Crack in brake case

[mountaindog]

I have a 2008 L3240 and when I was putting on my new Ag tires and rims I discovered a crack in the brake case housing right where the 3 point lower arm hooks in. I have considered having it ground out and welded, but then after looking up the price of the part, I might be just as well off replacing it. Looks pretty straight forward from the parts diagram. $300 for new part and I am guessing a least $150 to weld. Anyone have experience pulling one of these?

 

[LD1]

I am guessing it is out of warrenty??

 

[mountaindog]

Yes it is out of Warrenty

 

[LD1]

For $300, if you think you can do it yourself, I'd say go for it.

Because even if you decide to have it welded, they are going to want the part removed. For starters, it is out of position. Plus its cast, which requires a pre-heat and slow cool. Which is hard to do on the tractor plus it will burn the oil inside and create a bunch of chared peices floating around in there:confused2:

And then theres the fact that welded cast IMO is never as good as origional.

So since we are clear as mud, and the part needs removed, I'd pony up the $300 and replace.

 

[kcender]

For $300, if you think you can do it yourself, I'd say go for it.

Because even if you decide to have it welded, they are going to want the part removed. For starters, it is out of position. Plus its cast, which requires a pre-heat and slow cool. Which is hard to do on the tractor plus it will burn the oil inside and create a bunch of chared peices floating around in there:confused2:

And then theres the fact that welded cast IMO is never as good as origional.

So since we are clear as mud, and the part needs removed, I'd pony up the $300 and replace.

I agree.

 

[crazyal]

I'm guessing it's not too hard to replace but I would see if the dealer you buy the part from will give you a photocopy of the manual. It looks like the inner and outer halves use a sealant, may want to check but I would guess RTV or high temp RTV would work. Maybe someone here has the shop manual and can help you out further.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Replaced the brakecase on my L3130 back in October. Three point hitches are not for pushing. Saw a guy at another dealer and he had is lower arm in a perfect half circle from pushing logs into a pile with rear box blade. Got the part off a burned L series and saved some money. Talked to welder and would have to take off anyway, get the rod and he still would not guarantee it holding so replaced it.

You will have to take wheel off, fender helps but I did not, my backhoe sub frame was in the way and had to also come off, drain transmission case, remove rops or you may just do the one side, then remove axle case, brake linkage and discs and the brake case. The recommended sealant is the Triple Bond, while not cheap the parts guy uses it on other things and likes it and I thinkis better then just RTV. You will need big snap ring pliers for removing the bearings in the brake case. When putting back together be ceartain to torque properly and that the brake cams, balls and discs are in properly. Axle case is heavy also and if you have help it makes it go faster in putting things together. Any other questions jusk ask.

David Kb7uns