S373D 4x4-front axle seals

[duwem]

Anyone ever gone through and replaced them? When I got the tractor the front spindle/hub areas were all greasy, and the level in the front axle is way down. Want to get some fluid in there but not if its all going to leak out again.

Its more of a step down design then some of the other tractors with the big ball shaped pivots like on the S370 I believe.

Not mine, but an example attached.

 

[oliver28472]

I've done it on both of mine, should be exactly like yours. It's not that bad. I remember doing the Buck first and think there is a bushing that had to be pressed in. Will try to remember to look at my books when I get home. Just don't leave a socket in there like I did. Luckily nothing broke, just made the right front wheel slide now and then.

 

[Ilikeurtractor]

Its more of a step down design then some of the other tractors with the big ball shaped pivots like on the S370 I believe.

I consider this design superior to the universal joint design (ball style). This design allows a tighter turn radius and also better ground clearance (comparing the same tractors and their respective designs). The seals are relatively expensive and not that easy to come by and are a specialty seal for the S373D front axle. I believe "small import tractor supply" is where I bought them from (need to verify the name) out of Oregon.

 

[duwem]

Sounds good, I found a service manual showing the breakdown.

Anxious to know about the seal avaliability/cost.

Thanks.

 

[Ilikeurtractor]

Expect about $20-25/ea for the final drive housing seal and to have it ship from Japan. This seal is noticeably thin and will require some machining to be done on the drive housing components to "retrofit" a standard seal once they are no longer available - if it's even possible. Originally the seal was composed of two separate thin lip-seals but have later been replaced with a single but double-lipped, thicker seal (still fairly thin though) w P/N 10070641001. I've heard there are some businesses that can custom make seals like this but I'd expect the price to triple or quadruple for 1 and 2 quantities. The other seal is standard metric you can get cheaply off ebay. It might not have the metal face but will still work.

 

[duwem]

Yeks, anyone ever tried Valley Power or others for the seals?

How many are there per side one would want to replace?

Here is the diagram from the shop manual.

 

[Ilikeurtractor]

There are only two seals (if you count the P/N from my last post as one) and one O-ring per side that goes from the final drive to the axle housing. See attached....

 

[oliver28472]

I replaced 2 number 27's on each side. That was where it was leaking. Also replaced the bushings, #26. I got the parts from Valley Power and don't think the seals were all that bad but it was a long time ago.

 

[duwem]

What seals the cases together like 7 to 15, 38 to 15, 28 to 20? Just RTV or is there gaskets there, dont see gaskets on the breakdown.

I suppose it wouldnt be a bad idea to replace seal 34 as well.

 

[Ilikeurtractor]

The case covers that don't have a shaft going through them just use a sealant compound - silicone works fine.