4300 fluid leak

[butzkeg]

Yesterday I noticed a fluid leak inside the right front (right while in the seat) wheel well. Fluid was all over the inside and had dripped onto my garage floor. Seems to be fairly clear, and it's not engine oil. Any idea what it could be? I'd have to estimate about 1 cup of fluid. I washed it up well last night to see if I could find where it leaked from, but there was nothing new there this morning.

I'll give my dealer a call shortly to see what they have to say too.

 

[RoyJackson]

Antifreeze overflow?

 

[butzkeg]

I would think thats possible. Would warmer weather cause that? It has been about 30 degrees warmer here now than it has been since I've owned the tractor (just got it in November). I was running it on Sunday when it was close to 90 degrees.

 

[CVHoss]

Couldn't say for sure, but if it's "fairly clear", that sounds like the J.D. Hydraulic fluid. Have you noticed your fluid level drop?

Hoss

 

[butzkeg]

To be honest, I don't know where to check it.

 

[CVHoss]

To be honest, I don't know where to check it

Bad Dog, Bad!!/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Just kidding. But seriously, if you've had the tractor since November, you need to check these fluid levels about every 10 hours. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://products.deere.com/Deere/ProductLiterature/Manuals/OMLVU11736_L0/Output/LVU11736_LO10.html#172615>This link</A> will take you to the J.D. online manual for your tractor. Should take you right to the spot you need. You need to check the level in your front axle and in the hydraulic system. Both are covered in the link above. J.D. uses the same fluid in the front axle as it does in the hydraulics. It's a pretty clear fluid, so I'd bet that's what you're seeing. If it's running down the inside of the tire, sounds like one of the axle seals has let loose. I definitely wouldn't use it without checking the fluid level.

Hoss

 

[butzkeg]

Thanks a bunch!

So that's what that thing is on the axle. I had been wondering. I'll check it when I get home.

Where does the fluid come from for rest of the hydraulic system? Is that the same as the trans? I've noticed the fluid in the trans has been ok, as long as the hoe isn't in the way.

 

[RoyJackson]

So that's what that thing is on the axle. I had been wondering. I'll check it when I get home

You know, there's vents on the axle too...one on either end.
This should be shown in your manual, BTW

 

[CVHoss]

Your profile doesn't say, but I'm assuming you have a HST tractor. Yes, the sight glass at the rear of the tractor, next to the pto shaft, is where you monitor the fluid level for the hydraulics and the HST transmission. If you have a gear transmission, I'm not sure if there is a different location to check it's fluid level or not.

Hoss

 

[butzkeg]

Hoss, you were right on the money on that one. Checked the dipstick, and it was dry. Called my dealer this morning, and they are picking it up on Tuesday. Glad I had a clue as to what I was talking about, thanks again.

Unfortunately, they'll have my tractor for a week. Fortunately it's under warranty, and the dealer is happy to take care of it.

I do have a HST; I'll get my profile updated.

 

[butzkeg]

I guess now is a good time to review my owners manual. I'll find out what the vents are too. I'm sure I'll learn something else.

I don't ignore everything on the tractor. I grease it every 10-15 hours and chhanged the oil around 50 hours. I just didn't know anything else.

 

[RoyJackson]

I grease it every 10-15 hours and chhanged the oil around 50 hours. I just didn't know anything else..

The Owners Manual gives you all the info most users are going to need (basing this on the 670 manual and the 4xxx series online manuals).
Service and Workshop manuals are really neat...but pretty expensive to buy (John Deere factory manuals). I did order an I&T Shop manual from Amazon.com. They sent the wrong one..glad they did to...that type manual would be useless to me. No problem returning it.

Tractor Supply Co. also sell's 'em.