LS front axle seals leaking

[sw99]

2014 LS G3038

The tractor is currently at the dealer getting 4 new axle seals. The first slow leak started a couple years ago and it only got worse. A few weeks ago, I went to use the tractor and found small puddles on the inside floor area of both front tires. I always check the fluid level and keep the axle topped off. I also regularly check the breather cap to make sure it's not plugged up. Is this a frequent problem on LS models or just an infrequent occurrence?

Thanks folks!

 

[PCABE5]

What type of work do you do with your tractor and how is it configured for that task?

 

[sw99]

Small farming duties that include mowing box blade work, auger for fencing. Something is always attached to the back. Nothing crazy out of the norm. The G3038 had the frontend loader that is always on. Thanks

 

[Bluesteel]

2014 LS G3038

The tractor is currently at the dealer getting 4 new axle seals. The first slow leak started a couple years ago and it only got worse. A few weeks ago, I went to use the tractor and found small puddles on the inside floor area of both front tires. I always check the fluid level and keep the axle topped off. I also regularly check the breather cap to make sure it's not plugged up. Is this a frequent problem on LS models or just an infrequent occurrence?

Thanks folks!

I also have one front hub that is leaking. I lifted the tire off the ground and the bearing has play. I suspect the bearing failure started the leak. I've had both front hubs, bearings and seal replaced once under warranty several years ago. At the time they were both catastrophic failures happening at different times. When the weather gets better I'll load it up and take it to the dealer.

 

[sw99]

They said the bearings are good it's just the seals on mine so far.

 

[Texasmark]

Not an LS but I abused a tractor once and started the front seals leaking. I also noticed that the wheel hub assembly was moving out and away from the axle. What I had done with my abuse was to break the front wheel bearing balls and once the bearing was no longer maintaining the proper dimension, the wheel shifted and that started the leak. A $650 parts and several days of my time to fix. Since then I have had more respect for that tractor and when I am going so fast over rough terrain that i can't stay in the seat, I slow down! Haven't had any problems since.

 

[tomplum]

My LS would leak out of the breather if it was at full on the dipstick. Half way down the safe zone- no issue. It stays there indefinitely.

 

[TnAndy]

Not an LS but I abused a tractor once and started the front seals leaking. I also noticed that the wheel hub assembly was moving out and away from the axle. What I had done with my abuse was to break the front wheel bearing balls and once the bearing was no longer maintaining the proper dimension, the wheel shifted and that started the leak. A $650 parts and several days of my time to fix. Since then I have had more respect for that tractor and when I am going so fast over rough terrain that i can't stay in the seat, I slow down! Haven't had any problems since.

Same with my Yanmar after about 9 years/1900hrs. Outer bearing holder ring failed, allowing wobble to eat the seal. $100 or so, in parts and a couple hours to fix....not a huge deal. Replaced both bearings while I was in there.

 

[Diggin It]

Mine are leaking too. Trying to work out transport to the dealer. If I knew it was just the seals and only the seals, I might try to do it myself. But I'm not really sure what all it happening.

 

[TnAndy]

Well, there is one way to find out...................

 

[TnAndy]

LS parts manuals for the various models:

Blank

Page 120 on the S series......looks very similar to my Yanmar.

 

[sw99]

Not an LS but I abused a tractor once and started the front seals leaking. I also noticed that the wheel hub assembly was moving out and away from the axle. What I had done with my abuse was to break the front wheel bearing balls and once the bearing was no longer maintaining the proper dimension, the wheel shifted and that started the leak. A $650 parts and several days of my time to fix. Since then I have had more respect for that tractor and when I am going so fast over rough terrain that i can't stay in the seat, I slow down! Haven't had any problems since.

Thanks I never thought of this actually. I really don't abuse it but I have got in a hurry on my yearly mowing duties. It is possible that mowing in H-2 on occasion but mostly H-1 could have contributed to the seals leaking. I have since started using M-4 to slow things down.

 

[sw99]

LS parts manuals for the various models:

Blank

Page 120 on the S series......looks very similar to my Yanmar.

Great link for parts thanks! I just set this as a bookmark.

 

[TnAndy]

Thanks I never thought of this actually. I really don't abuse it but I have got in a hurry on my yearly mowing duties. It is possible that mowing in H-2 on occasion but mostly H-1 could have contributed to the seals leaking. I have since started using M-4 to slow things down.

About a year after I replaced the side with the failed bearing, the other side began leaking.....not to the extent the bearing failure side was, but enough to notice it down the inside of the front tire. I assumed it was another bearing failure, so I ordered the same round of parts before I took it apart.

When I got into it, the bearings looked fine (I replaced them anyway while in there), but what I did find was pictured below....it's some plastic hay string off a round bale along with a little actual grass that had wound itself around the hub REAL tight and I suspect worked it's way into the outer seal, causing it to seep.....seal didn't look bad, but of course I replaced it as well....but my suspicion is that wad was the problem !

I laid it aside for this photo and to remind me to look for it again if I get another seal failure.

Another thing about fixing things yourself.....you'd be unlikely to get that kind of feed back from a dealer....they would just clean it out, replace the seals/etc and send it out the door.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Good to know what to look for! I can see how that would create a leak around the seal!