Service Steering & Brakes


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Only use a quality oil in this front axle gear case. Do not mix any other oils in this gear case. Do not use BIO-HY-GARD® in this gear case.

Checking the Front Axle Oil Level (4WD Models)


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Allow front axle oil time to cool before checking level.

1. Park vehicle safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Help prevent contaminants from entering the oil dipstick location. Clean area around dipstick before removing.

MX1694

2. Unscrew dipstick (A) and remove it from axle.

3. Wipe dipstick dry with a clean cloth.

NOTE: Do not tighten dipstick. Allow threads to rest on top of the axle housing.

4. Install dipstick into the axle housing.

MX1696

5. Remove dipstick. Oil level should be at level (B) on the dipstick.

· If oil is low, add oil. Oil level should be to the top of the XX area (B) on the dipstick.

6. Install and tighten dipstick.

Changing the Front Axle Oil (4WD Models)

1. Park vehicle safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)

2. Place container under the oil drain location.

MX1695

3. Remove differential drain plug (A) to drain oil.

4. Install and tighten drain plug.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Help prevent contaminants from entering the oil dipstick location. Clean area around dipstick before removing.

MX1694

5. Unscrew dipstick (B) and remove it from the differential housing.

6. Add approximately 3.3 L (3.5 qt.) of oil through the dipstick opening.

7. Wipe dipstick dry with a clean cloth.

NOTE: Do not tighten dipstick. Allow threads to rest on top of the dipstick opening.

8. Install dipstick.

MX1696

9. Remove dipstick. Oil level should be at level (C) on the dipstick.

· If oil is low, add oil. Oil level should be to the top of the XX area (B) on the dipstick.

10. Install and tighten dipstick.

NOTE: Oil will flow very slowly through the front axle housing. Check oil level again after the first several hours of operation.

Brake Fluid

The following John Deere heavy duty brake fluid is PREFERRED for all drum and disc brakes:

· Brake Fluid-DOT3 (TY15975)

Other brake fluids may be used if the above John Deere brake fluid is not available and they provide the following:

· DOT3 certified.

· Conforms to Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 116.

· Minimum wet boiling point 140° C (284° F).

· Minimum dry boiling point 232° C (450° F) to prevent vapor lock.

Check Brake Fluid Level


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Avoid contamination of the brake fluid. Thoroughly clean area around the filler cap before removing. Do not open the brake fluid reservoir cap unless absolutely necessary. Use extreme care when filling the reservoir. Fluid spilled on painted surfaces can cause damage. Use only DOT3 brake fluid from a sealed container.

1. Park vehicle safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)

MX1678

2. Remove front grill (A).

MX1682

3. Visually check the see-through reservoir (B) for the appropriate amount of fluid.

· Fluid levels must be maintained between the "MAX" maximum and "MIN" minimum fill lines (C).

· If the fluid level is above the "MIN" minimum fill line, Do not open the cap.

4. If fluid is low:

· Carefully clean area around reservoir cap (D). Unscrew cap.

· Add fluid to midpoint of the reservoir fill lines.

5. Install reservoir cap.

6. Install front grill.