3720 front axle leak

[KennedyDiesel]

Got done in the woods today and loaded up on the trailer. I have oil running out on the outside of the wheel. Couldn't really see where it is coming from, but I assume it's the hub seal and it's running down the back side of the rim then flowing through the slot. I seem to recall some talk of this happening to some of their 3000-20's some time back.

For those who have had this happen is there a CR seal part number or Deere only? Realtively simple job?

 

[Pack Rat]

Replaced the left front seal on my 3320 about a month ago. Fairly easy fix, I bought the seal from my local dealer and replaced the bearings that I purchased from my local bearing distributor. Seems to have solved the problem, I've put about 30 hours with no sign of leakage. Good luck, Where in Wisc ? I graduated from hs in Hayward, only lived there for my senior year.

 

[jsboening]

I've had both mine done at th dealer under warranty. I have a feeling this is going to be an issue with this tractor.

 

[TCowner]

I had both done on my 4720 last fall. My dealer tells me he has done several.

 

[jsboening]

I was told dirt gets in there and distroys the seal. Great, I can't use my tractor in the dirt.:thumbsup:

 

[jimgerken]

My 3720 did it the first week it was delivered (left front axle leaked). It took me months to get it back to the dealer for warrantee service because I was so busy using it everyday, so I kept refilling. It went thru five quarts of oil in a few months. I spoke with the service tech, he told me he replaced the seal and found there was something machined slightly wrong, which he corrected. I couldnt get any more detail than that description. It hasn't leaked now in months and a hundred hours. The other side has never leaked.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

I'm well across 500hrs and have been in a LOT of crap with it. Based on what I have read here I was surprised it went this long. Looks like I'll have to order thru the dealer but I'll try to get a seal part number off the original or the replacement when I get it in hand. I don't have the luxury of being able to take it down and wait for parts as I use it to unload the occasional freight shipment plus I have a feeling we'll get hammered with a big wet snow fall on top of our soft ground as the frost leaves. This winter was far too easy on us and it's going to be in like a lamb out like a lion this year...

 

[jsboening]

Let us know how it goes. I will be doing my own after my warranty is up.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

Looking at the parts drawing I'm assuming this is the first seal at the hub that fails and not one of the knuckle seals?

Looks like a guy has to remove the housing and release the stub axle from inside via snap ring.

 

[jsboening]

I believe mine were the Knuckle seals.

 

[jdgreg]

My 4210 has about 800 hrs, and had to replace the right front last year. I pulled it apart and had to take it to the dealer as I couldnt get the gears apart to get to the seal. You may run into the same problem.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

Parts description says w/instructions so we'll see what it says.

 

[jdgreg]

I remember when my parts guy was looking the seal kit up, he mentioned there were different types of bearings for various models. Some needed to be reshimmed after pulling apart, some didnt. Thankfully mine didnt. This may or may not affect you, but thought I would throw it out there, and something to look for.

 

[dfkrug]

My 4210 has about 800 hrs, and had to replace the right front last year. I pulled it apart and had to take it to the dealer as I couldnt get the gears apart to get to the seal. You may run into the same problem.

Yeah, the kingpin requires a special tool to take apart. I documented my
replacement of both seals, starting at post #120 of my 4300 rebuild thread.
The hub seal was easy; the kingpin seal was tough.

There are numerous iterations of the front axle, starting with the 4x00s, and
on to the present 3x20s. All seem to be made by Spicer....this photo is
from a 3120. The casting looks very similar to the one on my 4300.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

Got my seal from Deere and it came in a Spicer box.

Part # S20HH126

Old seal was double lipped with the extra rubber dust lip that rides the rear face of the hub.

New seal is quite different. It did not dawn on me that the seal is a 2 piece unit and I probably have it in backwards, but it's together now and I don't intend to do anything unless it leaks again. This was one of those Duh moments. I'll have a spare on hand ready to go...


FYI I had to press out the stub shaft and press it back in. I managed to do so with my air hammer.

 

[jsboening]

I'm glad to hear they've changed the seal. I had my second or third seal replaced last December I believe. I didn't ask if it was a new seal design. Hopefully it was. Knock on wood. Thanks for the update. It's appreciated.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

So the nagging got the better of me and I pulled it apart. It was right. I hope it does not leak now, but probably will.

Dealer put teh seal in a padded mailer bag. I reached in grabbed it out and went to town. Later found out that there was a destruction sheet in the bag...

 

[KennedyDiesel]

Well here we are again in spring needing to change a seal. Thankfully this is the opposite side this time. I called the local parts house to ask about this seal number, but it was a no-go on the computer cross. They are looking into it, but my guess is that it is a Deere only thing.

 

[TomShay]

Looking at the parts drawing I'm assuming this is the first seal at the hub that fails and not one of the knuckle seals?

Looks like a guy has to remove the housing and release the stub axle from inside via snap ring.

I've got the same problem. Where do I find a parts drawing or a service manual so I can see that this takes to get a part. Thanks in advance.