BX Front Axle Leak

[AceDeuce]

Hey folks... anyone else had this problem? I have a pesky leak at the front axle pivot pin. Replaced the o-rings and keepers where the pin penetrates the axle housing but couldn't figure out how to get the old bushings out. The leak is better now but not totally fixed. I mic'd the pin while I had it out and found it to be within a few thousands of stock diameter over the wear areas so I don't think it needs to be replaced. The only other place for wear are the bushings. They appear to be pressed in but there is a landing inside the axle housing that prevents them from being pushed out or through. Do they have to be drilled out? I seriously hope not. Can they be pulled out somehow? What about slightly fatter o-rings? Any ideas would be a big help! Thanks.

 

[oldnslo]

I have read about a few others leaking. Sorry can't help you on the bushing removal but I am going to attach an exploded view of the axle assembly.

Dumb question but did you double check the torque on the pivot bolt?

Roy

 

[Volfandt]

You may have missed this reply @ post #7.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/163401-front-axle-pivot-leak.html

Good luck
Dave

 

[AceDeuce]

I did miss that reply, thanks. I guess the bushings will come out, although be it kicking and screaming.

 

[jimmer2880]

Just noticed one of mine is leaking as well.

Is this something that, if one side is leaking, I should go ahead and do both sides? If I remember correctly, I have somewhere around 400 hours on my 1830.

 

[jimmer2880]

Just noticed one of mine is leaking as well.

Is this something that, if one side is leaking, I should go ahead and do both sides? If I remember correctly, I have somewhere around 400 hours on my 1830.

oops - Wrong leak. Mine is on the left, front hub assembly, not the center pivot pin.

 

[Molerj]

This is what I posted a while back. The thread is here http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/177471-bx-1500-front-axle-leak.html

I just finished the repair job. I replaced all the parts that bw12 did. I don't know how you did the repair with out taking the axle completely out. If just replacing the o-rings & back up rings, then removing the center bolt & dropping the axle down 6 inches or so would be easy. But to replace the bushings is a different story. I really don't think that the bushings or the bolt needed replaced, but I had the parts bought, so I went ahead and replaced them. The bushings, for others that have never done this, are pressed in against a lip, so that there is no edge to drive them out. I used a small chisel & cut a groove thru the bushing then kind of peeled them out. I couldn't have done this if I didn't take the axle out. That is really no big job. Just remove the power steering cylinder & the tie rod ends.

 

[SPYDERLK]

The 1500 has been leaking there as well since about 400hrs. I snugged up the pivot pin to spec and that helped a little. I just let it leak and pour in old UTF change fluid occasionally. Its been low a lot but we keep the situation in mind and use 4wd only briefly when needed. And in the case of planned prolonged use we make a point to refill beforehand. The drive still operates perfectly at 1500hrs. A need to replace parts every 400 hrs is not acceptable.
larry

 

[oldnslo]

Would using 90W gear lube slow the leak down VS UDT? I believe the manual states either lube is acceptable?

Roy

 

[SPYDERLK]

Yeah, but gear oil still leaks out and I have gallons of used UDT.
larry

 

[AceDeuce]

I just finished the repair job. I replaced all the parts that bw12 did. I don't know how you did the repair with out taking the axle completely out. If just replacing the o-rings & back up rings, then removing the center bolt & dropping the axle down 6 inches or so would be easy. But to replace the bushings is a different story.

That is exactly what I did. Just dropped the axle down far enough to get the pin out. When I discovered that I couldn't drive the bushings out I decided to just replace the o-rings and button everything up---live to fight again another day. I wasn't prepared to perform major surgery when I tore into it. Next time I will set aside more time and make good use of everyone's great advice.

 

[harpoonalt]

Mine leaked too. The dealer fixed it once with an "adjustment" and it started leaking again after 3 months. He took it all apart and repaired it as a warranty item. It was fine after that. This occurred after 2 years and about 250 hours or so. I'd see what the dealer can do for you. Worth a shot! I know the mechanic said it was a bear to fix.

 

[SPYDERLK]

JD Cornhead Grease will solve the problem.