Front axle oil

[TVZ]

The manual to my 2018 Massey Ferguson tractor (1726E) says to check the front axle oil level regularly. It has always been good. But recently I started seeing yellowish spots in the snow. Upon checking the front axle oil, I found that it was low. I read that the seals sometimes start leaking, and that in such a case, it can be helpful to start adding GL4 80w-90 gear oil rather than the transmission/hydraulic oil normally used. I bought a quart for $21, and started adding it, periodically checking the level. I ended up adding the whole quart, and it still seems to be low. My mechanical knowledge is basic. Does anyone have any tips for me? Thank you.

 

[big bubba]

you're correct in that hyd oil is thinner than GL5 80/90. unfortunately, i feel that although the GL5 will reduce leakage, if you already notice leaking, the seal has been compromised & will need replacement. You may be able to DIY given all the utube info. let us know what you decide, regards

 

[old and tired]

It would be best to drain the hydraulic oil out and refill with 80/90 gear oil to have a chance to work. How bad is it leaking?? (how many "yellow dots" in the snow)

 

[RjCorazza]

I would also drain and refill rather than just add gear oil, unless you plan to replace the seals anyway.
I run 75w110 in my front axle, even though the spec is 80w90.

 

[big bubba]

I would also drain and refill rather than just add gear oil, unless you plan to replace the seals anyway.
I run 75w110 in my front axle, even though the spec is 80w90.

never heard that grade of 75/110, must be syn. agree, go heavier grade & see what happens.

 

[RjCorazza]

never heard that grade of 75/110, must be syn. agree, go heavier grade & see what happens.

It is an odd weight, yes synthetic gear lube by Amsoil.
I use their 75w140 in all of my gear boxes.

 

[big bubba]

good point, just never heard of 75/110. thx

 

[TVZ]

It would be best to drain the hydraulic oil out and refill with 80/90 gear oil to have a chance to work. How bad is it leaking?? (how many "yellow dots" in the snow)

Just a few dots. I'll give it a try...

 

[ray66v]

Though it is a popular idea to switch to gear oil for leaks, 80W-90 is not substantially thicker than hydraulic transmission oil, at normal temperatures.

Transmission oil is measured on the motor oil scale. But, gear oil is not. It has it's own scale.

Different products will have different viscosity's, even at the same weight. But, there is not going to be a substantial difference between any of them in these categories.

 

[ray66v]

Normal temperatures?? We are talking about yellow drops in the snow?

Even AI could get this question correct... Which oil is thicker at 32* and below...

I used 75W/110 in my front axle.

Not coherent enough for me.

If you have a question, please try again.

 

[TVZ]

It would be best to drain the hydraulic oil out and refill with 80/90 gear oil to have a chance to work. How bad is it leaking?? (how many "yellow dots" in the snow)

Just a few yellow dots here & there. I went ahead & changed it out to 80/90 gear oil, so we'll see how things look next time I plow.

Thanks to All for the tips!

 

[SPYDERLK]

Use 0 or 00 grease.

 

[Little Red Tractor]

Some dealers are even recommending 80-90 instead of the factory spec for front end (my local Kubota dealer does). However, in case it doesn't help (and it's not a long-term solution anyway), keep checking the oil level. Generally, seals are a a pretty inexpensive fix, especially if you can DIY.

 

[can do]

The manual to my 2018 Massey Ferguson tractor (1726E) says to check the front axle oil level regularly. It has always been good. But recently I started seeing yellowish spots in the snow. Upon checking the front axle oil, I found that it was low. I read that the seals sometimes start leaking, and that in such a case, it can be helpful to start adding GL4 80w-90 gear oil rather than the transmission/hydraulic oil normally used. I bought a quart for $21, and started adding it, periodically checking the level. I ended up adding the whole quart, and it still seems to be low. My mechanical knowledge is basic. Does anyone have any tips for me? Thank you.

I stick with what the factory recommends I didn't hear or see you mention that you have ever drained, & filled the fluid which is recommended by the manufacture; I own a 2018 M-F 1526 which is a cut but similar with a 3 cylinder Iseki engine. Nowhere does it recommend a heavier gear oil it just recommends regular servicing of the fluid using Permatran 821XL semi-synthetic.

 

[TractorTech]

Most front drive axles and hubs use trans/hyd oil from factory and recommend for servicing. I don't have experience with extreme cold like much of the country, but in the desert, weepage would occur on front seals. 80w90 was always used to replace the trans/hyd to eliminate these leaks in higher summer temps.

 

[mjonesnh]

Use the New Holland UTF in my TC34DA, what New Holland recommends. No leaks in 18 years, change it every 5-6 years.

 

[likembikem]

I have a MF 593 that front axle seal was leaking. Removing the fill plug I noticed a hissing sound, like it was under pressure. The vent has a spring in it to maintain a 1.5 psi or so pressure. Mine was stuck. Fixed that and am no longer leaking out the seal.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

TYM specs 80w90 gear oil for mine