Improve fuel economy and axle performance with the Meritor® Lube Management System

Axle performance plays a vital role in improving fuel economy, enhancing durability, and lowering emissions on any commercial vehicle. At Cummins, we strive to develop reliable and efficient technologies that reduce complexity while improving these outcomes. The Meritor Lube Management System (MLMSTM) embodies this philosophy. Designed to enhance axle efficiency, prolong component life, and reduce emissions, MLMS delivers measurable benefits for fleets without the need for pumps, electronics, or added complexity.

What’s the Meritor Lube Management System?

Patented nearly a decade ago, MLMS was a groundbreaking solution that redefined how axle lubrication is managed. Conventional systems rely on mechanical pumps, valves, or electronic controls to manage oil flow inside the axle. MLMS takes a different route by using the axle’s own motion to manage lubricant distribution and temperature.

The original goal was clear: maximize fuel economy and minimize emissions without sacrificing durability. MLMS accomplishes this by reducing churning losses—which occurs via the resistance created when gears rotate through excess oil, spilling over and out of the intended area of the axle. By minimizing these losses, the system enables more efficient power transfer. MLMS remains one of the most dependable lubrication systems in the industry today.
 

What are the key benefits of an axle lube management system?

MLMS brings tangible advantages to both fleet operators and OEMs. First and foremost, it reduces internal churning losses within the axle, which lowers fuel consumption. This, in turn, reduces emissions, helping fleets meet their sustainability goals.

At the same time, MLMS improves the longevity of axle components. Less oil turbulence reduces the operating temperatures and results in less wear and tear. In fact, MLMS can reduce axle temperatures by up to 15°F, extending the life of seals, bearings, gear lubricant and primary gearing.

MLMS is also compatible with newer low-viscosity lubricants like 75W-80, which further reduces friction and improves fuel efficiency. When combined with high-efficiency axles like the Meritor 14X HE, part of Cummins X15™ Powertrain, the system delivers a measurable improvement in real-world performance, without adding cost or complexity.

How does an axle lube management system work?

In traditional axles, the ring gear churns oil in the sump, generating drag and heat. MLMS rethinks this process.

Instead of allowing the ring gear to stir oil inefficiently, MLMS captures and channels the lubricant through specially designed oil collector built into the axle housing.  The oil collector channels oil into the housing arms, where the oil baffles allow the oil to slowly circulates back into the sump.  The oil that collects in the arms allows the housing arm to act like radiators, passively cooling the oil before it returns to the sump through small orifices located in the baffles.

This design displaces about two liters of oil from the sump, reducing the amount of fluid the ring gear needs to push through at high speeds.

The result is a more efficient, cooler-running axle. Once the vehicle comes to a stop, the oil returns to the sump within 5 to 7 minutes, ensuring complete drainage before maintenance or inspection.

What’s the MLMS serviceability experience?

One of the most common questions about MLMS is, “Does it require more oil changes?” The answer is no —MLMS is engineered to be completely maintenance-free.

There are no pumps to service, no valves to inspect, and no electronics to calibrate. When it’s time for an oil change, technicians only need to wait a few minutes after the vehicle comes to a stop to ensure all oil has returned to the sump. This guarantees a clean and complete oil change, just as with any conventional axle.

In addition, MLMS supports extended drain intervals when used with approved high-efficiency lubricants. While specific intervals vary based on oil type and application, Cummins provides detailed guidance to help fleets select the right lubricant and service schedule. In most applications, drain intervals of 500,000 miles or more are achievable—delivering meaningful time and cost savings over the vehicle's lifecycle.

The Meritor Lube Management System is a smart, field-proven innovation that delivers tangible results through elegant simplicity. By improving fuel efficiency, extending component life, and reducing emissions—all without adding complexity—MLMS enables fleets to stay ahead in a highly competitive industry.