MT372 front axle oil seal replacement question

[Sfath]

Hi All,

I need to replace both sides of front axle oil seals (between gear case and final case - leaks) but I am not sure if I have to take off the whole gear case (as described in manual) to do it. I would rather not have to do that in case I mess something up. I've attached photos of manual as well as my tractor axle. Manual doesn't show how to just change oil seals but only how to remove front axles gear and final case. I am hoping someone here has done this job and can advise me on the easiest way to do this. Thanks!

Sfath

 

[Harry in Ky]

I (like many others I'm guessing) have been through a number of that style gear cases on many tractor brands and models. They are pretty much all the same yet they're all slightly different. A quick read through on the info posted leaves me lost. I would not remove the entire case assembly, but it's your tractor, your project, your choice. I prefer to do it piecemeal. Remove the tire first. Drain the case. Remove the axle flange and bevel gear cover and set that aside. If it's not leaking, don't fool with it. Remove the tie rods/ball joints if you choose, or maybe just the entire top arm assembly joints and all and push that aside if possible. Now the four bolts holding the gearcase to the center housing. Deal with that as the instructions dictate. Put it back together in reverse order. That makes the individual sections you need to manhandle as light and manageable as possible.

Just an aside, the second one will only take half as long as the first one.