CK30 axle seal leak

twigpig · Jul 13, 2007

When I bought my CK30 with about 350 hours on it the front axle was really low on gear oil. I didn't think much of it since any oil I saw I attributed to the leaking oil cooler. Today I somehow stripped the tie rod end nut off of the threaded bolt on part and the tie rod popped off. I am ordering replacement tie rod ends tomorrow. While I was down there I noticed that the front axle is leaking. It looks like it is most likely coming from where the left axle swivels for turning. The site glass is showing that the gear oil is low again. The tractor has about 390 hours on it now. Has anybody else had problems with this seal? How hard is it to pull the hub part off to change the seal? Would I need any special tools? I changed the front bearings on my Case 580C but that was not four wheal drive. I do not have a trailer. I also do not have a shop manual for this tractor. I was advised they are not much help. I will not take the tractor back to the dealer that the previous owner bought it from.

Trac-Tech · Jul 14, 2007

Hi Twigpig
I work in the tractor industry in Australia and was reading your plight. I have a lot of experience with Daedong (Kioti) tractors and this is not a very common problem at all. In fact the CK30 is one of the best models they produce in my opinion. If you are mechanically minded enough, you should be able to fix it yourself. The other option you have is to remove the kingpin housing where it bolts on to the main axle beam and take it to the dealer for them to repair. As stated by someone else, they do not have the best manuals in the world, but they are trying very hard and they are getting better with every new model release. Just one thing, if the tractor is still covered by warranty, you should speak with the selling dealer before you do anything as this may void your warranty and you don't need the hassle of that. If I can be of any help, please let me know and I will assist where I can.
Good Luck and Kind Regards
Trac-Tech

twigpig · Jul 15, 2007

Thanks Trac-Tech. I am not expecting anything out of the selling dealer. They wanted me to haul the tractor over 100 miles one way to check the oil cooler leak which was under warranty. I don't have a trailer and my 89 Ford Ranger would have a tough time with it if I did. I replaced the oil cooler which was pretty easy. Without a tractor manual I am kind of blind on how that stearing joint is held together and how hard it is going to be to get it apart so I can change the seal. I am waiting for a reply to an email I sent for parts. It was late Friday and the owner was out probably delivering a tractor. Do you think I should get the shop manual? I had a shop manual that came with the Case 580C. They are really expensive but in the long run are worth it. I always get a Chiltons, Haynes or Clymer for any vehicles I have. Unfortuneatly, they don't make em for tractors.

VictorW · Jul 15, 2007

I have a shop manual for my CK30 and looked at the front axle section. It's nothing like the Chilton or Clymer manuals that I have for vehicles or my motorcycle. There are a few assembly diagrams and very limited instructions. If you are mechanically inclined, then it might be just the help you need. If I can help you with what's in the manual, let me know. I haven't had to replace my seal, so I can't give you any personal experience information.
Vic

twigpig · Jul 17, 2007

I'm going to go ahead and get the shop manual. $70. ouch. It's a lot cheaper than the case manual or JD's though.

DK35vince · Jul 17, 2007

If you get the shop manual, I recommend also getting the parts manual.
The shop manual gives you some information, and the parts manual gives you a good breakdown picture of the parts.
They are more helpfull if you combine the 2 manuals.

Trac-Tech · Jul 19, 2007

Hi Twigpig
Sorry for this belated reply, but I have been traveling and have just gotten home tonight. The last comment of using both the workshop manual and the parts manual is a good call, especially since you are have not been inside the axle before. I also understand the call of not carting the tractor all that way? I have tried attaching a page from the manual for you, but I cant seem to get it too work. I'm not too computer literate so sorry for that. But once you get started, let me know if there is any specs or info you need and I will help where I can.
Best of luck.