4600 mfwd front knuckle lek

[10backacres]

I have a leak from the seal between the front axle housing and the knuckle on a 1999 mfwd 4600. Anyone replaced this seal? Looking at the Deere technical manual instructions it appears it's a major overhaul. I'll probably keep topping it off until the winter because I've heard stories of tractors locally in the shop all season before they're fixed. When I priced the seals the local dealer had 1 in stock. Has anyone else had these seals leak.
Thanks

 

[beenthere]

There have been several threads on the front axle seals over the years. Don't recall them being anything "major".
A pic of the leak location will help confirm what you refer too.

Note that when the axle oil warms up, the expansion pressure will push oil out the seals. For that reason, I leave the dip-stick plug loose and has helped considerably.

 

[Zebrafive]

I worked at a YMCA camp that had a JD 4310. It had front axle seal leaks. They had the dealer repair it (did not trust us volunteers). The dealer told the camp it was red round bale twine that got into the seals. We were instructed all twine had to be removed and discard before the bale was place in the feeder for the horses. Or even went into the pasture enclosure.

 

[10backacres]

Front axle isn't overfilled but since it sat out 2 days in warm weather the leak on the concrete was larger than in machine shed. Yeah could be thermal expansion making it appear more severe I'l try leaving the dipstick a little loose, sure would not want any dirt in the axle though

 

[waycoolmarine]

its an easy fix there is all kinds of threads on it - or go to deere parts break down - I have done probably 30 of them your 1st one should take you about 2.5-3 hours I take the whole knuckle off and turn it over to see the spanner nut and lock . only special tools needed is a pickle fork to pop tie rod off , and also replace the bottom plug and I replace the allen plugs in the bottom case they are usually bad also I fill with 80/90 weight its thicker than hygaurd

 

[Zebrafive]

its an easy fix there is all kinds of threads on it - or go to deere parts break down - I have done probably 30 of them your 1st one should take you about 2.5-3 hours I take the whole knuckle off and turn it over to see the spanner nut and lock . only special tools needed is a pickle fork to pop tie rod off , and also replace the bottom plug and I replace the allen plugs in the bottom case they are usually bad also I fill with 80/90 weight its thicker than hygaurd

Special tool for bottom spanner nut? Does it have a torque spec for reassembly?

 

[beenthere]

Looked up the components for the mfwd final drive.. of which, I think, is being discussed.

 

[waycoolmarine]

if you take the knuckle and turn it over ,you can use a chisel or needle nose pliers -

 

[ktm250rider]

I made a special tool with a piece of plate steel. Just make a relief cut to fit the two slots. Wear safety glasses when pulling out the snap rings. I took one right in the eye. Corina abrasion. Took 3 years to fully heal.

 

[ktm250rider]

The first one I did with pliers and screwdriver. It ended up leaking again. I didnt use any torque setting on install. Just tightened to what "felt" right. Been good 4 years now.