too much fluid in front axle

[LHS Inc]

Got my first service on the JD 3520 about three weeks ago at 60 hours.

I've run it one time since then for about 1.5 hours. I checked the engine oil before I started but didn't check the trans/hydro or the front axle fluid because it wasn't changed just topped off if needed.

I wasn't going to run it yesterday but I checked the axle fluid and it was overfilled by about one full mark. Checked it three times with the same results.

Do I need to worry? Will it cause any damage? I know I can lower it but I'm just checking first before I do.

 

[devildog1]

That doesn't sound like too much axle fluid, I mean it is suppose to be a oil bath for the front axle. You should have a top fill plug and a bottom drain plug so anywhere between will be ok, don't sweat it.
DevilDog

 

[JD 4520]

That doesn't sound like too much axle fluid, I mean it is suppose to be a oil bath for the front axle. You should have a top fill plug and a bottom drain plug so anywhere between will be ok, don't sweat it.
DevilDog

Concur. Its an oil bath which is different from your crankcase. Anywhere in between the two is good.

 

[beenthere]

With the front axle, just be sure there is a vent for the overflow when this oil heats and expands. If no vent, others including myself, find that the oil will push out through the seals onto the rims.
I leave my dipstick loose so there is venting. Others have fabricated a vent. Yours may already be vented, but I'd make sure before assuming that.

 

[Brimstone10x]

Was the dipstick screwed in or just set on top of the threads? alot of times they should be checked setting on top of the threads. a little over is ok .

 

[greg_g]

Yeah, unless is specifies otherwise in the manual, I just set threaded dipsticks on the hole to check levels. Plus, the front axle has to be perfectly level, otherwise there will be more fluid on one side of the axle than the other. It might be the perfectly correct level, but it will show up wrong on the dipstick.

//greg//

 

[dconine]

In my owner's manual for my 4520, it says to thread in the dipstick for checking the front axle oil. I agree it doesn't have to be absolutely perfect.

 

[om21braz]

If you want the level dead-on, leave the dipstick/filler cap tight and loosen either the right or left bottom plug at one of the wheels (allen wrench plug). That will enable you to drain fluid off very slowly if you're a stickler for details.

 

[LHS Inc]

With the front axle, just be sure there is a vent for the overflow when this oil heats and expands. If no vent, others including myself, find that the oil will push out through the seals onto the rims.
I leave my dipstick loose so there is venting. Others have fabricated a vent. Yours may already be vented, but I'd make sure before assuming that.

No vent on mine but I can see the reason for having one. I'll keep a check on it. Maybe next time after I have some very light work I'll check the level one more time and if I'm not comfortable with it I'll let some off to get back to the full mark.

Thanks for the input.

 

[LHS Inc]

If you want the level dead-on, leave the dipstick/filler cap tight and loosen either the right or left bottom plug at one of the wheels (allen wrench plug). That will enable you to drain fluid off very slowly if you're a stickler for details.

Thanks for the instructions, thats probably what I'm going to do. I am a stickler for details, I think everybody is on something brand new to begin with.

I do take care of my equipment. I get it from my father. He can't walk by any of my equipment whether it be trucks, cars, tractors, or mowers without wanting to check the oil. He was born with a grease gun in his hand.

He said he got it from working with the old threshing machines that needing continuous oiling and greasing. Either way its a good thing.