Quick Facts
- Manufacturer: Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems, formerly Meritor
- Product Brand: Meritor Permalube
- Product Series: RPL25
- Product Type: Permanently lubricated heavy-duty commercial-vehicle driveline
- Driveline Rating: 17,200 lb-ft
- Metric Driveline Rating: 23,320 N·m
- Tubing Size: 4.59 × 0.180 inches
- Tube Inside Diameter: 4.23 inches
- Swing Diameter: 9.10 inches
- Universal-Joint Design: Permanently lubricated and sealed RPL25 universal joint
- Primary Applications: Linehaul tractors, heavy-haul vehicles, vocational trucks, construction equipment, fire and rescue apparatus, buses, mobile cranes, and specialized commercial vehicles
- Production Status: Current product family; individual assemblies and service components remain application-specific

Overview
The Meritor Permalube RPL25 Driveline is a heavy-duty commercial-vehicle driveshaft system designed to transfer torque from the transmission to the drive axle. It accommodates driveline-angle changes, suspension movement, chassis deflection, and normal changes in the distance between drivetrain components.
The RPL25 occupies the middle of the heavy-duty Permalube RPL family. Its published 17,200 lb-ft rating places it above the RPL20 while remaining below the RPL25SD and RPL35-series systems.
Permanently lubricated universal joints reduce routine maintenance requirements. Triple-lip seals retain lubricant and help prevent contaminants from reaching the bearings, while nylon thrust washers reduce metal-to-metal contact within the universal-joint assembly.

Key Characteristics
- Heavy-duty commercial-vehicle driveline
- 17,200 lb-ft published driveline rating
- 23,320 N·m published metric rating
- Permanently lubricated universal joints
- Sealed-for-life universal-joint design
- Triple-lip universal-joint seals
- Nylon thrust washers that reduce metal-to-metal contact
- Four-bolt connection design for installation and service
- Protective universal-joint guard
- Self-aligning center-bearing options
- Suitable for linehaul and heavy-service applications
- Available in application-specific shaft and connection configurations
Major Components
- Driveshaft tubing
- RPL25 universal-joint assemblies
- Universal-joint crosses
- Bearing assemblies
- Triple-lip seals
- Nylon thrust washers
- Universal-joint guards
- Flange yokes
- End yokes
- Weld yokes
- Slip assembly
- Splined shaft
- Companion flanges
- Four-bolt attachment hardware
- Center bearing on applicable multi-piece systems
- Center-bearing bracket
- Balance weights
Product Type and Construction
The RPL25 is a tubular steel driveshaft system constructed around heavy-duty Permalube universal joints. Precision tubing, forged or machined yokes, splined slip components, bearings, seals, and flange connections form a rotating assembly capable of transferring substantial driveline torque.
RPL25 components are available in multiple application-specific arrangements. Complete shafts may differ in length, tubing, flange pattern, yoke design, spline dimensions, slip travel, balance specification, and center-bearing requirements.
How the Driveline or Steering Component Works
The RPL25 receives rotational force from the transmission output connection and transfers it through the driveshaft to the drive axle. The universal joints allow the shaft to operate when the transmission and axle are positioned at different heights or angles.
A splined slip section permits controlled changes in driveline length as the suspension moves and the chassis flexes. The shaft must remain correctly aligned, phased, balanced, and positioned to operate smoothly.
Position and Function Within the Vehicle
The RPL25 is installed beneath the vehicle between the transmission and the driven axle. On long-wheelbase vehicles, it may be used as one section of a multi-piece driveline supported by an intermediate center bearing.
Its primary function is to transfer torque while accommodating suspension travel, chassis movement, driveline-angle variation, and limited axial movement between drivetrain components.
Common Specifications
- Series: RPL25
- Driveline Rating: 17,200 lb-ft
- Metric Driveline Rating: 23,320 N·m
- Published Tubing Size: 4.59 × 0.180 inches
- Published Tube Inside Diameter: 4.23 inches
- Published Swing Diameter: 9.10 inches
- Representative Bearing-Cap Diameter: 2.06 inches
- Representative Joint-Angle Range: Application-specific, with certain RPL25 yokes rated as high as 47 degrees
- Universal-Joint Kit: CP25RPLS for applicable configurations
- Lubrication: Permanently lubricated universal joints; related slip and support components may have separate service requirements
- Connection Type: Application-specific flange, end-yoke, and four-bolt connections
Exact specifications must be confirmed using the original driveline assembly number, vehicle identification number, engineering drawing, transmission, axle, and connection dimensions.

Operating Capacity and Performance
The standard RPL25 has a published driveline rating of 17,200 lb-ft, or 23,320 N·m. This rating supports demanding linehaul and vocational applications when the complete driveline is correctly specified.
Actual suitability depends on engine torque, transmission ratios, axle gearing, gross vehicle weight, tire traction, shaft speed, operating angles, duty cycle, and shock loading. Low transmission gears can multiply torque far beyond the engine’s advertised output before that torque reaches the driveline.
Installation Position and System Function
The RPL25 may be used as a main driveshaft or as part of a multi-piece driveline. Its exact position depends on the vehicle wheelbase, powertrain layout, drive-axle location, chassis packaging, and required shaft length.
Each installation must preserve correct shaft phasing, slip travel, universal-joint angles, support-bearing location, clearances, and critical-speed capability.
Torque Transfer or Steering-Assist Function
The RPL25 transfers torque and does not provide steering assistance. Rotational force passes through its flanges, yokes, universal joints, splines, and driveshaft tubing before reaching the drive axle.
The entire driveline must tolerate normal operating torque and temporary dynamic loads without excessive deflection, looseness, vibration, or structural damage.
Driveline Geometry and Operating Angles
Correct working angles are essential for smooth RPL25 operation. The transmission output, intermediate shaft, center bearing, and axle pinion must be positioned so that the universal joints operate within approved angular limits.
Excessive or unequal working angles can produce vibration, accelerated bearing wear, seal damage, spline loading, heat, and shaft fatigue. Ride-height changes should be followed by a complete driveline-angle inspection.
Steering Geometry and Movement
Steering geometry does not directly control the RPL25 because it is a driveline component. However, frame movement, axle articulation, suspension changes, and chassis modifications can affect driveshaft angles and clearance around steering or suspension equipment.
Slip, Articulation, and Operating Travel
The universal joints provide angular articulation while the splined slip section accommodates changes in driveline length. Both forms of movement must remain within the limits established for the complete installation.
Insufficient spline engagement can weaken the connection. A slip section that bottoms out can transfer damaging thrust loads into the transmission, center bearing, or drive axle.
Bearings, Joints, Shafts, Gears, and Structural Design
The RPL25 combines heavy-duty tubing, forged or machined yokes, splined components, universal-joint crosses, bearing assemblies, seals, retaining hardware, and flange connections.
Multi-piece installations may include a self-aligning center bearing that supports an intermediate shaft. The bearing, rubber support, bracket, and chassis attachment must remain correctly aligned and structurally sound.
Materials and Component Construction
RPL25 assemblies use steel tubing and high-strength forged or machined driveline components. Protective coatings help exposed universal-joint guards and other components resist environmental contamination and corrosion.
Triple-lip seals, internal lubricant, nylon thrust washers, and precision bearing surfaces support extended universal-joint life when the driveline is correctly installed and operated.
Hydraulic and Electric Steering Assistance
Hydraulic and electric steering assistance are not part of the RPL25. Nearby hydraulic lines, steering shafts, wiring harnesses, and assistance components must maintain sufficient clearance from the rotating driveline.
Electronic Controls and Driver-Assistance Integration
The RPL25 is mechanically operated and does not require a dedicated electronic controller. Engine torque management, automated transmission programming, traction control, and stability-control systems can indirectly influence the loads applied to it.
Speed, Torque, and Load Management
Driveline speed and torque must remain within the approved limits for the complete shaft assembly. Long shafts may reach critical speed sooner than shorter shafts, while low transmission gears can expose the driveline to substantial torque multiplication.
Drivers can reduce shock loading by avoiding aggressive clutch engagement, wheel hop, sudden throttle application, improper differential-lock operation, and abrupt traction changes.
Vibration, Balance, and Noise Control
The RPL25 assembly must remain dynamically balanced throughout its operating-speed range. Shaft straightness, balance weights, phasing, runout, joint condition, flange alignment, and center-bearing position all affect vibration performance.
A missing balance weight, dented tube, improperly phased slip assembly, dirty flange face, or damaged pilot can create vibration even when the universal joints remain serviceable.
Lubrication, Sealing, and Contamination Protection
RPL25 universal joints are permanently lubricated and sealed. Triple-lip seals retain lubricant while helping protect internal bearing surfaces from water, dirt, road salt, and other contaminants.
The sealed universal-joint design does not necessarily eliminate lubrication or inspection requirements for slip assemblies, center bearings, or other components used in the complete vehicle installation.
Duty Cycle and Operating Conditions
The RPL25 supports linehaul, heavy-service, construction, utility, fire and rescue, heavy-haul, bus, and specialized applications when correctly specified.
Severe driveline angles, frequent stop-and-go operation, high gross combination weight, off-road articulation, corrosion, shock loading, and repeated high-torque starts can shorten component life.
Mounting and Installation
Installation requires the correct shaft length, flange pattern, pilot diameter, fasteners, yokes, slip travel, operating angles, and mounting hardware. Flange faces and pilots must be clean and undamaged.
Fasteners should be installed using the approved sequence and torque specifications. Multi-piece drivelines also require correct center-bearing alignment, bracket position, bearing preload where applicable, and shaft phasing.
Alignment, Driveline, and Mounting Geometry
Alignment should be checked at the vehicle’s specified ride height and normal operating condition. Engine mounts, transmission mounts, suspension height, axle position, pinion angle, center-bearing location, and chassis condition can alter driveline geometry.
An RPL25 shaft should not be shortened, lengthened, welded, straightened, or rebalanced without appropriate driveline equipment and approved repair procedures.
Vehicle, Transmission, Axle, and Steering Compatibility
Compatibility depends on engine torque, transmission ratios, axle gearing, flange connections, wheelbase, suspension, shaft length, working angles, critical speed, vehicle weight, and duty cycle.
The RPL25 designation alone does not establish interchangeability. Replacement shafts should be matched using the original assembly number, vehicle identification number, engineering records, connection dimensions, and complete vehicle configuration.
Related Component and System Compatibility
An RPL25 installation must match its transmission output flange, axle input flange, companion flanges, yokes, universal-joint kits, splines, slip assembly, tubing, center bearing, and mounting brackets.
Components from other RPL series should not be substituted based on appearance. Ratings, dimensions, flange patterns, pilot features, fasteners, and joint geometry can differ.
Common Applications
- Class 8 highway tractors
- Regional-haul tractors
- Heavy-duty straight trucks
- Heavy-haul tractors
- Construction trucks
- Utility vehicles
- Fire and rescue apparatus
- Refuse trucks
- Transit buses
- Motor coaches
- Mobile cranes
- Material-handling vehicles
- Defense vehicles
- Specialized vocational equipment
Advantages
- 17,200 lb-ft published driveline rating
- Designed for heavy-duty torque requirements
- Permanently lubricated universal joints
- Reduced routine universal-joint maintenance
- Triple-lip contamination protection
- Nylon thrust washers reduce internal metal-to-metal contact
- Four-bolt connection design supports serviceability
- Available for single- and multi-piece drivelines
- Self-aligning center-bearing options
- Suitable for linehaul and demanding vocational applications
- Supported through established commercial-vehicle parts channels
Limitations or Considerations
- RPL25 assemblies are application-specific
- Correct shaft length and flange configuration are required
- Improper driveline angles can cause vibration and wear
- Dented, bent, or cracked tubing can make the shaft unsafe
- Permanent joint lubrication does not eliminate inspections
- Slip and center-bearing components may require separate maintenance
- Torque multiplication must be considered during selection
- Suspension or chassis modifications can change driveline geometry
- Proper balancing equipment is required for shaft repairs
- More demanding applications may require the RPL25SD or RPL35 family
Driver and Operator Experience
A correctly installed Meritor Permalube RPL25 should transfer power without noticeable vibration, clunking, shuddering, or speed-related noise. Drivers may first recognize a developing problem through vibration in the cab floor or seat, a clunk when changing between acceleration and deceleration, or a shudder under heavy torque.
New symptoms appearing after suspension, transmission, axle, center-bearing, or driveshaft service should be investigated promptly. Operating the vehicle with a loose, damaged, or severely vibrating driveline can cause additional powertrain and chassis damage.
Steering Feel and Driver Feedback
The RPL25 does not directly control steering feel. Severe driveline vibration can nevertheless travel through the chassis and be felt through the steering column, cab floor, seat, pedals, or other driver-contact points.
Technicians should distinguish driveline vibration from tire imbalance, wheel runout, steering-linkage wear, engine vibration, transmission problems, suspension movement, and axle alignment issues.
Operating Speed, Angle, and Load Management
Fleets should confirm that shaft speed, working angles, torque demand, gross vehicle weight, and operating conditions remain within the limits approved for the complete RPL25 installation.
- Avoid aggressive clutch engagement
- Reduce wheel hop and sudden traction changes
- Avoid abrupt throttle application under extreme load
- Use differential locks according to vehicle instructions
- Investigate vibration before continuing high-speed operation
- Recheck driveline geometry after ride-height changes
- Confirm that the shaft retains adequate chassis clearance
Control Setup and System Calibration
The mechanical RPL25 does not require direct electronic calibration. Engine torque limits, automated transmission programming, traction control, stability control, and powertrain-protection strategies can influence the loads applied to the driveline.
Changes to engine programming, transmission ratios, axle gearing, tire size, or vehicle operating weight should be evaluated to confirm that the driveline remains properly rated.
Inspection and Wear Points
- Universal-joint seals
- Cross-and-bearing assemblies
- Universal-joint guards
- Flange-yoke connections
- End yokes and weld yokes
- Fasteners and retaining hardware
- Driveshaft tubing
- Balance weights
- Slip splines
- Slip-section seals
- Center bearing and rubber support
- Center-bearing mounting bracket
- Transmission and axle flange faces
- Clearance around the rotating driveshaft
- Evidence of heat, corrosion, impact damage, or looseness
Lubrication Requirements
RPL25 universal joints are permanently lubricated and do not require routine greasing. Damaged seals, lubricant loss, corrosion, excessive clearance, overheating, or binding indicate that the universal joint requires further inspection.
The exact slip assembly, center bearing, and related driveline components should be checked for separate lubrication requirements. Permanent universal-joint lubrication does not automatically make every component in the complete driveline maintenance-free.
Component Service Life and Rebuildability
RPL25 service life depends on torque, shaft speed, working angles, vehicle loading, shock loading, contamination, corrosion, installation quality, and duty cycle.
Universal-joint kits, yokes, slip components, center bearings, and complete shaft assemblies may be replaced using approved components and procedures. A bent, cracked, severely corroded, or impact-damaged shaft should be evaluated by a qualified commercial driveline specialist.
Shaft, Joint, Bearing, Gear, and Linkage Service Life
The shaft can provide extended service when it remains straight, balanced, correctly phased, and free from impact damage. Universal-joint and bearing life decreases when operating angles are excessive, flange connections are loose, seals are compromised, or shock loads exceed the approved design conditions.
Center bearings and their rubber supports can deteriorate from age, heat, contamination, misalignment, or repeated vibration. These components should be inspected as part of the complete driveline rather than evaluated separately from the shaft.
Seal, Hose, Sensor, and Electronic Service Life
The triple-lip universal-joint seals are critical to lubricant retention and contamination protection. Seal damage can allow lubricant to escape and dirt or moisture to enter the bearing assembly.
The RPL25 does not contain hydraulic hoses, electronic sensors, or a dedicated controller. Nearby hoses, wiring, sensors, and chassis-mounted equipment must remain clear of the rotating driveline.
Maintenance and Ownership Notes
Permanent universal-joint lubrication reduces routine maintenance but does not eliminate the need to inspect the complete driveline. Inspection intervals should follow the vehicle and component manufacturers’ service requirements.
- Check universal joints for looseness or binding
- Inspect seals for damage or lubricant leakage
- Check flange bolts and retaining hardware
- Inspect tubing for dents, cracks, corrosion, or contact marks
- Confirm that balance weights remain attached
- Check slip components for wear and adequate engagement
- Inspect center bearings and mounting brackets when equipped
- Verify driveline angles after suspension or powertrain changes
- Preserve shaft phasing during disassembly
- Investigate new vibration, clunking, or driveline noise promptly
- Use approved RPL25 replacement components
Common Driveline and Steering Problems
- Speed-related vibration: Shaft imbalance, excessive runout, incorrect phasing, missing balance weights, damaged tubing, or contaminated flange faces may cause vibration that changes with vehicle speed.
- Acceleration shudder: Incorrect working angles, worn universal joints, loose powertrain mounts, axle windup, or improper suspension ride height may cause vibration under torque.
- Clunk during torque changes: Worn splines, loose flange hardware, universal-joint clearance, axle backlash, or excessive transmission and axle movement may be responsible.
- Universal-joint wear: Damaged seals, contamination, excessive working angles, shock loading, or incorrect installation can shorten joint life.
- Center-bearing failure: Misalignment, driveline imbalance, damaged brackets, incorrect positioning, or deteriorated rubber supports can damage the center bearing.
- Slip-section binding: Corrosion, damaged splines, contamination, inadequate clearance, or incorrect assembly can prevent normal axial movement.
- Loose flange connection: Incorrect fasteners, improper tightening, damaged pilots, dirty mating surfaces, or repeated shock loading can permit movement at the connection.
- Tube damage: Road debris, chassis interference, improper lifting, or collision damage can bend or dent the shaft.

Safety and Service Precautions
A disconnected or damaged driveshaft can move unexpectedly and cause serious injury. The vehicle must be secured against movement, and the shaft must be supported before mounting hardware or center-bearing components are removed.
- Do not work beneath an unsupported vehicle
- Prevent the vehicle from rolling before service begins
- Support the driveshaft before disconnecting it
- Mark shaft orientation and phasing before disassembly
- Use approved fasteners and tightening procedures
- Do not weld, heat, straighten, or modify the shaft without approved procedures
- Replace cracked or severely damaged components
- Keep tools, wiring, hoses, and clothing away from rotating components
- Verify component clearances before returning the vehicle to service
Identification Information
Identification information may be found on the driveshaft label, stamped components, universal-joint kit, yokes, flanges, parts records, or vehicle build sheet.
- Vehicle identification number
- Vehicle manufacturer, model, and model year
- Original driveline assembly number
- Meritor or Cummins component number
- RPL25 series identification
- Standard RPL25 or RPL25SD configuration
- Installed shaft length
- Tubing diameter and wall thickness
- Flange pattern and pilot dimensions
- End-yoke and weld-yoke specifications
- Spline diameter and spline count
- Slip travel
- Universal-joint kit number
- Center-bearing number when equipped
- Transmission and drive-axle models
Buying Considerations
- Confirm that the required driveline series is RPL25
- Distinguish the standard RPL25 from the RPL25SD
- Record the original driveline assembly number
- Verify that the 17,200 lb-ft rating is sufficient
- Match the transmission and axle flange patterns
- Confirm pilot diameters and fastener dimensions
- Measure shaft length using the approved method
- Verify required slip travel and spline engagement
- Check working angles and critical-speed requirements
- Determine whether a single- or multi-piece shaft is required
- Match the universal-joint kit and center bearing
- Confirm vehicle weight, torque demand, and duty cycle
- Use a qualified commercial driveline supplier
- Do not order a replacement assembly by appearance alone
Variants and Configurations
- Standard RPL25 driveline
- RPL25SD severe-duty driveline
- Single-piece driveshaft
- Multi-piece driveline
- Different shaft lengths
- Application-specific tubing configurations
- Different flange-yoke connections
- Different end-yoke arrangements
- Different weld-yoke configurations
- Application-specific slip assemblies
- Different spline dimensions and operating travel
- Center-bearing installations
- OEM production assemblies
- Service-replacement assemblies
Comparison to Similar Equipment
Compared with the Meritor Permalube RPL20 Driveline, the RPL25 has a higher published rating, larger tubing, and a larger swing diameter. The RPL20 is rated at 12,000 lb-ft, while the RPL25 is rated at 17,200 lb-ft.
Compared with the Meritor Permalube RPL25SD Driveline, the standard RPL25 has a lower rating and lighter published tubing specification. The RPL25SD is rated at 18,500 lb-ft for more demanding service.
Compared with the Meritor Permalube RPL35 Driveline, the RPL25 serves lower torque requirements. The RPL35 is designed for higher-torque, downsped, and severe-duty powertrains.
Compared with the Dana Spicer SPL 250 High-Torque Driveshaft, the RPL25 uses Meritor’s Permalube design and application-specific RPL connections. Direct interchange should not be assumed.
Best Fit For
- Vehicles originally equipped with an RPL25 driveline
- Heavy-duty trucks requiring up to the published RPL25 rating
- Class 8 linehaul tractors
- Regional-haul vehicles
- Heavy-duty vocational trucks
- Construction and utility vehicles
- Fire and rescue apparatus
- Buses and motor coaches
- Fleets seeking permanently lubricated universal joints
- Applications exceeding RPL20 capacity but not requiring an RPL35
Related Vehicle and Trailer Types
- Highway tractors
- Class 8 trucks
- Heavy-haul tractors
- Heavy-duty straight trucks
- Construction trucks
- Utility vehicles
- Fire and rescue apparatus
- Refuse trucks
- Transit buses
- Motor coaches
- Mobile cranes
- Specialized vocational vehicles
Related Truck and Trailer Models
- Freightliner Cascadia
- Kenworth T680
- Peterbilt 579
- Volvo VNL
- International LT Series
- Mack Anthem
- Western Star 57X
- Kenworth T880
- Peterbilt 567
- Mack Granite
Related Driveline and Steering System Types
- Commercial Truck Driveshafts
- Universal Joints, Slip Yokes & Center Bearings
- Steering Gears & Steering Linkage
- Power Steering Pumps & Hydraulic Assist
- Steering Columns & Driver Controls
- Advanced Steering & Lane-Keeping Systems
Related Driveline and Steering Products
- Meritor Permalube RPL Series Driveline
- Meritor Permalube RPL14 Driveline
- Meritor Permalube RPL20 Driveline
- Meritor Permalube RPL25SD Driveline
- Meritor Permalube RPL35 Driveline
- Meritor Permalube RPL35+ Driveline
- Meritor Permalube RPL35SD Driveline
- Meritor Permalube RPL Universal Joint
- Dana Spicer SPL 250 High-Torque Driveshaft
- Dana Spicer SPL 350 Driveshaft
Related Equipment Systems
- Drivelines & Steering Systems
- Transmissions
- Axles & Differentials
- Suspension Systems
- Engines
- Brake Systems
- Tires & Wheels
- Equipment Systems
Related Guides
- Driveline & Steering System Guides
- How Commercial Truck Driveline Systems Work
- How Commercial Truck Steering Systems Work
- Single-Piece vs Multi-Piece Truck Driveshafts
- How to Inspect and Maintain Driveshafts and Universal Joints
- Hydraulic vs Electric-Assisted Commercial Truck Steering
- Common Commercial Truck Driveline Vibrations and Steering Problems
Regulatory and Compliance Notes
The driveline must remain appropriate for the vehicle’s certified configuration and must not interfere with brakes, steering, suspension, fuel systems, air lines, electrical equipment, exhaust components, or required ground clearance.
Powertrain, frame, wheelbase, suspension, axle, or tire modifications should preserve safe driveline angles, adequate spline engagement, component clearance, and the completed vehicle’s applicable safety requirements.
Real World Operating Notes
The permanently lubricated design reduces routine universal-joint service, but inspections remain essential. Loose flange connections, damaged tubing, failed seals, incorrect angles, or worn support bearings can still cause serious driveline problems.
Driveline vibration should be diagnosed as a complete system. Tires, wheels, engine mounts, transmission mounts, suspension ride height, axle alignment, shaft balance, universal-joint angles, and center-bearing position can produce similar symptoms.
When a slip assembly is separated, technicians should mark its original orientation and phasing. Reassembling the shaft incorrectly can introduce vibration even when the individual components remain undamaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Meritor Permalube RPL25 Driveline?
It is a heavy-duty commercial-vehicle driveshaft system using permanently lubricated and sealed RPL universal joints.
What is the RPL25 driveline rating?
The standard RPL25 has a published rating of 17,200 lb-ft, equivalent to 23,320 N·m.
What tubing size does the RPL25 use?
The published standard specification lists 4.59 × 0.180-inch tubing with a 4.23-inch inside diameter.
Do RPL25 universal joints require greasing?
No. The universal joints are permanently lubricated and sealed. Related slip and center-bearing components may have separate maintenance requirements.
What is the difference between the RPL25 and RPL25SD?
The standard RPL25 is rated at 17,200 lb-ft. The RPL25SD uses a heavier published tubing specification and has an 18,500 lb-ft rating for more demanding service.
Can an RPL25 replace an RPL20?
Not without complete verification. The RPL25 has different tubing, capacity, swing diameter, and application-specific connections. Shaft length, flanges, yokes, working angles, and clearances must all match the vehicle.
What causes an RPL25 driveline to vibrate?
Possible causes include incorrect working angles, imbalance, excessive runout, damaged tubing, missing balance weights, improper phasing, worn joints, loose flange connections, or center-bearing misalignment.
Are all RPL25 components interchangeable?
No. Components can differ by flange, pilot, yoke, spline, shaft length, tubing, slip travel, and complete assembly configuration.
How should the correct replacement driveline be identified?
Use the vehicle identification number, original assembly number, transmission and axle models, flange dimensions, installed length, tubing specification, and individual component numbers.
Who currently supports Meritor driveline products?
Meritor became part of Cummins. The commercial driveline products are supported through Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems and its parts and distribution network.
Availability and Where to Find
Meritor Permalube RPL25 complete driveline assemblies and service components may be available through Cummins and Meritor distributors, commercial-truck dealers, driveline specialists, fleet-maintenance suppliers, and heavy-duty parts providers.
Availability depends on the complete assembly number, standard or severe-duty configuration, shaft dimensions, yoke and flange arrangement, universal-joint requirements, transmission, axle, and vehicle application.
Current specifications are available through the Cummins Permalube RPL Heavy-Duty Driveline Series page. Application-specific service components may also be identified through Meritor Parts Xpress.
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