Front axle oil level again.

[dodge man]

I recently performed the 300 hours service on my BX2350. I changed the fluid in the front axle at that time, which was about 6 weeks ago. I refilled the front axle and then used it to mow with. I then checked the front axle again and it was low as expected, so I added about a quart of fluid and topped it off. I figured that would be it, but I checked it again last week, and it was low again. It took about 2 to 3 quarts of fluid to fill it up.

I can see why these things get delivered brand new and one of the first things to do is fill the front axle. I don't know what the story is, but there just must be a lot of air pockets in the axle to fill up.

 

[EE_Bota]

I recently performed the 300 hours service on my BX2350. I changed the fluid in the front axle at that time, which was about 6 weeks ago. I refilled the front axle and then used it to mow with. I then checked the front axle again and it was low as expected, so I added about a quart of fluid and topped it off. I figured that would be it, but I checked it again last week, and it was low again. It took about 2 to 3 quarts of fluid to fill it up.

I can see why these things get delivered brand new and one of the first things to do is fill the front axle. I don't know what the story is, but there just must be a lot of air pockets in the axle to fill up.

Did you remove the top vents that are supposed to let the air out during the initial fill? I hate to ask that, but I am really very surprised that after the initial fill, you had to put 3-4 quarts in later, and I have no explanation for that at all.

 

[dodge man]

Front vents? I don't have a clue where they are, so I'd say I didn't.

 

[jonyyuma]

Woops, now I see something else to check? Are you adding 80-90w or hyd oil? JY.

 

[OrangeRidge]

Kubota : BX-Series


Scroll down to the bottom of the page for BX front end oil

 

[Jay4200]

I recently performed the 300 hours service on my BX2350. I changed the fluid in the front axle at that time, which was about 6 weeks ago. I refilled the front axle and then used it to mow with. I then checked the front axle again and it was low as expected, so I added about a quart of fluid and topped it off. I figured that would be it, but I checked it again last week, and it was low again. It took about 2 to 3 quarts of fluid to fill it up.

Do you park outside where you can't see leak puddles? It sounds like you have a leaking bezel seal to me. Check and see if there is spooge running down one or both of the front bezel housings. I had to add 3 quarts of oil to my L4200's front axle recently, but that was after 200 hours of operation with a bezel seal that leaves a nice blop of oil on the floor overnight.

JayC

 

[dc welding]

The vent plugs are the key. I just did my front axle on my BX2350 and initially draining it seemed like it was taking forever. I noticed the vents and removed them. What a difference. I left them off when refilling and have run the machine a few hours since. Oil level is right on. By the way I changed over to 80w gear oil.

 

[bp fick]

Yes, the vents are key. Still, the amount of oil you keep replacing is of some concern. Yes, park it in a place where any drips or puddles can be easily detected.

 

[638]

I don't know about your tractor, but on my bx23 there is a fill plug on each side (left & right) of the axle. Fill the far side first and then fill the dipstick side. It goes a lot faster that way as the oil doesn't have as far to go.

 

[ibnxe]

I changed out the front axle oil in my BX23 a few weeks ago. Started by removing the breather plugs in either end of the axle ( small screws located at the top of the housing, just inboard of the front rims). Removed the drain plugs and let unit drain till empty.
Before refilling, raised front axle off the ground, and using a level on the housing, shimmed under the front tires until the housing was level. I then poured 2 quarts of gear oil into each of the filling plug holes. The fifth quart was split between the two sides. Waited about a half an hour before checking with the dip-stick... spot on.
The level of the housing is critical to getting a good reading on the dip-stick. The owners manual for the BX23 specifies 5 quarts of either hydraulic fluid or gear oil. I opted for the gear oil due to my nearly constant use of 4WD.

 

[Kubota 2350]

Is there an advantage to using 80w over Super UDT?
They come from the factory with the Super UDT, so I figure that's the best stuff to use.

 

[bp fick]

Is there an advantage to using 80w over Super UDT?
They come from the factory with the Super UDT, so I figure that's the best stuff to use.

The Kubota charts and manuals state either Gear Lube or UDT.

Gear Lube is often preferred by dealers and mechanics for its shear strength and many dealers strongly recommend it to their customers. Mind did. I use synthetic 75w-90 sold everywhere. It has slightly better flow characteristics.

 

[Kubota 2350]

Kind of wonder if the dealers want you to use it to cover up seal leaks.

 

[bp fick]

Kind of wonder if the dealers want you to use it to cover up seal leaks.

Dunno. Seriously doubt it. Again, Kubota, not just the dealers, approve its use. the front 4x4 axle is a mechanical device similar to the rear end of my truck or the bottom end drive unit of my boat. I use GL-5 gear lube in both of them and it sure isn't about trying to cover up seal leaks. To each his own.

 

[dodge man]

I didn't open the vent plugs, so that why it didn't fill well. I park on concrete, so I'm pretty sure I do not have leak.