1533 Front Axle

[txbeetle]

Newby here. I've got a 2005 1533, 4WD, Power shuttle. Trying to check front axle fluid level. Owners manual shows three plugs, one to add fluid, one to drain fluid and the third to check fluid level. Easily found 1 and 2, but the one to check the fluid is not where it is shown, out on the wheel assembly. Found a plug in the center of the axle on the forward side next to a zirk fitting. Anybody know if this is it? It doesn't unscrew easily so I didn't want to just take it out.

Owners manual also says change hyd fluid in main transmission at 150 hrs. Is this necessary? Looks easy enough to do.

Thanks

 

[CDsdad]

My '06 1533 has a plug up high out on the wheel assembly for checking the fluid level. Plug has notches all the way around and is black.

My manual has different hours stated for changing fluids. In one place it says 50 hours intially then every 150 hours. In another it says 50 hours intially, then at 250 hours. I went with 50/250 without problems. You can search this forum and find several posts on hydraulic changes.

 

[txbeetle]

Thanks CD, Went to dealer who told me just to fill front axle until it showed half way up on the axle itself. Can see the fluid through the fill hole. There isn't another fill-level plug even though the owner's manual says there is.

Bought a hyd filter, got it home and it's waaay smaller than the original, shorter but same diameter. I'm going to check part numbers I got off this forum against what they sold me. Should've compared the one they sold me to one of their new 1533's on the lot before I drove the 15 miles home. Next time I'll know what to look for.

Appreciate you reply