Sorry, didn't see this tread again till now. I have not used my tractor since discovering the oil on the floor. I'ts finally warming up enough that I am going to fire up the tractor and clean up the area around my pole shed. I have a snow plow on the loader of my tractor?.so after checking the fluid in the Front Axel?I'm going to plow some snow and then again check the fluid and try venting the axel to see what happens.
I had planned to clean the snow off my trailer and after the bed thawed off from the warming weather?firgued I'd haul it in to the JD Dealer. I'm still thinking this is the situation?.but going to investigate more in the next few days. I still think I have a bad seal?.but, I'll report back when i learn more.
EDIT: What is the proper fluid for the front axel?? (I cannot remember and my books are packed away. 80 w gear grease?)
Transmission and Hydraulic Oil
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Use recommended oil only. Do not use engine oil or Type F automatic transmission fluid.
Choose oil viscosity based on the expected air temperature range during the period between oil changes.
John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARD transmission/hydraulic fluid is recommended.
John Deere HY-GARD transmission/hydraulic fluid may also be used for temperatures above -18? C (0? F).
Other oils may be used if they meet John Deere standard JDM J20C or J20D.
Checking Front Axle Oil Level
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Allow oil one hour to settle before checking level to ensure accurate dipstick reading. Repeat oil level check after several hours of operation.
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.) Allow machine to cool down for at least one hour.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Dirt and debris in oil may cause damage to the transaxle. Clean area around opening before removing dipstick.
2. Loosen and remove dipstick (A) located on right side of front axle.
3. Wipe dipstick clean with a rag. Install and tighten dipstick.
4. Remove dipstick again. Oil level should be indicated on the dipstick, but not above the full line (B). If oil level is low:
a. Add recommended oil through dipstick fill opening until oil level is correct.
b. Install and tighten dipstick.
5. Check front axle oil level again after the first several hours of operation.
Changing Front Axle Oil
1. Operate machine to warm front axle oil.
2. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
3. Position drain pan under differential drain plug (A).
NOTE: The front axle contains approximately 5.0 L (1.3 gal) of oil.
4. Remove differential drain plug and allow oil to drain.
5. Position drain pan under axle drain plug (B) on both sides of front axle.
6. Remove axle drain plugs and allow oil to drain.
7. Install and tighten all three drain plugs after all oil has drained.
8. Remove dipstick (C) located on right side of front axle.
9. Add approximately 5.0 L (1.3 gal) of recommended oil into dipstick filler opening.
10. Install and tighten dipstick.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Allow oil one hour to settle before checking level to ensure accurate dipstick reading. Repeat oil level check after several hours of operation.
11. Check front axle oil level.
