John Deere 4400 driveshaft seal leaking. need advice

sisupower · Oct 29, 2017

Ok bud I’ll get some info sent your way Monday!!

Ewasson · Nov 1, 2017

any other info? its leaking pretty bad, but I found if I keep it in 2wd it leaks less.

stingray1 · Nov 3, 2017

Good luck with your repair.

texasranger556 · Nov 9, 2017

Ewasson said:
any other info? its leaking pretty bad, but I found if I keep it in 2wd it leaks less.

What else do you need? I bought the service manual for my 4400. Is there any play in the shaft? Might want to replace the bearing while you're in there.

Ewasson · Nov 10, 2017

I don't feel any play in the shaft(side to side) it just goes in and out during engagement and disengagement of the MFWD. I haven't gotten the manual yet but I should. you make a good point I was actually was just thinking about that. sisu was gonna run me through how to disassembly, cause it looks like a pretty big deal to get in there. it sure is leaking and the work goes on so I'm just topping it off as I go...... how good is the manual? does it walk you through procedures like this one?

Ewasson · Nov 22, 2017

I also got the manual, and it looks like I will need to split tractor(front) and remove hydro-static transmission to get to seal. It doesn't look to hard but I wonder about splitting, do I need the JD wheel stands or could I use my jack stands and hydraulic jack? I also have mini excavator that could help to support one halve if needed.

texasranger556 · Nov 22, 2017

I've split several tractors between 15-50 hp, with a combination of blocks of wood, jack stands, floor jack, bottle jack, and/or engine hoist you can always find a way.

Ewasson · Dec 12, 2017

Ok so I got the manual, but to be honest kinda not been motivated to get into this tractor split just yet. anyone have pictures or videos of splitting one just to get me over the scaredy cat hump.

beenthere · Dec 12, 2017

Ewasson
Can't blame you for being a bit apprehensive about the task.
Can you describe or post pics of where you will be working on the 4400? May help to give suggestions on how to proceed.

Doing some rigging with stands that can roll and at the same time maintain balance and control of the front and rear parts is basic to the splitting. The front part will tilt about the front axle so control of that tilt is important. Some may be done with simple wedges on both sides of the axle housing and some times the stand can have built-in support to prevent tilting.

But pics as you go will bring good advice from TBN members, on both how to proceed as well as warnings of any potential problems.

Will look for some videos.
How To Split A John Deere Tractor (443 Part 1) - YouTube

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-ag-tractors/201150-splitting-2355-a.html

And my tech manual has sections on splitting the 4400 front and the rear... hopefully yours has that as well.

dfkrug · Dec 12, 2017

Ewasson said:
Ok so I got the manual, but to be honest kinda not been motivated to get into this
tractor split just yet. anyone have pictures or videos of splitting one just to get me over the scaredy cat hump.

It is great that you have the mini-X. I always use a working tractor to help me split one, then an overhead
hoist to help me put them back together. If it is still running, take the FEL off under power, or it is a PITA
otherwise.

Note that support for the split halves do not have to be very stout, but having wheels on the stands
are important. Just a furniture dolly and a jackstand is enough. Hydraulic jacks leak down, so beware
of that.

My 4300 project, more than 8y ago:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...re-4300-complete-rebuild.html?highlight=deere