H3 V8-5.3L (2008)
Fluid - Differential: Procedures
Front Drive Axle
Front Axle Lubricant Level Inspection
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (See: Vehicle Lifting/Service and Repair) .
2. Ensure the vehicle is level.
3. Inspect the front axle for leaks. Repair as necessary.
4. Remove the engine protection shield (EPS), if equipped. Refer to Engine Shield Replacement (See: Body and Frame/Frame/Skid Plate/Service
and Repair/Engine Shield Replacement) .
5. Clean the area around the front axle fill plug.
6. Remove the front axle fill plug and the washer.
7. Fabricate a dipstick from a pipe cleaner or similar item. Form the pipe cleaner into an "L".
Important: Ensure that the pipe cleaner is resting on the bottom threads of the fill hole.
8. Insert the pipe cleaner into the fill plug opening with the stem "L" is facing down.
9. Remove the pipe cleaner and measure the distance from the bend in the pipe cleaner to the lubricant level.
The oil level should be between 0-8 mm (0-0.4 in) below the fill plug opening.
10. If the level is low, add fluid until the level is within the proper fluid level specification. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant
Recommendations (See: Specifications/Fluid Type Specifications) .
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice (See: Service Precautions/Vehicle Damage Warnings/Fastener Notice) .
11. Install the fill plug and the washer.
Tighten the plug to 32 N.m (24 lb ft).
12. Install the EPS, if equipped. Refer to Engine Shield Replacement (See: Body and Frame/Frame/Skid Plate/Service and Repair/Engine Shield
Replacement) .
13. Lower the vehicle.
Rear Drive Axle
Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (See: Vehicle Lifting/Service and Repair) .
2. Ensure the vehicle is level.
3. Inspect the rear axle for leaks. Repair as necessary.
4. Clean the area around the rear axle fill plug.
5. Remove the rear axle fill plug.
6. Inspect the lubricant level.
The lubricant level should be between 0-10 mm (0-0.4 in) below the fill plug opening.
7. If the level is low, add lubricant until the level is even with the bottom edge of the fill plug opening. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Fluid and
Lubricant Recommendations (See: Specifications/Fluid Type Specifications) .
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice .
8. Install the rear axle fill plug.
Tighten the rear axle fill plug to 33 N.m (24 lb ft).
9. Lower the vehicle.