really stupid thought

[Tractors are go]

Dear all,

Whilst cogitating today, I had a genius idea.

Has anyone ever drilled and tapped the final drive for a drain point ?

Bit like the early/later ones have but I don't !

Any rational yes/no/what have you been smoking answers appreciated.

 

[steveC]

Suggested before

I remember awhile back someone suggested the same thing. Various replies where made with the consensus "don't try it "

I too had one of the sealed for life final drives. I changed the oil by the method well documented on this site.

Reasons not to do it, The wall thickness of the drive is insufficient to support enough thread to make a decent seal. As a guide line a absolute min full thread would be 1.5 times the thread dia. As the material is a alloy I would increase that to a minimum of x2. I don't know the wall thickness but I bet its not enough.

Problems drilling the casing with swarf from the drilling and tapping.

Thats why there is a boss on the casing with the drain fitted to support a decent thread.

There is at least one forum member who rebuilds final drives and has a excellent reputation. If he replies I suggest that you follow his advice after all he is a expert.

Merry Christmas