Checking the Final Reduction Gear Cases Oil Level

Mosey · Oct 9, 2002

I'm trying to figure out where to check the Final Reduction Gear Cases Oil Level, which is item #15 in the diagram (attached). All I can find in that area is a plastic cap pushed into the casing, is that it? Do I just pry it out and see if oil runs out?

Mosey · Oct 10, 2002

I think I have this figured out now, but I'm still not sure. I was looking in the manual and it looks like the front wheel has to be removed in order to get to the check/filler plug. If they expect this to be done every 50 hours it seems like they could have made it so it could be checked without taking the wheels off!

djradz · Oct 10, 2002

Not sure about yours or even my TC 40D, but on my 1720, the castle head plug was on the top of the final drive and fairly easily accessable. Unless yours is way different, or the tires and rims cover so much of the top of the final drive, I'd think you could get at it without removing the wheel. Don't think I'd bother to check it every 50 hours or so though, unless I suspected a leak after the first time. The fluid in this outer drive unit can't go anywhere but out, so a leak would be very obvious. Think I'd check it about every 200-300 hours.

Mosey · Oct 10, 2002

Thanks. Yeah, I found it and I got the plug out without taking the wheels off. The right side is not real easy because the power steering cylinder gets in the way, but the left side is easy. I agree, every 50 hours is overkill. I can tell the dealer didn't check it at the first 50 hour maintenance, unless they repainted it afterwards which I doubt!

djradz · Oct 11, 2002

Danny, I looked at my 40D last night and I'm thinking this check will be very difficult at best or else the wheels will have to come off. With my 1720 I had AG tires and so the rims were quite a bit narrower, but with these wide industrial tires the rims pretty much cover up the plug, so I see what you mean. Glad you were able to get at it anyway. By the way, you REALLY will notice a leak if you have one. My old 1720 had the seal at the joint with the lower axle pivot point go (there is no seal at the top) and it was pretty obvious. At first the dust just started to accumulate and look "wet" but later you could actually see fluid leak. Even with this slow leak, I never saw the fluid level change. It was a really easy fix anyway.

jtn · Oct 17, 2002

If you think it is difficult to check, wait until you change the oil and have to add fresh oil in through those holes! Just did that a few months ago. My advice is to reuse one of those squeeze bottles normally used for gear lubricant from NAPA.

As for checking I did not find it too difficult. I assume from your posts you found the plug on both sides? If not I will try to post a photo. It would be nice if NH would paint them a different color.

JT