Spicer Tandem Drive Axles Service Manual D170, D190, and D590 Series - Manual (Page 82)

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Lubrication
Standpipes
Drive axles are lubricated with oil drawn from a large sump
integral to the assembly. Most axle designs attempt to posi-
tion vital components such as pinion bearings in close prox-
imity to this sump, keeping them bathed in a generous supply
of oil at all times.
When drive axles are installed at severe angles in vehicle
chassis, the position of these components is changed relative
to the oil sump. The same effect is present when the vehicle
travels up a steep grade. Oil in the sump remains level while
the axle itself tilts up or down. This makes it possible for bear-
ings and gears located well forward in the assembly to
“starve” for lubrication even though the axle is filled to the
base of the fill plug hole as recommended by the manufac-
turer.
Axles should be modified with standpipes to raise lube levels
whenever chassis installation angles exceed 10° and when the
vehicle must negotiate continuous or lengthy grades on a rou-
tine basis.
The chart gives standpipe recommendations for vehicles
operating in consistently mountainous areas.
*Does not allow for standpipe.
Capacities do not include wheel equipment requirements.
An additional 1-2 pints is required in each wheel hub.
*Does not allow for standpipe.
Capacities do not include wheel equipment requirements.
An additional 1-2 pints is required in each wheel hub.
*Pinion pointing upward
S170
Axle Installation
Angle Axle Location Quantity
(pints)
12° Rear 29*
10° Rear 30*
8° Rear 31
6° Forward
Rear 39
32
4° Forward
Rear 41
33.5
2° Forward
Rear 43
35
0° Forward
Rear 45
36
S190
Axle Installation
Angle Axle Location Quantity
(pints)
12° Rear 29*
10° Rear 30*
8° Rear 31
6° Forward
Rear 42.5
32
4° Forward
Rear 44.5
33.5
2° Forward
Rear 47
35
0° Forward
Rear 50
36
Tandem Forward Axles
Installation
Angle* 5-10%
Grade 10-15%
Grade 15-20%
Grade
0° – – –
3° – – 2.00"
5° – 1.00" 2.25"
7° – 1.25" 2.50"
10° 1.50" 1.75" 2.75"
13° 1.75" 2.00" 3.00"
15° 2.50" 2.50" 3.25"