Replacement fluid for leaky BX2200 4wd front axle

[enginesludge]

First off, I like to say thank you again for the excellent help I got regarding the hydrostatic transmission. I posted somewhere on tractorbynet. Not Kubota forum, I did not see that. It turned out I was still running factory fluid and filter. I kinda forgot, think I am 1000 or 1200 hrs now on my BX2200. Replaced both and got more than enough getup and go for my needs. Now that I am running strong, I have what I assume is just an annoying problem.

After sitting, I see a messy puddle of gear oil under the left front wheel/hinge point. Not a lot but messy in a garage. I read somewhere that this is typical for an old machine. Also I recall some one suggested a heavier oil for a quick fix? But that old thread seem to suggest a multi viscosity where I would have expect straight 90wt or something?

I never run this tractor in winter. Only engage 4wd briefly when I get stuck. Is there a potential for an easy/sleezy fluid fix here? What can I get away with?

 

[enginesludge]

In this thread, OP had a leak like mine and he replaced fluid with 75-90 or something, problem solved.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/312396-bx-2200-front-axlel-leak.html

Then I saw this You Tube. Apparently Kubota ships with tranny fluid in the front axle and that is supposed to
be swapped out at some point, service xx hours, with gear oil.

Kubota L3400 HST 50 Hour Service (Part 3: Front Axle Case Oil Change) - YouTube

Given my HST experience, I will guess the front axle fluid never been serviced. The stuff that leaks looks real thin.
I will use 90w. Looks like 90 in the owners manual. Hopefully no harm done.

Am I on the right track?

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

In this thread, OP had a leak like mine and he replaced fluid with 75-90 or something, problem solved. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/312396-bx-2200-front-axlel-leak.html Then I saw this You Tube. Apparently Kubota ships with tranny fluid in the front axle and that is supposed to be swapped out at some point, service xx hours, with gear oil. Kubota L3400 HST 50 Hour Service (Part 3: Front Axle Case Oil Change) - YouTube Given my HST experience, I will guess the front axle fluid never been serviced. The stuff that leaks looks real thin. I will use 90w. Looks like 90 in the owners manual. Hopefully no harm done. Am I on the right track?

Yep you are on the right track. I changed to the heavier gear oil and it stopped the leak 99.9%. I have to top it off 2 times a year. Much better than finding a pool of oil each time you use the tractor.

 

[Deano]

Replace the seal on both sides. Refill with heavy gear oil. Be happy!

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

Replace the seal on both sides. Refill with heavy gear oil. Be happy!

I believe in the. KISS principle of repair, why give yourself extra work when a few oz of oil 2 times a year takes care of the problem????

 

[Deano]

I believe in the. KISS principle of repair, why give yourself extra work when a few oz of oil 2 times a year takes care of the problem????

Cuz it's fun!!

 

[mjym]

i change both side at 150 hr and have to change it back 500hr and i put the same hst oil bx kubota are all the same you cant keep no seal

 

[enginesludge]

I changed out the axle fluid, with Castrol 85-140 gear oil. While I am waiting to see how this works. I have two followup questions:

1. Would a breather on the axle help? This was suggested (and debated)in another thread. Has the forum come to any consensus?

2. Is there a step my step, manual, pdf , thread, video or you tube showing how to replace the seal? Again, I have a BX2200. Deano, MJYM?

 

[BX23RIDER]

I have a BX23 axle seals started to leak. Had new seals put in and later started leaking at gasket on hub ware they took it apart. They also put gear oil in 80-90w at that time. I thought about it and came up to it that axle is not vented and when gets hot after use builds psi. So I vented axle through the fill plug on other side, drilled and taped used a barbed fitting and 1/8" flex hose, ran hose vent up to grill guard and turned 4" pointing down to keep dirt and water out. Problem solved no more leaking. Good Luck. Rich

 

[enginesludge]

So I vented axle through the fill plug on other side, drilled and taped used a barbed fitting and 1/8" flex hose, ran hose vent up to grill guard

While waiting on opinions, I just went ahead and drilled and tapped the filler plug and did just that. I used a small filter on the hose end. If it is a bad idea I can just use a pipe plug later. BX23Rider, I bet it was your post I saw on this forum.

Now, 24 hrs elapsed since the fluid change and no leaking. The vent may or may not help. I dont see it hurting anything. I will drain a very little bit of fluid out next year and see if any water accumulated. Venting is used on many auto and heavy equipment axles. Seems to work.