How to Service a John Deere Hydrostatic Transaxle 345 335 355D 

Where was the oil leak that put oil all over the transaxle? You power washed it but never spoke about the source of the oil leak.

@@MrMorandp I just serviced my 345 and the transaxle was just as dirty and oily as the one he serviced. I believe the source of oil is from a vent cap right above the yellow oil fill plug. Trans gets hot during use, vents hot air with some oil particles and over time coats everything with an oily dirty mess. I didn't get anywhere near 5qts of oil out.

@@mitchy880 Sounds logical - I think that explains the oil leak - actually was vented oil only.

L​@@mitchy880

Thank you for the recommendations!

Thank you so much, Andy!

Yes, agreed. Thank you

Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate the kind words.

Sounds good, Linda. Good luck!

it is not a hard one and the most expensive parts are the filters. I forget how much they want for them but the green one is expensive. It is recommended that you use John Deere Hygard or at least a GOOD hydraulic fluid if you don't use that one. Don't get that twenty dollar a bucket junk. As for that internal filter, I am not sure who makes those for John Deere but a lot of things like that are often supplied from someone else. If you don't plan to do that green inline filter it gets easier because all you have to do is take a wheel off to get to the drain easier. You might be able to do it without taking a wheel off but I don't know what that oil would do to the tire, it would probably ruin the tire. I like watching other people do these kind of things myself. It just gives me a better idea what I should expect when I get started on it.

Hey, that's great. I love learning new stuff on youtube, and I'm glad my video was helpful to you! Thanks.

Thank you, and good job doing the DIY thing!

Thanks, Sherry. Hope it works out well for you. The cost of the filters and hydraulic fluid was a surprise to me. Out of curiosity, does your tractor still have the engine hood? Plastic engine hoods was not a good idea, in my opinion.

Yes, everything went well. I do still have my hood and its in good condition. I am missing a piece of molded plastic on the left side at the front of the tractor where the snowblower attachement connects. I have priced it out and have decided I can do without it. Too costly.

Not sure of the manufacturer, but the JD filters (and parts in general) aren't cheap. Thanks for the note.

Wow, I really can't remember if there were two drain plugs or one....been quite a long while since I did that job....

K71C, the trans seen here, has outputs to the lift cylinders and power steering box. All self-contained system. Output and return are located on the right side of the lower trans.

You make an excellent point. I did not change the belt, but I advised the owner that it might be a good idea to do so in the near future. Thanks for watching and commenting.

Good question. I agree with you that I probably should have done that.....

Do you mean engine oil or transaxle fluid? If you have a kawasaki engine, the valve covers leak engine oil, but it's an easy fix. If its leaking trans fluid, I guess the best thing to do is clean it up good, then drive it a bit and hope the source of the leak becomes obvious.

I’m referring to the transaxle fluid. Thanks for the advice, I’ll clean it up good, drop a little more fluid in there and then drive it around to see where it’s coming from. Thanks for responding so quickly!

@@brentcoates3278 there only three seals One under the pulley (which usually runs down the transmission) the other two are on each axle. There all the same seal

The hydraulic fluid running down the transmission, is a indicator it's the top seal. Is what I meant.

Can't really help you with that....I know the deck features a hydraulic lift....but I no longer have that tractor on site, so I can't really recall how that was all set-up....I hope you can figure it out!

Hi Linda. This is not my tractor, and I did this job a few years ago. I really don't think the transaxle fluid and the power steering are connected. Your steering issue would be a separate issue. Sorry I can't be of more help.

That will probably work, but I don't know if "priming the lines" is required. I did not do that, as the manual made no mention of that.

Buckwsr it was only high because the pump hadn’t run yet of course which would circulate the hydro fluid to its respective places. All is well! Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t going to destroy the pump or seals by having too much fluid at first. Thanks

Thanks for the note. The online JD service manual speaks of one drain plug (manuals.deere.com/cceomview/OMM143471_E0/Output/OMM143471_E011.html). The stated capacity is 4.7 quarts. I added the full 5 quarts, so I feel confident that we had adequately drained out all of the old fluid.

Yes you are correct. I assumed the gx345 I have and the 345 used the same trans setup. That’s what happens when you assume lol

well, now I will be prepared when it comes time to service a gx345!! Thank you.

Yes, that would have been a good idea....

Possibly. But I would start by checking all linkages from the pedal on back. Verify full travel of all components, and keep an eye out for sloppiness or worn out areas.

Having the fenders and gas tank off isn't going to be much help in swapping that belt. Removing the deck is a better time for that, which you just about need the deck removed to do so anyway.

I'm not entirely sure what component you're referring to.... Go ahead and look up the service manual which is available online through John Deere....

But is your name really John Doe?

Thats basically over priced mineral oil! It feels and smells like it!