I started this thread, seep due to a failed bearing, play noticeable when I raised the front end with the loader and wiggled the wheel in every direction. Cost was $90 for 2 bearings, seal, and large o-ring sealing the case halls. Standard sockets, couple small pry bars to pull the inside bearing off. One of the simplest jobs a person can do. I wouldn't have needed the inner bearing but safety first as it was running misaligned when the outer bearing failed.
I haven't noticed any wheel bearing play yet, my oil looks like it's seeping from top of (bevel gear case) where it connects to the (front gear case)
Your $90.00 Kubota replacement parts price seams on the low side I thought, then you add in the new oil, you must of save yourself $800.00+ dollars by not going to the Kubota dealership, that's awesome possum. How'd you separate the steering (tie rods) from the front end? I tried a gear puller once and they wouldn't budge.