TC33D Leaky Front Axle-can't find source

[jinman]

Well, so are you guys saying on a DX55 they are not in communication?

I actually have three fill holes and three drain plugs.

It doesnt really matter, im just curious. Im curious because i can fill my axle WAY over full, and never have the final reduction filler plug overflow. Plus, i would like to know since i may be putting non caseIH fluid in my axle temporarily.

I thought my axle was dry, since nothing showed up on the dipstick. the manual says its holds ~1.5 qts. So, i was going to put some JD fluid in it to get me by. I drained the axle....what comes out? 2 qts of fluid. It had PLENTY of fluid, yet it did not show up on the dipstick. Very strange.

This is largely speculation on my part, but that 1.5 qt may be typo. Perhaps it should have been 1.5 gal. Also, if you have your filler plug in your axle and then remove the plug on the final drive, is it possible that the fluid would be draining so slowly you would not notice? If the final drive wasn't vented to the main axle through the bearings, wouldn't you have explosive pressures building in the final drive casing when it gets hot? I know that after a couple hours use when I remove the axle filler on my tractor, it blows out air because of pressure buildup. That tells me not to ever make the mistake of overfilling because there would be no air to compress and the axle would blow out its seals.

Is the JD oil you plan to use a hydraulic oil? The Case/NH fluid is just hydraulic fluid. As long as your JD fluid is not some 85W/140 gear oil, you will probably be okay, especially if it is hydraulic fluid.

 

[Soundguy]

I have to agree with jim.. if the final drives have no breather.. they must be communicatin with the axle.. otherwise the seals wouldn't be happy IMHO..

soundguy

 

[agford4x4]

Yeah, i have no idea whats what in it. I just figured they were separate because the filler plugs on the finals are LOWER spatially than the axle, so any fluid that is in the axle should drain down to the finals and out the fill plug when its open, and it doesnt do that.

The fluid in the finals and axle is the same as the rest of the tractor, just hy traun ultra hydraulic fluid.

 

[RickB]

Well, so are you guys saying on a DX55 they are not in communication?

No. I am saying it is a common sump with three fills and three drains.

 

[Soundguy]

Yeah, i have no idea whats what in it. I just figured they were separate because the filler plugs on the finals are LOWER spatially than the axle, so any fluid that is in the axle should drain down to the finals and out the fill plug when its open, and it doesnt do that.

The fluid in the finals and axle is the same as the rest of the tractor, just hy traun ultra hydraulic fluid.

Remember.. the oil will be flowing thru a bearing.. it won't flow fast... might be quite a while for it to flow thru to the point of overflow out an open lower fill.

soundguy

 

[Ford850]

Well, so are you guys saying on a DX55 they are not in communication?

I actually have three fill holes and three drain plugs.

It doesnt really matter, im just curious. Im curious because i can fill my axle WAY over full, and never have the final reduction filler plug overflow. Plus, i would like to know since i may be putting non caseIH fluid in my axle temporarily.

I thought my axle was dry, since nothing showed up on the dipstick. the manual says its holds ~1.5 qts. So, i was going to put some JD fluid in it to get me by. I drained the axle....what comes out? 2 qts of fluid. It had PLENTY of fluid, yet it did not show up on the dipstick. Very strange.

agford4x4
I posted this in your other thread too, but in case you miss that one:
My DX55 manual says the differential axle housing fluid capacity is 4.23 qts. The final reduction gear case capacity is .95 qts.

 

[Dirtball]

My 1999 TC33D has 3 separate fills/drains for frt axle and the final drives . Checked the levels today and the final drives were full and the fluid was gray from use. The frt axle fluid was still golden and clear. I guess they do not communicate on my tractor. i will continue to monitor the frt axle level. Still no telltales as to leakage at rest...Btw I treated myself to a Toro ZRT 52in Commercial series with Kawaski 28hp a couple weeks back for my trim work...interesting machine , though you really cant mow at 10mph unless you are a bull rider...I mow 10 acres. most had been farmed so you still feel the rows...I used to push a Toro 21in for the trim work, now I can ride...the TC33 60in MMM plus the two Acre Ease wing mowers spinning at 18,000 rpm for a 14ft cut is still the ticket..the Toro was a leftover he shaved 3000+ off , I went to buy a new push mower and came home with the ZRT...

 

[RickB]

Oil does not flow freely from the center section and final drives, but it can and does flow. Proof is that without exception, every failed axle seal or steering swivel seal failure results in depletion of the oil in the center section. As you have already identified contaminated oil in your final drives, carefully note the oil level in the center section, then leaving the dipstick loose enogh for the axle to vent, drain your finals and leave them open to drain overnight. Then re-check your center section oil level. Leave your final drive fill plugs tight during this test until you go to refill.