This article initially appeared in PS 763 (Jun 16), p. 10.
The mud really flies when you’re operating your 120M road grader, operators. And a lot of that mud ends up on top of the circle drive gear case where it clogs the breather valve.
A clogged valve lets pressure build. Eventually, something has to give. Unfortunately, it’s usually the gear case seal. When the seal goes, the lube’s bound to follow.
So long circle drive!
Keep breather valve vent hole clean
You’ve gotta let that circle drive breather valve breathe! So after every operation, take a clean rag and wipe off all the mud and dirt. Then use the end of a paper clip to clean out any gunk that’s collected inside the breather’s vent hole.