Oil & Fuel 455 Transaxle Leak

[wjc2003]

I have a JD 455 AWS with ~1500 hrs on it (purchased 6 years ago @1050 hrs).

Recently it began leaking transaxle oil. It became most apparent when I noticed oil droplets on my sidewalk after I'd crossed over it whil mowing.

I had changed the transaxle oil & filter ~month earlier. (Note: it had never leaked before.) Thought I may have overfilled it, but checking the level, enough had leaked out that it didn't register on the dip stick. I refilled it to the proper level; checked the vent valve; cleaned it all off. Started up the tractor (no load) -- started dripping (slowly). It is definitely coming from somewhere on the right side of the transaxle -- not obvious exactly where.

I can envision where this is likely to cost $$$$$ to get fixed by my dealer. (Not something I can afford right now) I have seen previous threads discussing an "additive to swell the seals". Is this a viable option? I have searched additives and am struggling to identify one that will do this.

Suggestions?

 

[kennyd]

I can envision where this is likely to cost $$$$$ to get fixed by my dealer. (Not something I can afford right now) I have seen previous threads discussing an "additive to swell the seals". Is this a viable option? I have searched additives and am struggling to identify one that will do this.

Suggestions?

Before you resort to "snake oil" additives, you must identify exactly where the leak is coming from. Clean the area well with a de-greaser and hose it off, after it dry's you should be able ti find it easily if it's leaking like you wrote. Take the wheel off if you have to, and try to get a picture.

 

[kuboman]

I'll bet it is leaking from the trunnion shaft seal. It is on the actual hydrostatic motor and it is what your peddle attaches to to change your speed. If that is the case then it depends on how much room you have to work, likely have to remove the HST to fix the seals.

 

[Johndeere3720]

overfilling with oil will result in blowing a seal(s). because when oil is heated from friction in tranny, it will expand.

 

[wjc2003]

Spoke to my dealer on Friday..........

Specifically talked with a service tech; he was pretty certain from my description that the packings on the the control rods had been blown out. He estimated 4 - 5 hours labor plus ~$15 for the packings.

They picked up the tractor late Friday afternoon; called me Saturday morning and confirmed the issue was the packings on the control rods. Estimated ~$300 to fix; will be finished & returned to me on Monday.

Will be more careful in the future when adding or changing transaxle oil.

 

[beenthere]

wjc
Am interested as I have the 455 AWS now. Great machine.

Did you feel this happened as a result of over-filling? Or just the hours?

I'm getting ready to change the tranny oil, but need to pick up a filter first.
Will pay particular attention to filling with new oil. Takes 6 qt., right?

 

[wjc2003]

wjc
Am interested as I have the 455 AWS now. Great machine.

Did you feel this happened as a result of over-filling? Or just the hours?

I'm getting ready to change the tranny oil, but need to pick up a filter first.
Will pay particular attention to filling with new oil. Takes 6 qt., right?

Speaking with the service tech -- the hours contributed in that the packings were likely worn and/or somewhat dried out. Over-filling created excess pressure at operating temperature, rupturing the weakest "seal" - in this case the packings.

6 quarts sounds right. I'd pay close attention to the the dipstick.

My 455 is now back and not leaking. I got away with it being fixed for a shade less than $300 -- not too bad.