Kubota BX232 - Major leak after adding a gallon of hydraulic fluid

[KWentling]

That axle seal is pushed out, something caused it, need to figure that out first. If it was pushed out from excessive pressure you might be able to just drive it back in without replacing the seal.

I agree with the seal being pushed out. I asked earlier if the rod was extended on the cylinder you had repaired when you put it back on. If it was, there was air trapped in the base of the cylinder. Air is compressible. If that air made it back to the transmission case and rapidly expanded, that could have blown the seal out.

 

[Tractor_Jim_CT]

I am of the mindset that since this seal pushed out that it is not as strong and maybe better to replace it. My logic is if I add new fluid and this doesn't hold, then I am back to square one. My dealer will charge me $110 to pickup and return then the money to change the seal. I searched and did not find any videos or pictures of the steps to visually see the process of changing the seal. Besides pushing it back in, has anyone actually changed the axle seal and how difficult was it?
I hate to bring it to a dealer and all they do is push it back in and charge me $300-$400.

 

[TMGT]

You could try knocking it back in and seeing if it holds, it's a metal housing that pushed out not the rubber portion. Having the fluid overfilled can cause a pressure spike as the vent is designed for air not fluid and can build up too much pressure.
If it was mine I would look at the seal and if no noticeable damage i would knock it back in, make sure the vent wad clear and fluid level was correct and see how it does. If it doesn't work then it won't cost you anything.

 

[sixdogs]

That axle seal is pushed out, something caused it, need to figure that out first. If it was pushed out from excessive pressure you might be able to just drive it back in without replacing the seal.

That makes sense. Maybe way too much oil created pressure that couldn't get out fast enough and it pushed out the seal. I have seen similar. If an extra gallon of trans oil was added, that could do it. Should be easy to spot for an experienced eye or we could do it here with photos.

An internet search of the too much oil scenario might offer some results.

 

[bdhsfz6]

You could try knocking it back in and seeing if it holds, it's a metal housing that pushed out not the rubber portion. Having the fluid overfilled can cause a pressure spike as the vent is designed for air not fluid and can build up too much pressure.
If it was mine I would look at the seal and if no noticeable damage i would knock it back in, make sure the vent wad clear and fluid level was correct and see how it does. If it doesn't work then it won't cost you anything.

^
+1

I'd also check the seal on the other side. It might be partially pushed out but not leaking.

 

[anthonyv]

I had both of my axle seals pop out during a run in the brush when some vines tangled around the axle. Tapped them back into place & put a dab of E600 adhesive sealer from housing to edge of seal to hold in place. Been fine for months now. To replace that seal the whole axle needs to be removed, not for the faint of heart. This seal design seems to be another short sighted & have been many posts about them.

 

[Tractor_Jim_CT]

I feel good the pictures and posters experience and knowledge is narrowing this down to the axle. Can I ask what is "vent wad clear" The vent has been mentioned often and was wondering if anyone has a picture of this? Is this vent easy to see is best to have tire off for this as well?

I read that changing the seal is more complicated on the left side that the right side. Some say it's a major undertaking which others say need C clip pliars and not bad.

 

[Tractor_Jim_CT]

This is post I found explaining what to do - Sounds like an hour or two worth of work at the dealer. I hear one guy was charged $550

Anyways here is the post of directions.

I have a bx23 know what you are talking about....let me get my repair manual out and look.....these manuals are not always right......here goes......real axle on bx 23 says......remove the oil seal with a screw driver.....then remove the internal snap ring.....tap out the rear axle from the transmission case or rear axle cover....on my bx 2350 which uses a different trans....almost looks alike....on the right side of the bx 2350 you have to split the trans.......so i think you luck out.....order of parts are 1.....rear axle.....2oil seal.......4 internal snap ring....then just pull out axle and replace the parts......deeper inside is a bearing and external snap ring.....but once you get the axle out run you finger around the bearing and if its ok....just replace the seal......looks like you need a 90 degree snap ring tool to get snap ring off or at least a 45 degree one.
Good Luck....why I always buy a repair manual cheap for use diy.

 

[dodge man]

What bothers me in the pic is what is above the axle. I'm not trying to cause a panic but it almost looks like a broken part. Maybe I'm just looking at the pic wrong??

 

[Fallon]

Can I ask what is "vent wad clear" The vent has been mentioned often and was wondering if anyone has a picture of this? Is this vent easy to see is best to have tire off for this as well?

I'll bet that's tiny keyboard for "vent was clear". Vents are usually rubber hose that looks like a question mark. They hide on top of the transmission somewhere, often under the seat. On my L4060 it's at the back above the 3 point & if memory serves part of my filler cap. It was seperate from the cap on my L3200, I vaguely remember it being under the seat there.