LEVEL CHECK

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Visually check the area around the fill and drain plugs of the axle.

   Fig. 1: Loosen and remove the fill plug on the drive axle

3. Clean the areas, the remove the fill plug.

   NOTE: It is always a good idea to remove the fill plug before the drain plug. In case the plug is stripped or stuck and you are left with an empty axle and no way to install fresh fluid.

4. If the lubricant begins to trickle out of the hole, there is enough. Otherwise, carefully insert your finger (watch out for sharp threads!) and check to see if the oil is up to the edge of the hole.

   Fig. 2: Check for fluid trickling out of the fill plug hole

5. If not, add oil through the hole until the level is at the edge of the hole. Most gear lubricants come in a plastic squeeze bottle with a nozzle; making additions simple.

   Fig. 3: Use a squeeze bottle to top off or fill the drive axle with gear oil

6. Install the filler plug and tighten it to 29 ft. lbs. (39 Nm) on the front and 36 ft. lbs. (49 Nm) for the rear axle. Check for leaks.