Front wheel bearings failed L5740

[rScotty]

What a good thread. Thanks to all for such good discussion.

But now it has me wondering about the bearings on our M59. Just how similar are the L and M series front axles?
The M59 and other M series are all quite a bit heavier tractors with a larger loader. So I assume the front axle is heavier as well.

I don't recall any threads about M series front axle failures. Is that because Is the design different, or because the component parts are larger... or...what?
rScotty

 

[Greenfield Dave]

I have replaced 2 bearings on my L4400 in 600 hrs. Same side.. Looks almost identical to your bearings. I did alot of heavy loader work in the past, and assume that caused it. In my service manual the retainer ring is 2 pieces I think.

 

[ptsg]

It's very clear that the ball bearings are not up to the task, even though most manufacturers insist on using them on the front axles.

I was wondering if anyone has ever tried to replace the original ball bearings with tapered roller bearings?

I was checking the ones on my tractor and I can easily find tapered roller bearings with the same OD, ID and width of the original ball bearings, so it should work fine. The shimming process may be a somewhat painful task, but using tapered roller bearings on the front axle would be pretty much a life time fix or thereabouts.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I have not considered trying to find more heavy duty bearings. I will see if I can find the size and dimensions of the original bearings and see what I can find.

 

[Smokeydog]

Have definitely used and abused the front axles on B20, B26, M5030DT and M59 without bearing problems. After 25 years and nearly 4000 hours the hub seals on M5030 were replaced.

Installed a Kubota soft ride option on the M59 FEL. Greatly decrease the shock loading on the tractor when carrying loads should help with pin and bearing stress.

Taper roller bearings are usually installed pairs and are generally higher capacity.

On my airstream trailer the wheel bearings are marked hi-cap. Timken bearings cost a few $$ more than regular trailer bearings. A good bearing shop like motion industries should be able to give options for a bearing size. Best to let them see and measure your old bearing.

See folks talking of bearing failure 500-600 hours. Recommended oil change with gear oil option every 400 hours. Is there a correlation? It takes me days to get the correct amount of new oil in these newer tractors front axles.

 

[Greenfield Dave]

It's very clear that the ball bearings are not up to the task, even though most manufacturers insist on using them on the front axles.

I was wondering if anyone has ever tried to replace the original ball bearings with tapered roller bearings?

I was checking the ones on my tractor and I can easily find tapered roller bearings with the same OD, ID and width of the original ball bearings, so it should work fine. The shimming process may be a somewhat painful task, but using tapered roller bearings on the front axle would be pretty much a life time fix or thereabouts.

The bearings that are failing are tapered roller bearings.

 

[ptsg]

The bearings that are failing are tapered roller bearings.

The pictures from the OP, clearly show a common deep groove ball bearing. Post #3 from another poster also shows ball bearings and further on the thread, someone even posts the numbers of the bearing, which again, are just deep groove ball bearings.

 

[sd455dan]

The pictures from the OP, clearly show a common deep groove ball bearing. Post #3 from another poster also shows ball bearings and further on the thread, someone even posts the numbers of the bearing, which again, are just deep groove ball bearings

After seeing the carnage loose "ball bearings" can do to the outer ring gear and vertical shaft pinion gear teeth on some of these front axle failures on TBN- have to wonder if the damage would be as bad using roller bearings instead.

It also seems that improved cage design / strength could actually make a positive difference on reducing these ball bearing failures...

 

[Greenfield Dave]

The pictures from the OP, clearly show a common deep groove ball bearing. Post #3 from another poster also shows ball bearings and further on the thread, someone even posts the numbers of the bearing, which again, are just deep groove ball bearings.

You are correct Sir, my mistake..

 

[exacrew]

just to make an update on this post from at least 1 years ago, yes, there is some more reliable bearing that can go in i use a 7-12 foot extendable push/pull snow bucket during winter and a hay ball clamps that weight 390kg during summer and tractor is at 4100h right now. nothing last longer then this one so far

 

[exacrew]

heres the part number from SKF, and the direction they must face, because they have a direction otherwise you will destroy them in 10 feet lol look how the normal bearing one fail ! been there, done that a couple time before i switched to roller

 

[ptsg]

heres the part number from SKF, and the direction they must face, because they have a direction otherwise you will destroy them in 10 feet lol look how the normal bearing one fail ! been there, done that a couple time before i switched to roller

Let us know how those work and last. Those bearings are meant for really high radial loads but not so much axial loads even though it will still handle those axial loads a little bit. Time and use will tell if it's a good alternative though.

 

[jonsstihl]

I am not familiar with the particular set up but usually tapered rollers are held in place by a nut and the nut is tightened or loosened to adjust the preload. if the stock ball bearings are held in by snap rings how are you adjusting preload and what keeps the load from trashing the snap ring and letting the two halves separate. maybe the orientation you mentions is what keeps them together by using the housings instead of the snap rings.

Any tips for shimming to the right backlash

I agree the design is crappy but I think I would rather replace a couple bearings than having to replace expensive housings if the bearings eat up the contact faces.

how many hours do you have on the new configuration?

 

[exacrew]

tractor is a bit over 4100hours right now, been running them since a couple years, so more then 900hours, i do around 300h by winter of plowing and snowblowing, and around 100 during summer with hay transport. so far so good no play or leaking seal since i done it. i was doing other type or bearing every years so i dont break down during winter because they lasted around 300-400h max, i think its my plow setup that is a bit heavy that wear the original bearing like crazy. but trust me, if you dont follow the direction of the bearing, it will shatter down in a minutes.

those one also cost 2 to 3x original bearing

 

[Complete Turf Care]

Well.....I changed the right front bearings again today. This time, it had not completely failed, but I thought it was getting close.

A few days ago I raised the front wheels and the right side was a bit loose, so I ordered bearings and seals for one side. When we removed everything, it was all still intact, but the inner bearing was a bit worn.

The tractor now has 2146 hours. This is the 4th time I change wheel bearings on it.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I’ve seen what people do with CUTs… materials are probably less the issue, than is the operator in many cases

 

[amhicks21]

I’ve seen what people do with CUTs… materials are probably less the issue, than is the operator in many cases

Ive had to do front axle bearings on a l3400, b2920 twice, l3540, and 2 l6060's. all of which I personally ran and maintained over the past 18 years. The use of ball bearings makes them very susceptible to failure from any amount of prolonged side loading or any contaminants in the axle whatsoever. I've become very careful but its still just a matter of time if you aren't operating on smooth level ground.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

It happened again, but this time it was on one of my L6060’s. We were using it to load and lay sod. I knew what we were doing was too heavy, but it was not a situation where we could use the skid steer.

 

[ttowne66]

It happened again, but this time it was on one of my L6060’s. We were using it to load and lay sod. I knew what we were doing was too heavy, but it was not a situation where we could use the skid steer.

I've had bearing failure 2 times over the last 15 years. No issues in the last several years. However, I haven't used the loader nearly as hard as I did in the first 10 years. It does seem like this could be designed better.

 

[rScotty]

I've had bearing failure 2 times over the last 15 years. No issues in the last several years. However, I haven't used the loader nearly as hard as I did in the first 10 years. It does seem like this could be designed better.

Outboard bearings and seals are the downside to that double bevel gear drive style of front axle. I wish they offered a true industrial rated front axle like the full size machines have.
I guess you could always set the relief valve down for the loader. Temptation Reduction.