Changing Fluid - Lower Front Axles - 21D

kwright · Sep 10, 2003

OK, OK, perhaps I've missed something somewhere along the line... or maybe I just don't get it. In any event, I've gone through the archives and haven't found anything on this specific issue so here goes.

How does one ADD fluid to the lower front axle housings? It's easy enough to drain, but getting it back in, now that seems to be a whole other matter.

Do I have to rig up some type of reduction-hose setup that's flexible and goes around corners as the fill opening couldn't be in a worse spot (IMHO)?

Any advice would be appreciated...

hazmat · Sep 10, 2003

Very carefully /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I think you are on the right track, some kind of funnel + flex hose.

Maybe one of the easy pour spouts you can get for a quart of oil? I've got one I use to fill my chain saw bar oil with.

I haven't had to change the oil yet, but have wondered myself while checking the level.

jinman · Sep 11, 2003

( How does one ADD fluid to the lower front axle housings? )

The drain plug is on the bottom of the assy and the filler plug is on top. You fill the oil up to the bottom of the hole. The whole job is much easier with the wheel off. At least, that's the way it is on my Class III Boomer. It's also shown in my Owner's Manual. If you want a scan of the illustration, I can post that tonight.

kwright · Sep 13, 2003

Thanks for the replys...

I've found the drain/filler plugs, access to the filler is the bugger

My owners manual doesn't have a specific picture of this situation, and it doesn't saw anything about how to do it, except that it needs changing.

I was hoping to avoid pulling the wheel off, but that's probably what will be necessary so I don't have to rig up a triple-reduction-flexible-hose arrangement.

hazmat · Sep 13, 2003

It's real easy to take the front wheels off. Especially if you have the FEL.

jinman · Sep 13, 2003

( My owners manual doesn't have a specific picture of this situation, and it doesn't saw anything about how to do it, except that it needs changing. )

My owners manual has some nice illustrations and I've attached them. I suspect that your front drive axle is similar in design, but slightly smaller than mine. The instructions do not say anything about removing the wheel, but the bottom illustration makes it very clear that the drain and filler are much more accessible with the wheel off. I know I would make a big mess if I tried doing it with the wheel still on the hub. Of course I make a mess anytime I get around oil or fuel it seems... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bird · Sep 13, 2003

I guess my Kubota B2710 was a little bit similar but I had a plastic funnel with about a foot and a half flexible tube (very cheap) that worked without removing a wheel; don't know whether that would work on the New Hollands or not..

jinman · Sep 14, 2003

Bird, the really hard place on my tractor is the side with the power steering hydraulic cylinder attached. You don't have room to get a 19mm socket and 3/8" rachet in there. Maybe if you have a box-end wrench, you could take the filler plug out, but the real problem for me is not the refill, it's the removal of the plug. On that one side, I removed the tire. I also have a long-necked funnel I use, but I always seem to get a little too much hydraulic oil in the funnel and it overflows over the gear casing. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Then it's time for cleanup with a rag and some Super Clean. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

kwright · Sep 14, 2003

Thanks for the scan... it was helpful. I'm going out probably this coming weekend and simply spend a few dilibert minutes simply looking if over. The solution will likely come to me as I consider everything shared here.

Thanks again.

Leemac · Sep 17, 2003

I have a question on attachment for servicing front axle. It shows to check level WITHOUT screwing dipstick in. Do you know if this procedure would apply to NH1320 FWD as well. My manual doesn't really say other than to maintain level at or below hash marks. Best I can tell it probably makes a difference of about 3/4/Quart. Appreciate your comments.