L2042DT rear hub leak - L series weak spot?

[Mich75]

Had this problem for a while, but it seems to be getting worse:


Oil appears to be leaking out from behind the gusset/re-enforcement:


I figured I probably had a hairline crack in a weld, as seen here
so proceeded to dissassembly:

Transmission drained, gear housing opened up:


Mmmm gears :licking:


Uh oh


Not good
Yep, that's 3/16" steel rusted through from the outside in


Decided to bite the bullet, figure I need to get to the root of the problem somehow:


One huge build up of mud & rust in there, obviously a huge moisture trap. Not entirely sure how I'm going to fix this...

 

[varmint]

I think I would send it to Paul Short or Keith Fenner. Both guys seem good at fixing nasty stuff like that (based on viewing many You Tube project videos), not that almost any skilled welder couldn't seal that up for you. Possible heat distortion could become a problem, so someone who knows what they're doing would be good! Be sure to follow up post on this mis-adventure as it plays out!

 

[k0ua]

That seems like a really poor design to me. Even I could TIG up the rusted hole, but the design of trapping dirt in there is problem

 

[Mich75]

Not sure if the gusset thing is factory or not but yes there is a design issue as it only has tiny gaps for dirt to escape from once it's in there (and it will get in there) - definitely something to watch out for on these older L series.

Sadly no Keith Fenner around here (wrong side of the water) but I do intend to "Getter done" one way or the other

What was 3/16"+ of steel has become paper thick:



Repair thread here, suggestions welcome!!

 

[rbargeron]

Best fix is to weld it up. Made some suggestions in the repair thread. Several early L series have these welded drive housings including the L2402 as well as L305, L345, L355 etc.