John Deere 570A Lubrication System Challenges and Field Solutions

[MikePhua]

The 570A and John Deere’s Grader Legacy
John Deere introduced the 570A motor grader in the 1970s as part of its push into mid-size road maintenance and site grading equipment. Built with a mechanical transmission, open-center hydraulics, and a naturally aspirated diesel engine, the 570A was designed for simplicity, durability, and ease of repair. With an operating weight around 14,000 pounds and a moldboard reach of over 12 feet, it became a staple in municipal fleets and rural road crews across North America.
Though production ended decades ago, many 570As remain in service today, especially in regions where mechanical reliability is valued over electronic sophistication. However, lubrication system issues—particularly in the transmission and differential—have become increasingly common as these machines age.
Terminology Notes

• Lube Pump: A gear-driven pump that circulates oil through the transmission and differential to reduce friction and carry away heat.
  
• Sight Glass: A transparent window used to visually confirm fluid levels or flow in a system.
  
• Transmission Case Pressure: The internal pressure within the gearbox housing, which affects oil flow and seal integrity.
  

Symptoms of Lubrication Failure
Operators may encounter several warning signs:

• Transmission overheating during extended grading
  
• Difficulty shifting gears or delayed engagement
  
• Unusual whining or grinding noises from the rear end
  
• Visible oil leaks around the differential housing
  
• No oil movement visible in the sight glass during operation
  

In one case, a road crew in Saskatchewan reported that their 570A lost forward motion after a long haul. Inspection revealed that the lube pump had failed, starving the transmission of oil and causing clutch pack damage.
Root Causes and Diagnostic Pathways
Lubrication issues in the 570A typically stem from:

• Lube Pump Wear or Failure
  • Gear teeth erosion or shaft misalignment can reduce flow
    
  • Pump may spin but fail to generate pressure
    
• Clogged Pickup Screen or Filter
  • Debris or sludge restricts oil intake
    
  • Starves pump and causes cavitation
    
• Internal Leaks or Cracked Lines
  • Oil bypasses critical components and returns prematurely
    
  • Reduces cooling and lubrication effectiveness
    
• Transmission Case Pressure Imbalance
  

• Worn seals or vent blockages alter pressure dynamics
  
• Can cause oil foaming or blow-by
  

To diagnose:

• Remove and inspect the lube pump for gear wear and shaft play
  
• Check oil pickup screen for blockage or damage
  
• Use a pressure gauge to test lube circuit under load
  
• Inspect sight glass during operation for oil movement
  
• Drain and inspect oil for metal particles or discoloration
  

A technician in Georgia resolved a no-lube issue by replacing a collapsed pickup screen and flushing the transmission case. The machine had over 9,000 hours and had missed two scheduled oil changes.
Repair Procedure and Component Recommendations
To restore proper lubrication:

• Drain transmission and differential oil completely
  
• Remove lube pump and inspect gear teeth, shaft, and housing
  
• Replace pump if worn or damaged—OEM or high-quality aftermarket
  
• Clean or replace pickup screen and inline filters
  
• Flush oil passages with low-pressure solvent
  
• Refill with correct grade oil (typically SAE 30 or 10W-30 non-detergent)
  
• Test system under load and confirm oil movement in sight glass
  

Recommended components:

• John Deere OEM lube pump or equivalent aftermarket unit
  
• Magnetic drain plug to capture wear particles
  
• Sight glass with flow indicator for visual confirmation
  
• Inline pressure gauge for real-time monitoring
  

Preventive Maintenance and Long-Term Solutions
To prevent future lubrication failures:

• Change transmission and differential oil every 500 hours
  
• Inspect lube pump and pickup screen annually
  
• Monitor oil temperature and pressure during long grading sessions
  
• Use high-quality oil with anti-wear additives
  
• Install external oil cooler if operating in hot climates or under heavy load
  

Some operators retrofit their 570As with upgraded lube pumps and external filters to improve flow and serviceability. Others add oil sampling ports for regular analysis and early detection of wear.
Real-World Anecdotes and Lessons Learned
A county crew in Montana shared how their 570A began slipping in third gear during snow removal. After replacing the lube pump and flushing the system, they discovered the old oil had turned acidic, damaging seals and bearings. They now test oil pH quarterly and use synthetic blends for better thermal stability.
In another case, a grading contractor in Texas installed a sight glass with a flow spinner to monitor oil movement. When the spinner stopped mid-shift, they shut down immediately and avoided a costly rebuild. The issue was traced to a cracked pickup tube that allowed air into the system.
Recommendations for Fleet Managers and Technicians

• Maintain a lube system service log with pump inspections, oil changes, and pressure readings
  
• Train operators to recognize early signs of lubrication failure
  
• Stock spare pumps, screens, and seals for field repairs
  
• Partner with John Deere dealers for updated service bulletins and retrofit kits
  
• Consider installing diagnostic ports and sensors for real-time monitoring
  

For high-hour machines, consider proactive pump replacement during major service intervals to avoid catastrophic failure.
Conclusion
Lubrication system integrity in the John Deere 570A is essential to its continued performance and longevity. As these machines age, attention to oil flow, pump condition, and pressure dynamics becomes critical. Whether grading gravel roads or shaping drainage ditches, a well-lubricated transmission keeps the machine moving smoothly. In the rhythm of roadwork, lubrication is the silent force that protects, cools, and sustains.