Sudden massive leak in JD4100 front wheel steering seal

[keeney]

I went to use my JD4100 MFWD the other day and noticed a puddle of gear oil under one of the front wheels. Pretty obviously the seal at the lower steering joint had let loose and drained the oil from the front axle tube and differential. I had not noticed any previous slow leaking the last time I used the machine, now it seems to be leaking like a sieve.

I have previously replaced the wheel spindle seal on that same machine a few years ago, so I am familiar with what it will take to replace that seal, but I am worried I might be looking at some other failures once I get it apart. Any body else have experience with such a sudden seal failure and any advice for what else I should be looking for?

 

[davesl708]

give it a good inspection while you have it apart. Hopefully an isolated incident. Are the seals vulnerable to debris damage?

 

[keeney]

There is quite a bit of muddy dirt on top of the wheel gear case around where the seal is. Left over from a mucky project from last fall. Some of it perhaps could have worked its way in there. I suppose I should have cleaned her up better.

 

[keeney]

Replaced the seal. Old one was somewhat worn and had some dirt in it, but no cracks or tears or anything that seemed like it would cause such a leak. Perhaps there were some larger sand grains wedged in there. Holding oil fine now.