How worried should I be - JD 2305 Front Axle

[chowyunmatt]

Hi All,

I bought a used 2305 this summer, with approx 435 hours on the meter. The guy I bought it from also bought it used, and said he rarely ever used it, put about 10 hours on it. When he first purchased(Sept. 2018), he brought it to the local JD dealer for inspection and routine maintenance. They changed the usual oil and filters, but did not service the front axle(he gave me their itemized work order). I ran the tractor a bit over that last few months, about 10 hours, but never worked it too hard. I decided to go through and change all oil and filters yesterday, to get ready for snow season, which is my main reason for buying the tractor.

I pulled all 3 plugs out of the front axle to let it drain out, into 3 separate buckets. The oil that came out of the left wheel drain(first one I opened) had a good amount of larger metal shavings, and the oil was gray metallic color. I didn't see any large shavings in the other buckets, but all the oil was gray and metallic. I replaced the oil with Amsoil synthetic 75W-90 gear oil, which I am hoping will run better in the cold than a standard 80W-90 which is what the manual calls for. When adding the new oil, I kept the left hand drain plug(opposite the fill port) open to allow some fresh oil to rinse through, about half a quart. When it started coming through mostly clean, I replaced the drain plug, and filled the axle.

I'm assuming that the front axle oil has not been replaced since the tractor was new. I think the manual states that it should be done at 400 hours. Is it normal to see some shavings/metal in the oil like this? Anything I should check on, or anything I can do to get the most life out of this axle possible? Hoping I don't end up with a huge repair bill in the near future.

 

[FortClatsop]

I’ve had my 2305 for 14 years and 940 hours. The front axle has not been widely discussed as a common failure point. The U joints and lack of drive shaft over lap (rounding of the splines) seem to be much more common. So long as your axle always had oil and it’s only a few hours over due I’m not sure that I would worry too much. Other opinions may very.

Make sure you get your U joints properly lubed and inspect them often for excessive play.

I also recommend flushing the cooling system and be sure to rinse with distilled water. The radiators are very expensive and subject to neglect and corrosion.

 

[chowyunmatt]

I did drain the radiator and refill with fresh coolant yesterday, but did not flush it out with water. I guess I will do that on the next go around. In exploring this forum, I did see a few threads on the driveshaft U-joints. Looks like it is quite a chore to get them greased, and I had no idea the zerks were even there. I guess I will try to get to those tonight.

Thanks for the reassurance on the axle, my heart sank when I saw the metal coming out...Hopefully it will not be an issue.

 

[rademamj1]

The presence of the metal shavings and color suggests the front axle fluids were the original factory oil, and that you were the first to change it. You did good and your front axle will most likely be fine for many years of use. Just keep to the recommended maintenance schedule. Enjoy your tractor.

 

[chowyunmatt]

The presence of the metal shavings and color suggests the front axle fluids were the original factory oil, and that you were the first to change it. You did good and your front axle will most likely be fine for many years of use. Just keep to the recommended maintenance schedule. Enjoy your tractor.

Thanks, I hope so!

 

[s219]

It might have looked almost the same if you changed the oil at 100 hours. Tractor gear cases tend to have a lot of metal left in them from the factory. I wouldn't be concerned at all.

 

[Agvg]

Have you checked that the wheel rotates smooth, no noise or bearing play?

 

[chowyunmatt]

Have you checked that the wheel rotates smooth, no noise or bearing play?

I have not, but I will check. Planning on jacking it up to get at the drive shaft zerks anyway.

 

[chowyunmatt]

It might have looked almost the same if you changed the oil at 100 hours. Tractor gear cases tend to have a lot of metal left in them from the factory. I wouldn't be concerned at all.

 

[CADplans]

Do you have the service or owners manual?
Maybe you can look it up on line,, but,, are you sure the axle calls for gear oil, or did you guess?

My JD calls for HyTran (whatever it is called by JD,,) transmission oil in the front axle. The tractor is a 4105'

As far as metal shavings,, some is normal,
an excessive amount indicates to me that someone operated the tractor in 4WD a lot,, when turning on hard ground. JMHO