TC35 no oil in front axle!

[mpilihp]

So Ive had this tractor for a couple of months and when I first got it I did a basic once over IE checking all fluids levels and also changed the engine oil/filter, air and fuel filters. I did not do the hydro oil and filters cause I wanted to get the factory stuff and the dealer is out of town and would require taking time off for a trip.

Well I had not checked the hydro level for probably a month now, I was out yesterday moving gravel and I started to hear a squeak coming from the front somewhere when in reverse intermittently, I thought it was odd but kept going. Then a short while afterwards (15-20 min) I started to hear/feel a clicking in reverse.

I parked it and checked the oil level in the front end and nothing on the dip stick! I don't see anything on the tires or any sign on the ground where I was working of it leaking out.

Im going today to get oil to replace it all and fill the front end. But what could I be looking at for damage and how do I check it?

I raised the front tires and I can spin them and I don't feel anything bad, spins very easily both directions and no odd sounds so maybe im fine??

My plan is to replace the system fluid first, then take that used fluid and fill the front diff, drive it a bit and then drain it and look for any filings or discoloration before putting in the new fluid.

Thoughts?

Thanks

~ Phil

 

[topbuilder]

You will put hydraulic fluid in an axle that requires 80-90?
Your plugs are magnetic. I would run it with correct oil and check plugs for shavings. Hopefully you caught it in time before any serious bearing/gear wear.

 

[Barry 1]

Check your lug nuts. Loose wheels?

 

[mpilihp]

Check your lug nuts. Loose wheels?

Hi are you saying if a lug nut is loose the oil can leak out of that?

 

[mpilihp]

You will put hydraulic fluid in an axle that requires 80-90?
Your plugs are magnetic. I would run it with correct oil and check plugs for shavings. Hopefully you caught it in time before any serious bearing/gear wear.

Hi so the manual indicates it takes the multi G 134 fluid in the transaxle as well. So Ill check that the plug is magnetic had not thought of that. Ill put in used fluid and run it a bit and then drain and check plug for filings as well.

ANy thought of where it could be leaking from?

 

[CalG]

Great plan to run with clean used lubricant. Then look for metal on the drain out.

One failure of bearings is when small flakes of the surface "pick off" of the rollers and races. That leaves pitting that will often fail the bearing at some future date.
That may not be the end of the world on a tractor, all the bearing will fail ...eventually! ;-)

A general note, There is nothing in a front end that would require lubrication different from the components in the back end. There is a reason they call it UTTO, Universal tractor transmission oil.
I have read that there have even been tests running engines on the stuff . Not sure of how far that went, but the little I read seemed to say 1000's of uneventful hours. Not that I plan to try that!


eta

flakes, if there are any will show in whatever drains out. So before you refill, drain!

 

[topbuilder]

Transaxle by definition is the transmission/rear axle. Make sure the front axle uses the same fluid. Normally would be the heavier 80/90 in a front axle. If you have a leaking problem it will become obvious when you refill. Unfortunately, leaks rarely fix themselves.

 

[showcattle]

Hi are you saying if a lug nut is loose the oil can leak out of that?

I think he's referring to the noises you heard. Loose lugnuts will cause strange noises as wheel moves on the wheel studs. I'd also make sure the cover over the front driveshaft has plenty of grease. It'll cause a squealing noise if it's dry.

 

[Ford850]

Mine calls for HyTran fluid. Was it empty, or just low enough that it didn't show any on the dip stick? I know mine could be ever so slightly low, and show nothing on the stick. IT might have been filled or changed, and not checked after some of the fluid settled to the final gears.

 

[jimmysisson]

Ditto to Ford 850. The hatching on my 2120 on the little dipstick is right at the end of it. Wouldn't take much, even the axle on a slight grade, for the oil not to show.
Jim