L3300 front axle leak

[moday]

Plan to try and repair the L3300 front axle leak on my 4x4 model tractor. Looks like lots of stuff on the web about this repair and seems like step 1 is to decide which of the 4 leak paths are the issue. I may lean to replacing everything, 2 lip seal and 2 static seals. My question is if the bottom cap is also the static seal in the diagrams? I don't think it's just a dust cap but they talk about prying out the plastic cap....

Also, what exactly is needed for snap ring pliers? Web keeps referencing "good pair of snap ring pliers" Does that mean long, narrow, strong, inner/outer snap ring style....?

thanks, Moday

 

[bspeedy]

Replace all the seals and o-rings. Around 300 bucks in parts. Bottom cap is metal and does seal. You will need to replace it as it will be destroyed during removal.

I used a set of channel lock brand inner / outer style snap ring pliers that can be adjusted for inner and outer. Longer is better. Stronger is better. I've seen the same writeup and the guy must have used a junky set. Not like you need some 100 dollar pair of snap ring pliers or something.

I've done the job on two different machines. Not my favorite project. If you don't have a shop press you will have trouble. Plan on 3-4 hours for the first side and 1.5-2 hours for the second (after you figure it out).

Good luck.