Wheel Bearing Failure

[Underdog57]

I have a 2013 LS R4041H that has been trouble free and I am very satisfied with it's performance so far. I have worked it pretty hard digging stumps, breaking concrete, hauling logs, etc.

On April 16 with 602 hours on the tractor, the left front wheel bearing disintegrated and damaged several parts in the final drive assembly. I unbolted the whole final drive assembly and took it to my dealer the next day (Saturday). My dealer tore it apart on Monday (April 19) and ordered parts.
The parts finally came in yesterday (June 15) and my dealer promptly put it together and told me I could come and get it. Put it together today and everything is good so far. The parts and labor came to a little over $500. which I was okay with, but the almost 2 month wait for the parts was really painful because almost every chore on my property requires the tractor, ( I only have 1).
Sorry I didn't take many pics, things were very hectic when it happened and I was in a rush to get it put together today. I did take a couple of the axle though.

 

[Diggin It]

If you haven't already, I'd be doing the right front lickety split.

Since it was out of warranty anyways, did you try to look for compatible parts ... New Holland maybe?

 

[Thomas]

If your using corner of your buck digging stumps etc. out and rear tire almost off the ground that's lot of stress on the bearing.

 

[Underdog57]

If you haven't already, I'd be doing the right front lickety split.

Since it was out of warranty anyways, did you try to look for compatible parts ... New Holland maybe?

I didn't check anywhere else for parts because I took the whole assembly to my dealer for them to repair.
I will be keeping a close eye on the other side for sure!

 

[Underdog57]

If your using corner of your buck digging stumps etc. out and rear tire almost off the ground that's lot of stress on the bearing.

I don't do that!

 

[spruce Deere]

Parts and labor just over 500 bucks, that's real good

Just did the bevel and drive gear on my jd 790 front axle both sides. just those four gears and two gaskets was close to 900 bucks.... No labor, I did all the work.

$396 some change per side, Deere holding up there reputation.....

 

[CalG]

I'm in the process of a front axle repair. The total parts is pushing $2k.

Heck! A replacement tie rod end cost $400. You did good to get a corner fixed for $500. ;-)

 

[Rebeldad1]

maybe start looking for a tractor with a heavier duty front axle?

 

[5030]

maybe start looking for a tractor with a heavier duty front axle?

The issue is, most all of the smaller units use caged ball bearings in the outboards instead of roller bearings. Rollers distribute the loads much better than ball bearings.

 

[Williy]

you can change the ball bearings vender just do
some research. I would op for timken bearings

http://www.collectivebearings.com/pdf/timken-bearing-cross-reference-guide.pdf

All Products

Check it out the all products that NKE Bearings provides to you.

www.fersa.com

https://www.nodeshk.com/timken/art/timken-bearing-cross-reference.html

On a dodge pickup the front wheel bearings are
over $125 each and you just need to pull the
bearing out and replace it and reinstall

willy

 

[CalG]

maybe start looking for a tractor with a heavier duty front axle?

I've got pleanty of stones and stumps large than that one!

 

[5030]

you can change the ball bearings to roller just do
some research. I would op for timken bearings

http://www.collectivebearings.com/pdf/timken-bearing-cross-reference-guide.pdf

All Products

Check it out the all products that NKE Bearings provides to you.

www.fersa.com

https://www.nodeshk.com/timken/art/timken-bearing-cross-reference.html

On a dodge pickup the front wheel bearings are
over $125 each and you just need to pull the
bearing out and replace it and reinstall

willy

You sure? Roller bearings are usually wider then ball bearings dimension wise. I know you cannot on the Kubota's I own, asked the dealer about just that. Won't fit width wise.

 

[Williy]

I should have said to cross the name brand numbers
to a different company. Older model cars/trucks and
tractors need the ball bearings not roller.

willy

 

[Texasmark]

The issue is, most all of the smaller units use caged ball bearings in the outboards instead of roller bearings. Rollers distribute the loads much better than ball bearings.

On rollers better than balls. Back in the late 50's my daddy had a '56 chevy with balls and my mother a '51 Ford with rollers. The chevy was always having front bearing problems and the Ford never did. Same reason.....same guy maintaining and servicing them....me.

 

[Williy]

I changed it to read to what I should have
said. You can cross reference the numbers
from one company to another to get the same
size etc

willy

 

[Texasmark]

Something else you might do is get rid of the THD fluid in the front axle and install gear oil. There is some history behind what I say.

 

[Bocephous]

Just got my R4047 back from the dealer. Seems like the front wheel bearing or housing may be a weak link on these tractors. His notes on the repair bill:

"Oil leaking near right front wheel. Remove wheel, oil leaky at axle, play in axle bearings, check left side, seems tight. Remove outboard planetary hub. Disassemble hub/axle. Outer bearing broken and collapsed, seal damage. Damage on hub and axle at outer casting rib. Clear up damage (burrs), clean all parts, assemble hub with new bearings and seal. Clean metal from center axle right end. Install hub and wheel. Fill with oil. Run and check."