Front Axle Pumpkin Vent

[arrabil]

For those that haven't been following along.... There seems to be a rash of axle seal leaks on the 42/43/4400 series of tractors. I'm guessing its because the axle isn't vented and the pressure buildup on older/weaker seals is too much for them. I wanted to vent my axle which is the "normal" way of doing things in the automotive world (and even the rear of the tractor is vented). I made a fill plug vent that I really liked (pics attached). But during hot weather when parked on an incline, the air and oil expanded right out of three feet of vent tube. Dfkrug and I decided that the right answer was either to vent both sides of the axle or the very top of it. I chose the very top of the pumpkin even though its more work.

 

[arrabil]

First step of disassembly is the driveshaft. Two collars which are held on by roll pins need to be slid down the shaft. Amazingly, there is no way to remove the the front roll pin while the engine and/or axle are installed on the tractor. So out comes the rear roll pin and the front will have to wait.

 

[arrabil]

Next is the power steering hoses and getting the front of the tractor off the ground. The power steering hoses were hardly attached. I don't know what the torque spec is supposed to be but they were hand-tightened or less. No leaks though. I'm gonna either tighten them more on reassembly (whatever spec is) or use some blue Loc-tite.

 

[arrabil]

The axle is held on with eight bolts. The eight bolts hold the axle pivots. Interesting design. The axle falls right down when the last bolt is removed. Thats why I left the wheels on.

 

[arrabil]

First lesson learned: no way is the power steering cylinder not going to move while removing the axle with the wheels still on. I'm thinking there is no way not to move it no matter how you get the ends off. The fluid shot out like out of a cannon. Its wasn't under much pressure but it did a good job drenching most of the underside of the tractor. Sigh. Good thing I have plenty of kitty litter. Next time... drain the steering cylinder before removing the axle.

Also some pictures of the wife holding the removed axle and the tractor ready for narrow row crop duty.

 

[arrabil]

Next the steering is removed. I didn't want to have to realign it after assembly so I'm removing one tie rod and then the whole steering assembly is going to stay attached to one portal end.

Lesson learned two: the power steering bracket bolts go right through the axle housing. There wasn't anything to catch the fluid until it was already partially spilled. Sigh. That pile of kitty litter keeps getting smaller. Next time... drain the axle before removing it.

Looks like someone (possibly me) nailed a rock pretty good on the one side. The allen head opening was bent in. I had to cut out the bent part to get the wrench in. Looks like I'll be replacing these.

Dfkrug, what do you think? A square end that takes a wrench instead of a hex head that takes an allen key? Seems like it would be less likely to get hose-monkeyed to the point of making it impossible to remove.

 

[arrabil]

Just some pics of the axle coming apart. Had to take the wheels off at this point. This thing is HEAVY. 300#+ heavy. Without the steering attached, the wheels were just caving in on themselves. That wasn't helping to position the axle anymore. Its still heavy even after the wheels are gone. It took everything I had to get it on the jack stands. Wifey decided she had better things to do about ten minutes before hand too.

And another picture of the old girl ready for narrow row crop duty. I can't get over how silly she looks.

 

[arrabil]

Now we're getting somewhere. The portal ends come off next. I kept the axle shaft with its respective portal just in case they aren't the same length. Didn't think of checking that at the time. Removing the portal ends is tough. The one came off by pulling and twisting. The other end I screwed the bolts back in part way and gently hammered with a sledge to get it apart from the axle housing.

 

[arrabil]

And finally the axle is down to it's components. Glad to see the gears have worn a good pattern. Bearings feel to be in good shape and so does the pinion seal. Glad I don't have to repair any of that today.

 

[arrabil]

Some pictures of the axle pivots on the axle. They're hardened sleeves. They don't look good in my opinion. I think something needs to be done here. At the very least a good greasing.