.
plain nut 0.44”-20 50-75 (68-102)
0.50”-20 75-115 (102-156) 3. Shift the transmission into neutral and start
0.56”-18 110-165 (149-224) the vehicle’s engine.
0.62”-18 150-230 (203-312)
0.75”-16 310-400 (420-542) 4. Shift the DCDL and the IAD to the unlocked or
disengaged positions using the switches
lock nut 0.44”-20 40-65 (54-88)
0.50”-20 65-100 (88-136)
inside the cab of the vehicle. The indicator
0.56”-18 100-145 (136-197) lights in the cab will go off.
0.62”-18 130-190 (176-258) 5. Stop the engine.
0.75”-16 270-350 (366-475)
NOTE: Remove only the axle shaft(s), shown in

8. Unlock or disengage the DCDL by removing Table O at this time, from the axle(s) that will
the manual engaging capscrew from the shift remain on the road when the vehicle is
assembly. transported.
9. Install the manual engaging capscrew into the Table O
storage hole. The storage hole of threaded
shift assemblies is located in the shift tower of Single Axles
the carrier next to the cylinder. Tighten the Remove the left-hand (road side) axle shaft
capscrew to 15-25 lb-ft (20-35 N•m).
Figure 10.2. T Tandem Axles
Forward Axle:
10. Connect the air hose to the shift cylinder. Remove the right-hand (curb side) axle shaft
Tighten the air hose to 22-30 lb-ft (30-40 N•m). Rear Axle:
Remove the left-hand (road side) axle shaft
T
11. Install the remaining axle shaft into the axle
housing and carrier. 6. Remove the stud nuts or capscrews and the
washers from the flange of the axle shaft.
12. Check the lubricant level in the axles and hubs Figure 10.4.
where the axle shafts were removed. Add the
correct type and amount of lubricant if
necessary. Refer to Section 6.
Type of Axle
These instructions are for vehicles equipped with
the following Meritor single or tandem rear drive
axles.
O Single Axle, with Driver-Controlled Main
Differential Lock (DCDL — Bolt-On shift
assembly)
O Tandem Axle, with Driver-Controlled Main
Differential Lock (DCDL — Bolt-On shift
assembly) and with Inter-Axle Differential (IAD)

Section 10

1
1
2 3 4 5
8
6 2
3
7
10 9
8 6 5
11 7
1 TAPERED DOWEL 6 STUD 1 TOP STORAGE HOLE FOR MANUAL ENGAGING

RETENTION 7 SHAFT HUB AXLE CAPSCREW
2 STUD NUT 8 AXLE SHAFT OR FLANGE 2 AIR LINE
3 WASHER 9 WASHER 3 CYLINDER COVER
4 TAPERED DOWEL 10 CAPSCREW 4 WIRE
5 GASKET 11 NON-TAPERED DOWEL 5 SERVICE POSITION CAPSCREW HOLE
RETENTION 6 BOTTOM STORAGE HOLE FOR PLUG AND GASKET
7 PLUG AND GASKET
7. Loosen the tapered dowels, if used, in the BOLT-ON SHIFT ASSEMBLY
flange of the axle shaft. Figure 10.4. Refer to
Section 2.
11. Remove the plug and gasket from the center
8. Identify each axle shaft that is removed from of the shift cylinder cover. Install the plug and
the axle assembly so they can be installed in gasket into the bottom side storage hole of the
the same location after transporting or repair shift cylinder cover on the opposite end of the
is completed. storage hole for the manual engaging
9. Remove the tapered dowels, gasket, if used, capscrew. Tighten the plug to 15-25 lb-ft
and the axle shaft from the axle assembly. (20-35 N•m). Figure 10.5. T
Figure 10.5.
12. Lock or engage the main differential using one
10. Remove the manual engaging capscrew of the two following methods: Air Pressure
from the storage hole. The storage hole of Method or Manual Engaging Method.
bolted-on shift assemblies is located in the top
side of the shift cylinder cover. Figure 10.5.

Section 10
13. Lock or engage the main differential using the Figure 10.6
air pressure method.
A. Install the manual engaging capscrew into
the threaded hole in the center of the
cylinder cover. Turn the capscrew to the
right three to five turns. Figure 10.7.
B. Shift the transmission into neutral and 2
start the vehicle’s engine. Let the engine
idle to increase the pressure in the air 1
3
system. Do not release the parking brakes.
4
C. Shift the main differential to the locked or
engaged position using the switch inside
the cab of the vehicle. When the
differential is locked, the indicator light in
the cab will go on. If the light does not go
on it will be necessary to rotate the main 5
driveline or the IAD by hand until the main 6
differential is locked and the indicator light
goes on. 7
NOTE: When the shift collar is completely 8

engaged with the splines of the main differential 1 LEFT-HAND, ROAD SIDE, AXLE SHAFT
case, the differential is locked and the driveline 2 SHIFT ASSEMBLY
cannot be rotated. Figure 10.6. 3 SHIFT COLLAR
4 RIGHT-HAND, CURB SIDE, AXLE SHAFT
5 DOUBLE ROW OF SPLINES
D. While the differential is held in the locked 6 SHIFT COLLAR AND DIFFERENTIAL CASE SPLINES
position by air pressure, turn the manual ENGAGED OR LOCKED
engaging capscrew to the right until you 7 SIDE GEAR
feel resistance against the piston. Stop 8 DIFFERENTIAL CASE
turning the capscrew. SINGLE AXLE OR REAR AXLE OF TANDEM SHOWN WITH
BOLTED-ON SHIFT ASSEMBLY AND SHOWN IN THE
E. Place the main differential lock switch in LOCKED OR ENGAGED POSITION
the unlocked or disengaged position.
F. Stop the engine. Proceed to Step 15.

Section 10
14. Lock or engage the main differential using the Figure 10.7
manual engaging method.
CAUTION 1
When you turn the manual engaging capscrew
and you feel a high resistance, stop turning the
capscrew. A high resistance against the capscrew
indicates that the splines of the shift collar and
differential case are not aligned. Damage to the
threads of the cylinder cover and capscrew will
result.
A. Install the manual engaging capscrew into

the threaded hole in the center of the 1 MANUAL ENGAGING CAPSCREW
cylinder cover. Figure 10.7. BOLT-ON SHIFT ASSEMBLY
B. Turn the capscrew to the right until the
head is approximately 0.25-0.50-inch
(6.4-12.7 mm) from the cylinder cover. Figure 10.8
The capscrew is now in the service
position and the main differential is locked
or engaged. Figure 10.8. When you turn
the capscrew you will feel a small amount
of resistance. This is normal.
O If you feel a high resistance before
achieving the 0.25-0.50-inch
(6.4-12.7 mm) distance between the
capscrew head and cylinder: Stop
turning the capscrew and continue with
Steps C, D and E. 1
C. Rotate the main driveline or the IAD a 1 0.25-0.50” (6.4-12.7 MM)
small amount by hand.
D. Turn the manual engaging capscrew again NOTE: If an air supply will be used for the brake
to the right. If you still feel a high system of the transported vehicle, continue
resistance, stop turning the capscrew. with Steps 17 and 18. Otherwise continue with
E. Repeat Steps C and D until you feel a low Step 19.
resistance on the capscrew. Continue with
Step B. 17. Connect an auxiliary air supply to the brake
system of the vehicle that is being transported.
15. Remove the remaining axle shaft(s) from the Before moving the vehicle, charge the brake
axle(s) that will remain on the road when system with the correct amount of air pressure
the vehicle is transported. to operate the brakes. Refer to the instructions
16. Install a cover over the open end of each hub supplied by the manufacturer of the vehicle
where an axle shaft was removed. This will for procedures and specifications. If an
prevent dirt from entering the bearing cavity auxiliary air supply is not used, continue
and loss of lubricant. with Step 19.
18. When the correct amount of air pressure is in
the brake system, release the parking brakes
of the vehicle that is being transported.
Step 19 is not required.

Section 10
19. If there are spring or parking brakes on the 7. Install the washers and capscrews or stud
axle(s) that will remain on the road when the nuts. Determine the size of the fasteners
vehicle is transported, and they cannot be and tighten the capscrews or nuts to the
released by air pressure, manually compress torque value shown in the table below.
released. Refer to the manufacturer’s
instructions. Torque Value
After Towing or Drive-Away Capscrews 0.31”-24

0.50”-13
18-24
85-115
(24-33)
(115-156)
Stud Nuts
plain nut 0.44”-20 50-75 (68-102)
the cab of the vehicle. If an auxiliary air supply 0.50”-20 75-115 (102-156)
was not used, begin with Step 2. 0.56”-18 110-165 (149-224)
2. Apply the vehicle spring or parking brakes by 0.62”-18 150-230 (203-312)
0.75”-16 310-400 (420-542)
compressed before transporting started. Refer lock nut 0.44”-20 40-65 (54-88)
to the manufacturer’s instructions. 0.50”-20 65-100 (88-136)
0.56”-18 100-145 (136-197)
3. Disconnect the auxiliary air supply, if used, 0.62”-18 130-190 (176-258)
from the brake system of the vehicle that was 0.75”-16 270-350 (366-475)
to the brake system.
8. Unlock or disengage the DCDL by removing
4. Remove the covers from the hubs. the manual engaging capscrew from the shift
assembly.
NOTE: Install only the axle shaft(s) shown in
Table P at this time. These axle shafts have a 9. Install the manual engaging capscrew into the
double row of splines that engage with splines storage hole. The storage hole of bolted-on
of the side gear and shift collar in the main shift assemblies is located in the top side of
differential. Figure 10.6. the shift cylinder cover. Tighten the capscrew
to 15-25 lb-ft (20-35 N•m). Figure 10.5. T
Table P 10. Remove the plug and gasket from the storage
hole. Install the plug and gasket into the
Single Axles threaded hole in the center of the shift cylinder
Install the right-hand (curb side) axle shaft cover. Tighten the plug to 15-25 lb-ft
(25-30 N•m). T
Tandem Axles
Forward Axle: 11. Install the remaining axle shaft into the axle
Install the left-hand (road side) axle shaft housing and carrier.
Rear Axle:
Install the right-hand (curb side) axle shaft 12. Check the lubricant level in the axles and hubs
where the axle shafts were removed. Add the
correct type and amount of lubricant if
5. Install the gasket, if used, and axle shaft into necessary. Refer to Section 6.

Section 10
Type of Axle Figure 10.9

These instructions are for vehicles equipped with 1
the following Meritor single or tandem rear drive
axles. 2 3 4 5
6
O Single Axle, without Driver-Controlled Main
Differential Lock (DCDL)
O Tandem Axle, without Driver-Controlled Main
Differential Lock (DCDL), with Inter-Axle
Differential (IAD)
Before Towing or Drive-Away

10 9
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. Block the 8
wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving. 11 7
2. Apply the vehicle parking brakes using the 1 TAPERED DOWEL 7 SHAFT HUB AXLE
switch inside the cab of the vehicle. RETENTION 8 AXLE SHAFT OR
2 STUD NUT FLANGE
9 WASHER
NOTE: For a single axle, continue with Step 6. For 3 WASHER
10 CAPSCREW
a tandem axle, continue with Step 3. 4 TAPERED DOWEL
5 GASKET 11 NON-TAPERED DOWEL
6 STUD RETENTION
3. Shift the transmission into neutral and start
the vehicle’s engine.
10. Install a cover over the open end of each hub
4. Shift the IAD to the unlocked or disengaged
where an axle shaft was removed. This will
position using the switch inside the cab of
prevent dirt from entering the bearing cavity
the vehicle. The indicator light in the cab will
and loss of lubricant.
go off.
5. Stop the engine. NOTE: If an air supply will be used for the brake
system of the transported vehicle, continue with
NOTE: Remove both axle shafts from the axle(s) Steps 11 and 12, otherwise continue with Step 13.
that will remain on the road when the vehicle is
transported. 11. Connect an auxiliary air supply to the brake
system of the vehicle that is being transported.
6. Remove the stud nuts or capscrews and the Before moving the vehicle, charge the brake
washers from the flange of the axle shaft. system with the correct amount of air pressure
Figure 10.9. to operate the brakes. Refer to the instructions
7. Loosen the tapered dowels, if used, in the supplied by the manufacturer of the vehicle for
flange of the axle shaft. Refer to Section 2. procedures and specifications. If an auxiliary
Figure 10.9. air supply is not used, continue with Step 13.
8. Identify each axle shaft that is removed from 12. When the correct amount of air pressure is in
the axle assembly so they can be installed in the brake system, release the parking brakes
the same location after transporting or repair of the vehicle that is being transported.
is completed. Step 13 is not required.
9. Remove the tapered dowels, gasket, if used,
and the axle shaft from the axle assembly.
Figure 10.9.

Section 10
13. If there are spring or parking brakes on the 8. Check the lubricant level in the axles and hubs
axle(s) that will remain on the road when the where the axle shafts were removed. Add the
vehicle is transported, and they cannot be correct type and amount of lubricant if
released by air pressure, manually compress necessary. Refer to Section 6.
released. Refer to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
After Towing or Drive-Away

the cab of the vehicle. If an auxiliary air supply
was not used, begin with Step 2.
2. Apply the vehicle spring or parking brakes by
compressed before transporting started. Refer
to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Disconnect the auxiliary air supply, if used,
from the brake system of the vehicle that was
to the brake system.
4. Remove the covers from the hubs.
5. Install the gasket, if used, and axle shaft into
7. Install the washers and capscrews or stud
nuts. Determine the size of the fasteners and
tighten the capscrews or nuts to the torque
value shown in the table below.
Torque Value
Capscrews 0.31”-24 18-24 (24-33)
0.50”-13 85-115 (115-156)
Stud Nuts
plain nut 0.44”-20 50-75 (68-102)
0.50”-20 75-115 (102-156)
0.56”-18 110-165 (149-224)
0.62”-18 150-230 (203-312)
0.75”-16 310-400 (420-542)
lock nut 0.44”-20 40-65 (54-88)
0.50”-20 65-100 (88-136)
0.56”-18 100-145 (136-197)
0.62”-18 130-190 (176-258)
0.75”-16 270-350 (366-475)

Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC Information contained in this publication was in effect at the time the publication was approved for printing and is
2135 West Maple Road subject to change without notice or liability. Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC, reserves the right to revise the
Troy, MI 48084 USA information presented or discontinue the production of parts described at any time.
800-535-5560
arvinmeritor.com Copyright 2003 Maintenance Manual 5A
ArvinMeritor, Inc. Revised 02-03
All Rights Reserved Printed in the USA 16579/24240

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Revised 02-03

RS and RT Series MX and RF Series

Section 8: Adjustments and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Single-Reduction Differential Carrier

1 Nut — Drive Pinion* 32 Capscrews — Differential 65 Spigot Bearing

* Some Meritor carriers do not have these described parts.

10 Plug 23A Gasket — Cover Plug 45 Case Assembly — Main

* Some Meritor carriers do not have these described parts.

Maintenance Manual 5A Copyright 2003

Standard Single-Reduction Carriers

Without Differential Lock

Copyright 2003 Maintenance Manual 5A

Single-Reduction Carriers with

Maintenance Manual 5A Copyright 2003

Axle Models Covered in this Manual

Single Drive Axles

Rear Axle of Tandem Axles

Front Drive Steer Axles

Stall Testing with Automatic Transmissions

Copyright 2003 Maintenance Manual 5A

Section 2 and Disassembly

Park the vehicle on a level surface. Block the

1 FULL ROUND BEARING 13 SLIP YOKE

Maintenance Manual 5A Copyright 2003

6. Remove the capscrews and washers or stud Figure 2.4

1 Air Hammer Vibration Method

Copyright 2003 Maintenance Manual 5A

Figure 2.5 5. After the carrier is loosened, remove the top

6. Use the hydraulic roller jack to remove the

1 DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER 2 REPAIR STAND

2. Remove all but the top two carrier to housing

Maintenance Manual 5A Copyright 2003

Copyright 2003 Maintenance Manual 5A

Differential and Ring Gear from the Figure 2.11

Maintenance Manual 5A Copyright 2003

5. Remove the cotter keys, pins or lock plates, if Figure 2.15

Figure 2.13 Figure 2.16

1 REMOVING COTTER KEY

Copyright 2003 Maintenance Manual 5A

6. If rivets hold the ring gear to the flange case

5. If the ring gear needs to be replaced, remove

1 CORRECT DRILLING RIVETS FROM HEAD

Maintenance Manual 5A Copyright 2003

7. Use a press to separate the case half and ring Removal

8. If the differential bearings need to be replaced,

Figure 2.21 1 FLANGE BAR

4. Remove the yoke or flange from the drive

Copyright 2003 Maintenance Manual 5A

Figure 2.23 Figure 2.25

1 DRIVE PINION AND BEARING CAGE

7. If the shims are in good condition, keep the

6. Remove the drive pinion, bearing cage and

Maintenance Manual 5A Copyright 2003

Disassembly 2. Support the bearing cage under the flange

4. Use a press and a sleeve to remove the

1. Place the drive pinion and bearing cage in a

Figure 2.27 1002437a

Copyright 2003 Maintenance Manual 5A

Figure 2.29 Figure 2.31