BX 23 Front Axle Question

glennm · Jul 25, 2011

Hi:

I have a BX 23 with about 275 hours on it. I love this little TLB !! The question I have is- the dealer did the 50 hour service on it (at about 75 hours) I notice now that the front axle is a bit low on the dipstick -- the dealer is now out of business and I really don't know what he used. I am expecting that it is some kind of Kubota UDT or super UDT but I can't be sure. I have 5 litres of Premium UDT here and I don't know if I should top it up or change the fluid? Also, should the dipstick be read with it screwed in or just touching the top threads? I lost my original owners manual and don't have the info.

Thanks in advance

kcender · Jul 25, 2011

I would change the fluid for peace of mind if nothing else,5 liters should be more than enough.I put the dipstick in all the way but I can't say for sure that is the correct way to do it.My BX2360 manual doesn't specify but it does say to reinstall the dipstick when checking engine oil and trans fluid so I assume it is the same for the axle.If you do change the fluid,make sure to check and recheck the level until it stays full.These axles all seem to go down in fluid level with use ,after a change.

vanb · Jul 25, 2011

I just changed my fluids on my bx2350. My front axel was low also (dealer did the 50 hour) It comes with SUDT in it, but after reading posts on here I put Mobil synthetic gear oil back in it. It took 5 quarts, it cost close to $10 a quart for the Mobil. I also put Rotella synthetic in when I changed the oil. When I change out the Hydro fluid at the end of the year, I will use the new SUDT2.

ayelvington · Jul 25, 2011

The manual is lacking on this procedure too. If the 23 is like the 24, then this is the path to happiness:

1. Locate and remove the oil fill cap.

2. Locate and remove the the axle vent caps located on top of each wheel hub assembly.

3. Locate and remove one of hub drain plugs located on the bottom of a wheel hub.

4. Gently jack the opposite wheel upwards to drain the main axle assembly.

5. Replace the hub drain plug.

6. Locate and remove the opposite drain plug located on the bottom of the wheel hub.

7. Gently jack the opposite wheel upwards to completely drain the main axle assembly.

8. Replace the hub drain plug.

9. Slowly refill the axle with lubricant (SUDT or 80-90 gear oil) until fluid begins to vent from the hub vent caps.

10. Replace the hub vent plugs.

11. Replace the axle fill cap.

Some fluid loss is normal since the rotating seals on the hubs tend to seep fluid.

Also, don't be shocked if the fluid has a "metal-flake" appearance to it. I'm told that this is not unusual.

ayelvington · Jul 27, 2011

glennm said:
Hi:

I have a BX 23 with about 275 hours on it. I love this little TLB !! The question I have is- the dealer did the 50 hour service on it (at about 75 hours) I notice now that the front axle is a bit low on the dipstick -- the dealer is now out of business and I really don't know what he used. I am expecting that it is some kind of Kubota UDT or super UDT but I can't be sure. I have 5 litres of Premium UDT here and I don't know if I should top it up or change the fluid? Also, should the dipstick be read with it screwed in or just touching the top threads? I lost my original owners manual and don't have the info.

Thanks in advance

80/90 wt oil has a very distinctive odor, where SUDT does not. If you have access to any local shop, ask them to let you smell some 80/90 so you know what I mean.

I put in SUDT because I run in the winter plowing snow, and cold 80/90 gear lube can really soak up some horsepower.

Again, I say that full is when the oil comes out the hub vent caps. Then check the dip stick to see where it's happy...

Tollster · Jul 28, 2011

I believe the BX 23 has suffered from some type of leaks in the fornt assembly. Its more of a seapage that occurs over time. There are numerous threads on it here at TBN. I believe the common fix was the 80/90 weight oil due to the heavy viscosity its is less likely to seap when sitting.