L-2850 Front axle seals

[shinnlinger]

HI,

Out at the barn this weekend and noticed a fair bit of fluid draining from the bottom of one of my front axle portals. A quick inspection confirmed the bottom cap had popped off much like a freeze plug and that the other side was popped as well, but no fluid telling me I missed that one and have probably run the tractor for a period of time (3hrs maybe over 3 months) with no fluid in that side of the axle.

There has been weeping from the top pivot seals for some time but it didn't seem that severe and I tried to keep an eye on the fluid but again, must have missed the first pop. My suspicion was that over time enough water got in the axle thru the leaky top seal and condensation that it froze and popped the cap off.

Having seen similar axle seal replacements on this site they don't seem that difficult, and I asked my father to stop by the dealer and get a parts schematic, since he was going by. He went one further and talked to a tech who in addition to confirming the ease of replacing the bottom caps, also said it happened all the time, but instead of freezing water, thought it was due to the changes in temperature as the castings expand and contract and recommended just replacing the bottom caps and to top up with 80 wght gear oil, not the hydro fluid Kubota recomends

I'm pretty sure the ball bearings are probably fine despite the lack of lubricant, should I follow the tech's advice and just press on new caps and refill. My gut tells me this really will be fine but before the techs report, I had intended to disassemble the portals's and replace the upper seals as well and inspect the bearings.

Would you use silicone on the bottom cap seals? Would you use 80 wgt vs hytran?

Thanks.

Dave

 

[rbargeron]

Don't dive deep if it isn't necessary. The bottom caps are plastic and deform over time. New ones will fit better and will likely seal without extra sealant - just clean any rust off the iron. The front axle is just bearings and gears so 80/90w oil will work fine.

 

[shinnlinger]

Thanks, yeah, I tend to agree, if you don't go looking for trouble, you might not find it. My replacement caps are metal and I'm pretty sure the original ones are also, but my rig is mid '80s.

Dave

 

[chandler54]

Are you talking about the fill cap for the front axle? Did you fine the size and thread. Mine is missing as well?

 

[ishiboo]

Are you talking about the fill cap for the front axle? Did you fine the size and thread. Mine is missing as well?

The thread is from 2011. He was referring to the plastic plugs on the very bottom-most part of the axle.

I guess the newer tractors have plugs in the side of the axle to tell when they're full, no longer a dip-stick correct? You can use a thread gauge to find a replacement. Or measure the hole and go buy a bolt from the hardware store to test. It's of course metric.

 

[chandler54]

Yes this is the thread on left side the top of axle, and did have a dipstick on it at one time, Thanks for your help!

 

[ishiboo]

Yes this is the thread on left side the top of axle, and did have a dipstick on it at one time, Thanks for your help!

No problem.

If it had a dip stick you will want the exact replacement for it. Call your local dealer or Messicks (a TBN sponsor) and order the correct part

 

[chandler54]

Yes, my problem has been the front seals, slow leak so I just keep adding oil, I have replaced one myself for second time and they work fine, and last time had one done and still leaked. They seem to be the weak design in this model. I wonder if there is a better replacement. The slow oil leak is annoying but not fatal.

If it had a dip stick you will want the exact replacement for it. Call your local dealer or Messicks (a TBN sponsor) and order the correct part [/QUOTE]