BX2230 Front Axle Oil Change

Scrounger · Oct 2, 2005

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 · Oct 2, 2005

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

IndyChris · Oct 2, 2005

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 · Oct 2, 2005

How are you adding suction to the top vent holes?

IndyChris · Oct 2, 2005

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

Scrounger · Oct 3, 2005

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 · Oct 3, 2005

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 · Oct 3, 2005

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 · Oct 3, 2005

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 · Oct 12, 2005

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