Kubota L3130 : Front Axle Vent

[hendr1x]

I'm rebuilding both front axle knuckles right now. Figured I would research this topic before I put it all together. Seems like a lot of people support the idea, and of course some say it would have come from the factory that way if it was suppose to have it.

So, I'm on the fence a bit but, if I went ahead with it does anyone have a recommendation on a good setup. I was hoping to have a system that held some pressure but when looking at existing (4x4) options they don't list any specs or anything.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[5030]

Some are, some aren't. The ones that aren't utilize the dead air space above the fluid to allow for heat expansion. How both my M9's are, not vented and never has been an issue.

 

[rScotty]

Something to think about is that these are part time 4wd machines with 4wd being designed to be used as necessary for rough patches rather than being engaged all the time.
So for part time use, the manufacturer probably isn't expecting that heat buildup in the front axle will be a problem & that might explain the lack of a vent. A lot of things get bypassed simply because of cost. After all, these are medium duty & medium cost machines made with cost considerations. They are not top of the line & don't pretend to be.

But just because they didn't include venting doesn't mean that venting wouldn't be an improvement. How could equalizing pressures be anything except an advantage? Just use good practice and put the hose end where it is protected from water. Add a screen to keep insects out.

How you use the tractor and your local climate are other things to think about.
rScotty

 

[hendr1x]

So you think just a simple vent is good enough? I was thinking some sort of pressure release valve that allowed some pressure to build but not too much. I just wasn't sure what valve to use.

I noticed Kubota does one but no idea if it fits on the L3130 : 35080-99700

I'm guessing I would just grab one that a toyota uses.

 

[Smokeydog]

The front axle of my M5030DT wasn’t vented. It looked like it was leaking at the hubs some after heavy working. Bushhoging steep fields in 4wd that includes some loader work. It had a massive front axle. Checked level via the level plug and noticed slight pressure. Found a swaglok pipe to compression el that fit the fill plug hole threads. Short SS tubing pointed up. Then pushed on a piece of clear tubing, loop for axle articulation and ran half up the radiator to an existing metal clip. For a filter I shoved in a small bottle brush in the clear tube. No more leaks for 15 years till I sold the tractor.

They make vented pipe plugs. McMaster or surplus center.

 

[rScotty]

So you think just a simple vent is good enough? I was thinking some sort of pressure release valve that allowed some pressure to build but not too much. I just wasn't sure what valve to use.

I noticed Kubota does one but no idea if it fits on the L3130 : 35080-99700

I'm guessing I would just grab one that a toyota uses.

That's interesting. So with a pressure release valve the air in the front axle it gets warm, makes some pressure which it burbs out....then as it cools off the pressure in the axle is slightly below atmospheric....which would tend to tighten some seals and loosen others depending on which way the lips seat....

Dang. Maybe we are overthinking it. I lean toward smokeydog's solution to let the pressures equalize.

 

[arto98607]

I'm rebuilding both front axle knuckles right now. Figured I would research this topic before I put it all together. Seems like a lot of people support the idea, and of course some say it would have come from the factory that way if it was suppose to have it.

So, I'm on the fence a bit but, if I went ahead with it does anyone have a recommendation on a good setup. I was hoping to have a system that held some pressure but when looking at existing (4x4) options they don't list any specs or anything.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Please see a post I wrote last summer about my Ford 1310 regarding vented axle VS. no vent.

Ford 1310 Front Axle - Type of Oil

Below is a photo of a new vented dipstick I made last summer.
The vent is a John Deere item JD5801 which is a "one way vent" or a pressure relief valve.

I have also switched the front axle from 134 oil to 80W-90 gear oil, but have not yet replaced the seal that was leaking earlier since there are no leaks now!


Here is the new dipstick side by side with the original:

PS. The photo is deceiving, they are actually the exact same length when inserted!


JD 5801

So far so good, but I suspect I will need to replace the seal in question anyway one of these days.

 

[Smokeydog]

I’ve had a dirt dobber or maybe road dust plug the rubber vent line on my truck rear axle vent and push oil past the seals and wet the brakes.

Extending and making axle vents is common in the off road circles.

The bush hog has a sintered metal vent in the center on the fill plug for the gearbox.
The finish mower does not. Many industrial gear boxes or reducers have a pipe plug sintered vent.

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[Redbug]

I have an L3830 and the axle does have a vent. I bet yours does, too. Take your flashlight...go to the right side of the tractor/axle and look about midway on the top axle under the tractor frame. There is a fitting with a hose. The hose goes up and under the area around the radiator overflow canister. The end is connected to a metal pipe which is U shaped to keep out water.

 

[arto98607]

I have an L3830 and the axle does have a vent. I bet yours does, too. Take your flashlight ...............snip................

Sorry, but who's tractor are you referring to?
(Mine did not have a vent for sure, but has one now)