Greasing Front Axle Support

[Atlanta Panther]

On my L3200HST 4WD the manual says to remove the breather plug when greasing the front axle support. The plug is one of the square head bolts and I can't get it out. I seem to recall someone saying that the axle could be under pressure. Is that possible? Or should I just squirt some bolt remover in there to try to loosen it up to remove it? I need to finish my grease job.

 

[TripleR]

It's not under pressure the bolt is just a real bear to gt out the first time.

 

[number two]

Agree here.
I've tried removing these on several L models.
It's a 7mm square 4 point head pipe plug and they are tight.
Nobody I can find offers a 7mm 4 or 8 point socket.Mac Tools offers a kind of universal socket that may fit but I've not tried one.
I've tried a 7mm open end wrench,but the plug is just too tight and the jaws just want to spread or round off the head.
I've managed to get then out with 4" vise grips on an angle and the plug was still useable.
I wonder how the Kubota techs do it?

It's not under pressure the bolt is just a real bear to gt out the first time.

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

I have a L3430 with the plug. Why does the plug need to be removed? I have put grease in the only zerk I have found. The grease seemed to go in ok. What am l missing?

 

[Citydude]

I have a L3430 with the plug. Why does the plug need to be removed? I have put grease in the only zerk I have found. The grease seemed to go in ok. What am l missing?

Just guessing here but could the seals blow out if no relief was provided??:confused3:

I read my manual and it said to remove the plug however no explanation why.

 

[mikehaugen]

Agree here.
I've tried removing these on several L models.
It's a 7mm square 4 point head pipe plug and they are tight.
Nobody I can find offers a 7mm 4 or 8 point socket.Mac Tools offers a kind of universal socket that may fit but I've not tried one.
I've tried a 7mm open end wrench,but the plug is just too tight and the jaws just want to spread or round off the head.
I've managed to get then out with 4" vise grips on an angle and the plug was still useable.
I wonder how the Kubota techs do it?

Are you sure it's not 9/32"? If so, maybe this would work.

http://ebay.com/itm/190740977336?cmd=VIDESC&gxo=true

 

[k0ua]

I have a L3430 with the plug. Why does the plug need to be removed? I have put grease in the only zerk I have found. The grease seemed to go in ok. What am l missing?

You are missing the 2nd zerk.. there are 2.. one in front and one in back.. the one in front needs the plug removed. I used a 10 inch adjustable wrench. Apply grease to the front zerk until you see grease start to move out of the the plug hole. Reinstall the plug. On the zerk on the back side of the front axle pivot , pump 2 pumps into the zerk, making sure it "took" the grease and then stop. This grease goes inside the axle housing after lubing the pivot point. So DO NOT keep on pumping. Just 2 shots every 50 hours and stop.

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

You are missing the 2nd zerk.. there are 2.. one in front and one in back.. the one in front needs the plug removed. I used a 10 inch adjustable wrench. Apply grease to the front zerk until you see grease start to move out of the the plug hole. Reinstall the plug. On the zerk on the back side of the front axle pivot , pump 2 pumps into the zerk, making sure it "took" the grease and then stop. This grease goes inside the axle housing after lubing the pivot point. So DO NOT keep on pumping. Just 2 shots every 50 hours and stop.

Thanks for the information James. TBN is almost always a great source for this type expertise. I'll follow your recommendation.

 

[PHILIP8N]

You are missing the 2nd zerk.. there are 2.. one in front and one in back. On the zerk on the back side of the front axle pivot , pump 2 pumps into the zerk, making sure it "took" the grease and then stop. This grease goes inside the axle housing after lubing the pivot point. So DO NOT keep on pumping. Just 2 shots every 50 hours and stop.

This back zerk drives me nuts. Does anyone know where the excess grease goes? Philip.

 

[k0ua]

This back zerk drives me nuts. Does anyone know where the excess grease goes? Philip.

See abovementioned. Inside the axle housing