3320 front axle pressure

[b20135]

my 3320 has around 1300 hours. I noticed that after using it in 4WD for a while there is considerable pressure in the front axle. I know this because after use one day, I decided to check the front axle fluid - by unscrewing the yellow dip stick plug on the top of the front axle - and as I unscrewed it - a hissing sound releasing the pressure. So, is this normal? If so, how does that pressure release itself? thanks

 

[beenthere]

That axle does built up pressure when worked as the fluid heats up and expands, and it can blow out around the seals.

Some have configured a venting system, buy I just leave the dipstick plug slightly loose. No more fluid leaking at the seals..

 

[b20135]

That axle does built up pressure when worked as the fluid heats up and expands, and it can blow out around the seals.

Some have configured a venting system, buy I just leave the dipstick plug slightly loose. No more fluid leaking at the seals..

thanks, I had noticed some fluid leaking at the seals, but noticed I had over-filled the front axle - so the combination of lowering the fluid level and then checking the fluid after 4WD use (and releasing the pressure) solved that. Exactly how loose do you leave the plug - quarter turn, half turn, ??

 

[beenthere]

1/4 turn.. just a little less than snug.. hard to describe but if you can wiggle it a bit, should vent and not fall out.

Discovered that trick here on TBN.. so tks TBN

 

[Eric102]

I don't remember the part number but there is a vented plug that is available from Deere, its crazy expensive so I never bothered to get one for my 3320. I guess I don't work mine hard enough as I've never seen any seal leakage yet (knocking on wood).

 

[b20135]

1/4 turn.. just a little less than snug.. hard to describe but if you can wiggle it a bit, should vent and not fall out.

Discovered that trick here on TBN.. so tks TBN

sort of like the knob on Mom's old pressure cooker (lot of good food came out of it though)

 

[Rebeldad1]

replace the fill plug with a gearbox vent plug.easy peezee

 

[b20135]

replace the fill plug with a gearbox vent plug.easy peezee

if you have done this on a JD320 - do you know the part number/brand for a vent plug that will fit - same threads?