GC2300 Front axle oil

[bgruen]

Today I decided to check the oil level in the front 4WD axle. I removed the fill plug on one side and the oil began lowing out. I put the plug back in and checked the other side and the same thing happened. I then drained the oil from both sides, checked the owners manual and began refilling with the 4.2 quarts the manual states. I got a little over 2 quarts in the left side when no more would go in. I then added more to the right side until it was also full. All together I got in a little under 3 quarts. I drove it a short distance in 2wd and 4wd then checked the level, and oil flowed out both side when the plug was removed. Is this normal for this tractor or is something wrong ??

 

[ray66v]

With the tractor on a level surface, fill the axle until the oil reaches the midpoint of the axle shaft. Don't get an eye dropper out, it doesn't have to be exact.

I haven't changed mine in a while. But, I seem to remember putting about a quart in on each side.

Ignore the 4.2 quart capacity. You can't fill it all the way up, you will end up with leaking seals.

 

[MAN IN BLACK]

No problem,,,it's full, no worries

 

[AxleHub]

I thought the front axle is an oil bath. . . . not a pressurized system. Wouldn't that mean you want the fluid level not at the top but near the top and definitely above the shaft?

 

[bgruen]

I made the mistake of thinking that the 4.2 qt. amount of oil listed in the manual was accurate. Was amazed that it was more than 25% off. As long as it keeps working....

 

[ray66v]

Fill it up if you like.

I just relayed the instructions to the O.P. as per the manual, the Massey Ferguson engineers wrote for the GC2300 tractor.

 

[atsah]

Did mine yesterday on my 1705, I wouldn't fill it, it is meant to be an oil bath I would think, I filled mine 3/4 of the way up the shaft, at the 3/4 mark on the shaft mine took 3.25 quarts.

 

[AxleHub]

Did mine yesterday on my 1705, I wouldn't fill it, it is meant to be an oil bath I would think, I filled mine 3/4 of the way up the shaft, at the 3/4 mark on the shaft mine took 3.25 quarts.

When I did it late in 2016 my GC1715 I used about 3.5 quarts (I drained the original fluid out and measured it and then replaced with the same amount). When I finished putting that much in - I still had good room for both turbulence and heat expansion space so it didn't pressure any seals from the fluid bath. One thing I wasn't sure of was if the fluid is unrestricted from side-to-side or if there are any baffles or partial partitions in the front axle assembly. I did a little tipping effort side to side to see if any grit or small pieces might transfer from one are to another to the drains - but I really couldn't tell.

Because the front axle is a primary component and because I am in 4wd much of the time and the entire capacity is less than a gallon - I plan to change the front fluid oftener than is indicated in the maintenance schedule. Thinking maybe again late this year and then use the new synthetic Massey hydro fluid since the fluid has been upgraded when I bought the recent product this spring.

 

[atsah]

Sounds about right, I am also going to change it out every year at the same time I replace the oil and filter, I'm in 4x4 most of the time as well. I was going to switch to gear oil but decided to stay with the hydro fluid and swap it out once a year instead. When I took the cover off, the fluid was below the gear on the shaft, not enough for my liking.. I'll keep it at the top of the shaft/ 3/4 up the gear.

 

[AxleHub]

Atsah, you're in cold country too - and my desire was to eventually switch to a synthetic to better handle the cold stiff situations on all the smaller gears with no way to warm up the front axle like you can with the fel or hydro. The newly altered Massey hydro fluid is now sythetic blended - which should make it a better winter fit too - look for the change in labels (color and wording) to get the right one - dealers will likely still have some none altered stock - I know my dealer had 5 gallon pales of the new - and 2.5 and 1 gallon pales with the prior (in March).