Front knuckle removal tips

[Bluest]

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]

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]

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]

Should come out.

 

[Tiptoo]

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]

Should come out.

Needs more persuasion then :smiley_aafz:

 

[HoyeTractor]

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]

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]

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

 

[winston1]

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.

 

[Tiptoo]

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.

I was kinda thinking the same thing.

 

[Bluest]

I could do that, it’s only four bolts I think. I won’t be able to spend any more time on it until the weekend. Will update on progress with some pictures.

 

[Bluest]

Managed to steel a bit of time after work to take another look. I took the whole end of the axle off, as suggested, so I could work on it at the bench. It still wouldn’t separate, so I removed the big hub gear and vertical shaft with the two bevel gears and big bearings. Still wouldn’t separate, so I had to improvise a with a bit of bar and some bolts to wind the two sections apart.

The reason it resisted in that there is a needle roller bearing fitted to enable the knuckle to turn, I was expecting a bronze sleeve, based on some YouTube videos. The races for the bearing are pressed in fairly tight and it was that causing the resistance. Anyway, it is all apart now.

Aaron - expect an order for some seals for the U.K. very soon!

I should have taken more pics, but you should get the idea...

 

[winston1]

Thanks for the update and pictures. :thumbsup: