4020R Front Axle leak

Ron50 · Mar 2, 2017

I have a 2012 4020R that has developed a leak at the front axle rear pivot connection. I was told that this seal uses O rings for the seal by a mechanic where I bought the tractor. Has anyone else had this problem, or be able to shed some more light on this for me?
I bought the tractor while living in Oregon and have recently moved to Arizona which makes taking it to my full service dealer a bit difficult.
Thanks, Ron

Texasmark · Mar 2, 2017

The Plainview, TX. Branson facility is where I get my questions answered and order my parts. Talk to Buster, owner, chief mechanic, knowledgeable guy. I am in the house and his phone number is out in the shop. If I think about it tomorrow I'll look it up for you or just Google Branson Tractors, Plainview, TX. and go from there.

Ron50 · Mar 2, 2017

Thanks for the tip. I picked up a backhoe there last year.

rasorbackq · Mar 9, 2017

I had the same issue or so I thought.
A $75 seal and it still leaked.
Here is what I found.

After a welder tried to repair it it just got worse

Then I had to spend $600 on the new one.
This new one was easily 5 lbs heavier then the original.
I wonder why that was????

Ron50 · Mar 9, 2017

Thanks for the information. That is what I was planning to look for. It didn't start to leak, it just started leaking which makes me think that I might have a crack somewhere. I hope to get to looking at it soon. I just wrapped an old towel around it for now.

rasorbackq · Mar 9, 2017

The unit comes apart easy enough . Its just the fluid that you will lose . If you can park it on a hill and jack it up then less fluid will be lost.

Ron50 · Mar 9, 2017

razorbackq
Just to be clear, my leak is at the center driveline pivot location. Not sure from your pictures if that was your problem, or was your problem at the outside wheel location like others have had?

rasorbackq · Mar 9, 2017

All could really tell was the dust was sticking to the hub all over. Makes the most sense it would be the seal

Texasmark · Mar 9, 2017

I observed my recent problem by oil leaking from around where the wheel hub and the non turning mating flange mate. The oil collected on the inside of my wheel rim...the rim to which the tire is mounted. It started leaking and I watched it and as time went by the hub that the wheel bolts to started separating from the non rotating axle flange. After it had moved about ¼" I figured I'd better investigate.

When I abused my machine....driving too fast on very rough terrain with the front end (and loader) bouncing up and down, I broke some of the balls in the large diameter outer ball bearing ring. The pieces of bearing started eating up the seals and races and all....just a mess. Upon checking the other side the same thing was starting to happen, I just got it before it got really messy. Total parts were $640 for both sides, including shipping, with most (the ones I needed within a few days). The large diameter O ring which I ordered but didn't need had to come from Korea and I had things all buttoned up and running before it arrived. Considering what parts I replaced, nothing outrageous about the cost.

The Coup d' grace was that Buster said that I should use 85w-140 in that gearbox, not premium multifunction oil that goes in the main sump that's listed in my 2007 owner's manual. I totally agreed with him on that and looking at my 2400 that recommends 80w-90 in it's little gearbox it seems that the designers have figured that front ends with loaders and 4wd need some better protection.