555E Brake question.

[Jake615615]

Ford New Holland 555E

Hello everyone,

First i just want to say I am new to the forum and excited to join you all!

Thanks to the forums out there I quickly leaned the operation of the brake system. I could not find the answers to the question below in any forum or even in the service manual or operators manual.

So i just bought this tractor, its my first real tractor. (have a Kubota BX23 with a backhoe if you want to call it a tractor). When i bought the tractor 2 weeks ago there was a warning light on the dash. I was concerned it was for oil pressure, but found the master cylinder empty. We filled it with Dot 3 and the light went off so i assumed all was well and not an oil pressure issue. (did not have a manual at the time and was standing there with cash). So after reading I quickly found i did a very bad thing with the Dot 3 and should be brake oil. I sucked the dot 3 out of the master the next day but the brakes had been already pumped multiple times (never did end up building any pressure). Messing with the brakes i found a popped brake line. I dont know if it was popped prior or if it popped while pumping the brakes this second go around. I have never been so happy to find a broken brake line and thought there might be a chance i don't have to get into the axle / brakes.

I installed two new brake lines and pulled the bleeder. The brakes now work excellent. Its been a few days and the fluid has stayed full in the brake reservoir. But i cant sleep knowing I'm sure some Dot 3 got in and is still in there.

Both manuals say to change the brake oil every two years BUT it does not tell you how? How the heck do i get the oil out of the brakes? I pulled the top big plug where the bleeder and lines go into on the axle thinking i could suck it out. That did not appear to be an option because it goes to two smaller holes with O-rings. I even had a skinny straw that fit but only went in maybe a 1/2 inch if that.

How screwed do you think i am?
How do you change the brake oil?

Thanks in advice for any advise.

 

[NH575E]

Just bleed it like you would any brake system. The bleeders are on top of the axle on both sides where the lines go in.

 

[Jake615615]

I did do that but how do you get it out of the brake piston area /chamber? With the bleeder on top and open it will not get any of the fluid out south of the bleeder?

 

[Swetz]

If it were me, I would bleed it again in a week. I figure the DOT is mostly out but as a precaution Bleed it. Time will tell if you got it all.

 

[Jake615615]

Thanks guys.
I agree either way it's better than nothing bleeding it a few times. I know north of the axle has no dot 3 becuse I changed both lines and the master was empty. So this manual says to change the fluid but you have to crack into the dif to do so? Probably why the manual says to change it but does not tell ya how.

Maybe dot 3 floats on "brake oil"? Seems thinner. Fingers crossed.

FYI
Taking that plug out of the top did show the setup. Looks like you can see the area where the diff fluid goes and the brake oil o-rings. Makes me think hearing a lot of people say if brake oil disappears into the diff the brake piston seals must be bad. But.... looks like this is one more spot to check if brake oil is leaking into the diff. The two small o rings that separate the brake oil from leaking (into the diff fluid). I'm very new here and to the machine but maybe noting this it will help someone else one day.

 

[Jake615615]

I guess no other way to drain the brake oil? Anyone?

 

[cosmaar1]

I guess no other way to drain the brake oil? Anyone?

Bleed bleed bleed. Unless you have a leak in the rear end it shouldn’t be anywhere other than the braking system.

https://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/threads/555e-bleeding-new-master-cylinders.89295/

 

[NH575E]

I guess no other way to drain the brake oil? Anyone?

You could put a drop of brake oil in with a drop of DOT3 in a clear glass tube and see if one floats to the top. I doubt if either will damage the rubber since both would normally interact with rubber.

 

[Jake615615]

That's not a bad idea for possibility for peace of mind! So far so good as of now. But how long I have to worry is anyone's guess. Blows my mind there is no drain hole and the manual says to change it. If I knew exactly where to drill and tap I would but I'm not willing to take that gamble. Maybe if it was already apart.

 

[NH575E]

That's a good thought on the o-rings as a possible leaking point. I may pull mine out and replace those to see if mine will bleed out . My tractor has never had brakes. It was 5 gallons over filled when I got it from the previous owner pouring brake oil in it.

 

[Jake615615]

I would. I saw posts from some time ago (might have been you). Was actually thinking of that post when I mentioned worth checking.

 

[bajanrover]

I've seen guys damage the brake piston seals on JCB 3CX, only designed to work with mineral oil,

Dot3 or 4 will damage the seals. not sure if this also applies to the 555E

as previously mentioned, bleed it multiple times, should be fine.