4330 leaking front axle

[nctacoma]

Hello,

I have a Kubota L4330 HST with about 365 hours on it. Over the winter I noticed the front right axle(while sitting on the tractor) was leaking
Now that the snow has melted I crawled under the tractor to take a picture so that I could get some help figuring out what I needed to do to fix this. I noticed that the left side is now leaking a little bit as well. So this is something I want to fix.

Here is a picture of the left side. The right side has more fluid leaking onto the can looking thing near the wheel.

So can anyone help me out? The tractor is primarily used for plowing snow in the winter and pulling firewood, brush hogging and loader work in the summer.

Hopefully this picture attachment works. Thanks for your help.

 

[PapaPerk]

Looks like the seal is leaking where the front wheel steers.

My 3830 had same problem. I took it to dealer and they installed a new seal. Problem solved. Only my left side had leaked... Right side never had issues. My tractor has 720 hours on it.

I wouldn't recommend repairing this yourself. I do everything myself on the tractor but I think this repair is best left for the tractor techs.

 

[Deano]

Did mine myself. Both took me about 2 hours total. if i did it again, it would be less time.

 

[nctacoma]

Did mine myself. Both took me about 2 hours total. if i did it again, it would be less time.

Thank you both for your reply. Do you know what the seal is called? Any special tools needed to do the repair myself or anything I should know in advance?

 

[rbargeron]

Have a look through this thread for a diagram and description of the parts and how to replace them. Many TBNers install their own, but others rely on dealer service people. It's good to clean the area well before taking it apart.

 

[Deano]

I am not home right now, but in a few days if you need more info, I can get it to you. Just PM me if you need more info after this weekend.

 

[nctacoma]

Thanks for the links and tips.
I stopped by one of the dealers in the area to see if they had the parts instock. They printed out the parts diagrams and recommended that I do a tear down so that I can see if I need any bearings or any other parts and then come in to order the parts they didn't have instock. They were very helpful. They mentioned some of their technicians do this repair with the axles on the tractor and some people take them
Off and do the work on a bench. So now I just need to find the time to tear it apart.

 

[dstig1]

Well if you are going to tear it apart and wait for parts, I'd do it on the bench. Much easier, and you can probably get everything cleaned up like new. I bet it's not too bad to do, just time consuming.

 

[nctacoma]

Well I finally got around to starting to think about doing this repair and got stuck as soon as I took off the tire.
It looks like I need to take off the part that turns the wheel and is connected to the steering assembly(possibly tie rod end. It is held in place by one nut that had a cotter pin through it. Do I need to use a pickle fork or something to remove this? I tried loosening the nut and then tapping up on it with a hammer but this did not help. Would a pickle fork or some sort of press work for removing this part so that I can get the whole assembly off and up on the workbench. View attachment 330742

Any advice would be appreciated. The seal that is leaking on both sides is right behind this "tie rod end" so I would like to get the whole assembly off and work on it on the workbench. Thanks

 

[sscrob]

I just take the nut off and wack the knuckle where the tie rod goes through it. The shock will loosen it.

 

[dstig1]

Just don't beat it too hard or you will damage threads and such and the nut won't go back on. Yes a pickle fork is another route. Many parts stores loan tools like this for tree. Just put the nut back on a little bit so when it pops free it doesn't go flying and damage threads or you. If you have or rent/loan an air hammer that can help with a pickle fork roo, as they make air hammer attachments for them.

Good luck

 

[repete]

When you take the castle nut loose on the tie rod end turn it over and thread it back onto the tie rod stud. Do not tighten it but thread it on far enough to just barely not expose the thread. Hit the NUT with a hammer. This will most likely pop it loose and protect the threads. A pickle fork will most likely ruin the rubber seal so I would avoid that tool if at all possible.

 

[nctacoma]

ok, thanks for the help on the previous issue. Got off the tie rod end and got the whole steering assembly off the tractor and onto the workbench.
I pried off the bottom cap and took out the snap ring and washer below the lower bearing. Now I can not get the lower bearing out of the steering assembly. I got the inner bearing out now problem. It just popped out after taking out the snap ring and washer.

Any advice on how to get this out? I tried prying it out with two screwdrivers as recommended in another thread. I also tried hitting the lip where it comes to a stop with some emery cloth. It slides up and down very easily, just the last 1/8" before the bottom of the assembly it seems to get stopped. I might have to pick up a bearing puller/slide hammer assembly.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks

 

[rbargeron]

With the drive flange and cover taken off (6 bolts + 2 nuts) you can use a prybar through the hole to push the gear down, pushing the bearing out. Use a rag so the prybar doesn't scratch the gear.

The lip probably just has paint on it - a file or scraper would work better.

 

[nctacoma]

The fun continues,
I got the lower bearing out, took off the drive flange,
Took out the snap ring about half way up, took out the axle and upper gear.

Now I am trying to get the upper and lower halves separated so that I can replace the "A" seal.

Any tips on getting those two separated? I have gotten them apart by about 1/8" so far with some pretty hard banging. Am I missing something?

I really appreciate the help so far.