Front knuckle removal tips

Bluest · Oct 23, 2018

I am trying to separate the front knuckle from the axle on my F14D as it is leaking oil. I have unbolted it from the steering arm/crank thing on top and they have separated. As I understand it, the knuckle should just drop down now but it doesn’t. I have wiggled and pulled and used a bit of persuasion with a soft faced hammer, but no joy. Does anyone have any tips, or have I forgotten to to undo something?

winston1 · Oct 23, 2018

Sounds to me like you are going in the right direction. If it gets the least cocked it might lock up, probably already have, but might try wiggling back and forth hoping to free it. Picture possible, I am not for sure what your F14D axle looks like.

Bluest · Oct 23, 2018

I don't seem to be able to upload a picture, but my axle is practically identical to this exploded view from Hoye's website.

https://www.hoyetractor.com/indeximages/PARTSMANUAL1.jpg

winston1 · Oct 23, 2018

Should come out.

Tiptoo · Oct 23, 2018

Just found a leak on my front left knuckle seal a few minutes ago. ...but my tractor is still under warranty....I just hope they wont have it for too long.

Bluest · Oct 23, 2018

winston1 said:
Should come out.

Needs more persuasion then :smiley_aafz:

HoyeTractor · Oct 23, 2018

It looks like you are just feeling the resistance of pulling a shaft out of a bearing. It might be pretty tight. If there was rust in there it will be worse. There are some snap rings in there but I dont think they are holding the housings together but I dont think I have ever taken that exact model apart so I cant be sure.

Bluest · Oct 23, 2018

Thanks Aaron. Interesting you mention rust. When I got the tractor a few years ago the first thing I did was change all the fluids. When I drained the front axle the first thing to come out of the knuckle drain plugs was some water before the oil started to flow. That bearing, number 26, could be rusted into the housing and onto the shaft...

gimmodog · Oct 23, 2018

could also be some sealant where metal meets metal on the housing stopping them from disengaging

winston1 · Oct 24, 2018

I might consider removing the stub axle assembly before getting excessively rough. This is after seeing Aaron's attached drawing. Not saying it has to be done but would sure give more observation and likely needs cleaned up anyway.