Back

Mack | Mack Transmission T318 (L)(LR)(21)(L21)(LR21) - Transmission Maintenance

Use this checklist for the regular maintenance on your Mack truck. Performing regular maintenance on your equipment has been proven to reduce repair costs for trucks and to avoid unnecessary damages.
MaintainX
12/28/2022

Mack | Mack Transmission T318 (L)(LR)(21)(L21)(LR21) - Transmission Maintenance

Use this checklist for the regular maintenance on your Mack truck. Performing regular maintenance on your equipment has been proven to reduce repair costs for trucks and to avoid unnecessary damages.

    Checking Oil Level

    Note: Perform oil level check when the oil is at operating temperature. The vehicle must be in a level position, both front-to-rear and side-to-side.

    • 1.PNG

    Magnetic Filter Plug (Not for Level Check)

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Oil Filler and Check Plug

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    The oil must be level with the bottom of the filler plug hole as determined by feel or by visual inspection.

      Warning: Be careful not to burn your finger in hot gear oil when checking the oil level in the transmission.

        If oil can only be felt by reaching the finger down into the unit, the oil level is too low.

        • 2.PNG

          Incorrect Oil Level

          • 3.PNG

            Reinstall and tighten the oil filler plug (Figure 55) as follows:

            • 1.PNG

            Caution: DO NOT exceed 48 N•m (35 lb-ft) as plug can seize, resulting in damage to the transmission case when attempting to remove the plug.

              Changing Oil

              Caution: Preserve the environment! Drained gear oil is classified as a hazardous toxic material which must be recovered, handled, stored and disposed of according to applicable State or Federal guidelines.

                CHANGE INTERVAL

                Change the oil at intervals specified in the Maintenance and Lubrication Manual (TS494).

                  DRAINING OIL

                  Before draining oil from the transmission, the oil should be at normal operating temperature.

                  • Pass
                  • Flag
                  • Fail

                  Remove the magnetic drain plug (Figure 58) from the bottom of the transmission main case and drain the hot oil into an industry-approved recovery container.

                  • 4.PNG
                  • Pass
                  • Flag
                  • Fail

                  OIL FILL

                  Remove the oil filler plug (2) (Figure 59), then fill the transmission using specified oil until the oil is level with the bottom of the filler plug hole (also see Figure 56). Do NOT overfill.

                  • 2.PNG
                  • Pass
                  • Flag
                  • Fail

                  Note: MACK-approved lubricants can be found on the internet at www.macktrucks.com, then click on the PARTS AND SERVICE category.

                    Reinstall and tighten the oil filler plug as follows:

                    Caution: DO NOT exceed 48 N•m (35 lb-ft) as plug can seize, resulting in damage to the transmission case when attempting to remove the plug.

                    • 5.PNG

                      Caution: Be sure to add oil to the transmission through the filler hole, NOT the magnetic filter plug hole. Damage to the transmission and seals may occur due to overfilling. The magnetic oil filter hole is higher on the transmission case than the filler hole.

                        Magnetic Oil Filter Plug

                        Remove the magnetic oil filter plug and clean the magnet in the plug every time the oil is changed. Reinstall the magnetic plug. Tighten the plug to 27–31 N•m (20–23 lb-ft) torque.

                        • Pass
                        • Flag
                        • Fail

                        Air Breather(s)

                        The T313–T318(L)(LR)(21)(L21)(LR21) transmissions have one air breather, located on the main case shift cover.

                        The optional three-position (compound neutralizing) range shift cylinder contains a breather vent screen which should be cleaned any time the main case shift cover is cleaned. The following figure shows the breather vent removed (1) and installed (2). Check the breather vent for free airflow. Clean or replace as necessary.

                        • 6.PNG
                        Source: MaintainX (Community Member)

                        Please note that any procedure, checklist, or other document available in the MaintainX Global Procedure Library is provided for general education and information only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. MaintainX makes the materials available AS IS and AS PROVIDED, without warranties of any kind. By downloading or using any such materials, you assume the risk that they may not be appropriate for your specific situation and agree that you are solely responsible for any such use, including compliance with applicable law and with meeting any conditions of product warranties.