580k wet brake additive?

Roy B · Sep 20, 2012

Hi all, I have been lurking here awhile, I couldn't find an answer to this so here goes: I have a 580k case backhoe, its a later k with the 4spd on the console, I think they call that a phase 3. Anyhow, I am changing the transaxle fluid, its full of water. I know I need a Fluid that meets case's specs for hytran ultra, but case also reccomends a wet brake additive. I am using this as a farm machine and it usually works 2-3 hrs per week. Question is, do I really need a brake additive? Also what generic (not case brand) would work? I can't find any specs for their additive. Thanks for the help.

MHarryE · Sep 20, 2012

I can't remember the generic fluid, but it is also used by Caterpillar in their backhoe loader axles up to 2002. I am not absolutely sure but they may use the same axle, or at least the same limited slip diff. The brake additive prevents chatter in the limited slip diff which incorporates a clutch pack. The part number is 197-0017 Additive and reduces chatter. The manual says that if chatter remains a nusicance, it is okay to add more the the specified amount of additive. If I understand correctly, the additive is not important to disk life but is only to satisfy customer complaints regarding chatter. When I last researched the product, it was developed primarily to resolve brake chatter complaints on machines equipped with wet disk brakes. I think that newer fluids incorporate an anti-chatter forumlation so the additive would no longer be needed.

CalG · Sep 20, 2012

Lube Guard!

FARMING

farmallbill · Sep 20, 2012

the Cat Backhoes ran the Ford rearend. not sure about the Case

Roy B · Sep 21, 2012

Thanks for the responses, if it is not important for the life of the machine, I think I will skip it for now, maybe add some in a couple of weeks when I get a chance. I really just need my machine back up and going. It seems like they only recommend a quart of the stuff to 15 gallons (almost) of hytran.

MHarryE · Sep 22, 2012

Roy B said:
Thanks for the responses, if it is not important for the life of the machine, I think I will skip it for now, maybe add some in a couple of weeks when I get a chance. I really just need my machine back up and going. It seems like they only recommend a quart of the stuff to 15 gallons (almost) of hytran.

Yup - a quart is about right to stop wet disk chatter. Think you are headed in the right direction - get going now and add later or even wait to see and see if you have chatter before adding.

As for the Cat they did run the New Holland rear axle and I thought they might have ended up with that axle on the Case backhoe after the merger but I think they all now run Carraro. Cat dropped the additive requirement when they switched to Carraro.