JD 4600 4WD Leaking Front Axle

[beenthere]

Dan

The 4600 is still called a "Compact" tractor and has a Yanmar engine, so I'm betting that the rest of the core machine is also Yanmar.

Think you lose that bet. 4600 made in Augusta, GA plant

TractorData.com John Deere 46 tractor information

 

[LouNY]

A question for you in the picture on post #21 it looks like a shim.
But in the parts breakdown posted in post # 5 it looks to be part of the seal #5.
I would not expect that seal to be visible the way that the picture shows it.
I would say that the #5 seal has been destroyed.

 

[DanMc77]

Quick update on my axle leak. The 4600 has sat in the garage for a month now with the yellow axle cap loose, after I topped off the fluid. Not a single drip of lube on the floor.

 

[DanMc77]

Well I stand corrected. Now that it has warmed up, I see that I’m losing about 1/4 cup of lube every two weeks. There’s another thread here on TBN for a 4720. Probably a very similar design. Doesn’t sound like a super difficult job as long as the lower wheel axle doesn’t need a seal change. That requires a press for bearing preload and torquing the axle nut. Time to pick up some seals. I’ll take a bunch of pics and post them when I kick myself in the butt and go do it.
Here's a link to the 4720 thread: 4720 front knuckle seal procedure?