BX2230 Front Axle Oil Change

[Scrounger]

First off, the manual says the capacity is 5 qts. They are full of it, 4.5 qts max since 5 qts fills it over the top. I drained and refilled with the precious Royal Purple 75W90. After I drained it to the correct level, here's where the question is. I run the tractor and then check the level and it sounds like a tire with a leak and hisses til the filler/dipstick is out.

Is this normal? Just seems odd to me.

 

[Will_C]

Yes, it is the same as mine on both counts (capacity and venting.)
Will

 

[IndyChris]

I found that by adding a little suction to the top vent on the portal, you can pull some fluid into each knuckle.

By doing that, I was able to get a full 5 in mine, with a normal reading on the stick. I think with the thicker oil, it doesnt want to run into all the nooks and crannys of the portal axle ends.

Be carefull tho, they fill up fast! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif


I have been making sure I vent the axle after each major use, should help keep the pressure down. Someday I suppose a vent will be added to avoid that. Your seals will thank you if you keep it vented!

 

[Scrounger]

How are you adding suction to the top vent holes?

 

[IndyChris]

A piece of hose, and my mouth! lol (works best with a LONG hose!) /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[Scrounger]

I have this picture of me drinknig a few ounces of Royal Purple trying to do that. I know the gear oil is better for the tractor, but I can understand the use of the super thin UDT in the front axle.

 

[ericbx1500]

Why is 80w90 better?? Under the circumstances udt would be just fine. Remember we are not talking about a ring and pinion in an automobile. The front axle turns at such a low rpm. Another example is to look at manual transmissions which use ATF fluid today and the operate at much higher rpm,heat,and stress. The only advantage here I see is maybe there is a lesser chance of fluid leaking by the seals. Also just remember what’s lubricating your HST gears.
just my two pennies /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Scrounger]

Probably no advantage but I like to have gear oil on gears. I'm a fan of Royal Purple so I use in about everything I own. Sorta like the Amsoil fan on the site.

 

[ericbx1500]

I won't argue about synthetic oils. I love them two. I was using royal purple for the past two years in the lawn tactor and generator but have switch to mobile one do to price(was getting a great deal threw a local rep $42 for a case). I plan on using amsoil in the kubota. But for the front axle I will stick with super udt when it comes time to drain.

 

[18KwPower]

Don't forget to loosen the "drain plugs" on your front axle in the spring and drain any moisture out.

According to my service book you can use SAE80/90 in the front axle... This is the same oil the Ford 9N's use in their transmission/hydraulics. (and probably other tractors too). Since I have 5gal sitting around from using in my 9N... I plan to use that when the time comes to replace the oil in the front axle.

Super UDT is expensive.


-Dave